RRAEH'S

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Red River Animal Emergency Hospital provides 24/7 expert emergency care using advanced diagnostics and treatments to handle urgent pet health crises with compassion and skill.

ABOUT OUR FACILITY

What is classified as an emergency

Upon arrival to our facility, all patients are triaged by our medical team. Triage allows us to assess each patient’s condition and prioritize care based on medical urgency. Patients with life-threatening or critical conditions are seen first, while those with stable conditions may experience a longer wait time.

Throughout your pet’s visit, our team continuously monitors their status and reassesses any changes in condition to ensure timely and appropriate care.

Please note: Pets requiring humane euthanasia will always be seen

Non-Urgent

  • Itching/Scratching
  • Red eyes
  • Red skin/ears
  • Chronic illnesses/diseases with no recent changes in conditions
  • Hair loss
  • Chronic weight loss

Semi-Urgent

  • A single seizure with a full recovery
  • Vomiting (2 or fewer episodes)
  • Straining to defecate
  • Blood in urine/straining to urinate in a FEMALE cat or dog
  • Acute diarrhea without vomiting
  • Non-productive cough (breathing is fine otherwise)
  • Squinting/eye discharge/swollen eye
  • Limping
  • Mild trauma/single injury
  • Severe allergies/ear infection
  • Broken nails

Urgent

  • Persistent/severe vomiting
  • Appetite loss for more than 24 hours
  • Foreign body ingestion causing illness
  • Aggressive coughing (without distress)
  • Diarrhea paired with vomiting or loss of appetite
  • Allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives)
  • Small wounds or lacerations
  • Proptosed eye
  • Multiple seizures within 24 hours, but not actively seizing

True Emergency

  • Respiratory distress
  • Collapse
  • Inability to get up or walk
  • Straining to urinate in a MALE cat or dog
  • Active seizures/cluster seizure/status epilepticus
  • Severe trauma (hit by a car, animal attack, severe or multiple injuries)
  • Toxin ingestion (chocolate, grapes/raisins, medications, rat poison, antifreeze)
  • Profuse bleeding from any wound
  • Persistent non-productive retching
  • Trouble during active labor
  • Distended abdomen
  • Heat Stroke
  • Euthanasia

OVERVIEW FOR Our

Emergency Vet Hospital in Fargo, ND

If your pet is in distress, Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center provides 24/7 emergency and critical care for dogs and cats, with immediate triage, advanced diagnostics, and ICU-level support to give your pet the fastest path to care. As the region’s trusted emergency vet hospital, our critical care specialists lead a skilled team focused on rapid assessment, stabilization, and clear communication, and we coordinate closely with your family veterinarian for seamless follow-up.

Symptoms that may indicate an emergency:
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Bloated or Painful Abdomen
  • Pain or Limping
  • Inability to Urinate or Defecate
  • Active Bleeding
  • Seizures, Staggering, or Stumbling
  • Lacerations or Wounds
  • Collapse or Weakness
  • Bloody Vomiting/Diarrhea or Prolonged GI Symptoms

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS

That Your Pet Needs to see a Vet Immediately?

  • Trouble breathing, blue or pale gums, or choking
  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood
  • Straining to urinate or not passing urine
  • Severe pain, vocalizing, or inability to stand
  • Collapse, seizures, or sudden weakness
  • Trauma, car accident, fall, or animal bite
  • Bloated or tight abdomen with restlessness or unproductive retching
  • Eye injury, sudden vision changes, or swollen eyes
  • Known or suspected toxin ingestion

Call 701-478-9299. Open 24/7. If it is safe to travel, head directly to 4491 23rd Ave S, Fargo. Bring current medications and any recent records if available.

What Is Emergency
Veterinary Care,

And Why Is It Important?

Emergency veterinary care is immediate medical attention for life-threatening or rapidly worsening conditions. At Red River, care starts with triage, so the most critical pets are seen first. Our ICU provides continuous monitoring, oxygen therapy, pain management, and advanced support to stabilize patients. Time matters. Quick assessment reduces complications and can improve outcomes. We also work with your family veterinarian to maintain continuity of care once your pet is ready to go home or transition back to their clinic.

WHAT ARE COMMON VETERINARY EMERGENCIES?

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bloated or painful abdomen
  • Inability to urinate or defecate
  • Seizures or collapse
  • Active bleeding and major wounds
  • Foreign body ingestion and toxin exposures
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood
  • Limping with severe pain, eye injuries, heatstroke signs, and labor not progressing

THE LEADING PET EMERGENCY CENTER IN

NORTH DAKOTA AND WESTERN MINNESOTA

What Emergency Vet Services are Available

at Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center?

  • Emergency and Critical Care: ICU care, ventilator therapy, oxygen support, blood and plasma transfusions, and advanced monitoring are available on site to stabilize critical patients.
  • Emergency Surgery: Common procedures include treatment for GDV, emergency C-section, foreign body removal, splenectomy, diaphragmatic hernia repair, and wound care for lacerations or burns.
  • Specialized Diagnostics and Imaging: Multi-slice CT, ultrasound, digital X-rays, GI endoscopy, and rhinoscopy are available in-hospital. Rapid reads by boarded radiologists are arranged when needed.
  • In-house Laboratory: Comprehensive testing includes CBC, chemistry, blood gases, coagulation, parvo, FeLV/FIV, pancreatitis, tick disease screening, and ethylene glycol testing for antifreeze exposure.
  • Specialized Therapies and Advanced Monitoring: Therapies include shock treatment, transfusions, blood pressure monitoring, capnography, ECG, oxygen cages, urinary catheter placement, feeding tubes, chest and abdominal drains, and anesthesia for high-risk patients.
  • Hemodialysis and Blood Bank: We provide hemodialysis for select toxicities and acute kidney injury. Our canine and feline Blood Bank helps ensure timely transfusions for local patients.

What Should I Do If My Pet

Experiences An Emergency?

Step-by-step plan

  1. Call ahead if possible so we can prepare the right room and equipment.
  2. Transport safely using a carrier or secure restraint. Keep pets warm and quiet.
  3. On arrival, our team will triage immediately. You will receive an upfront estimate before diagnostics and treatment.
  4. During care, we provide updates and coordinate records back to your primary veterinarian for follow-up.

What to bring

  • A list of medications and allergies
  • Recent test results if available
  • Identification and a safe leash or carrier

How Much Does Emergency Veterinary Care Cost?

You will receive an upfront estimate before diagnostics and treatment. Costs vary by condition, imaging or lab needs, surgery, hospitalization length, and medications. Pricing is consistent regardless of time of day. We accept multiple payment options, and qualified cases may receive assistance through our Pawsitive Care Fund. If you have questions, call us before you travel so we can guide you.

How To Prevent Pet

Emergencies At Home?

Prevention reduces risk and protects your pet’s health. These practical steps help avoid urgent situations.

  • Secure toxins. Lock away medications, cleaning supplies, antifreeze, rodenticides, and human foods like grapes, onions, xylitol, and chocolate.
  • Pet-proof living spaces. Secure trash, cover electrical cords, store sewing supplies and strings, and keep small swallowable items off the floor.
  • Supervise outdoor time. Use a leash or a fenced yard. Avoid heat in summer and extreme cold. Check paws for ice melt or thorns.
  • Use parasite prevention year-round. Ask your family veterinarian about heartworm, flea, and tick prevention that fits our region.
  • Prevent trauma. Use car restraints or carriers, block stairs for seniors, and secure windows and balconies.
  • Watch for behavior changes. Sudden lethargy, repeated vomiting, straining to urinate, or loss of appetite should be evaluated the same day.
  • Create a home emergency kit. Include gauze, non-stick pads, tape, a digital thermometer, tweezers, saline, a muzzle, and our phone number.
  • Save our contact details. Program 701-478-9299 and the address in your phone for quick access to an animal emergency hospital Fargo families trust.

Why Choose RRAEH For Your Pet’s Emergency Treatment?

  • Always open. 24/7 access with immediate triage and ICU care in Fargo.
  • Board-certified leadership. DACVECC criticalists oversee ICU care and mentor the ER team for complex cases.
  • Full specialty support under one roof. Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging, hemodialysis, and an in-hospital Blood Bank.
  • Fast answers. On-site CT, ultrasound, digital X-rays, and a comprehensive in-house laboratory shorten time to diagnosis.
  • Clear communication. Upfront estimates, regular updates, and complete records sent to your primary veterinarian.
  • Consistent pricing. Same pricing day and night, with payment options and potential assistance through the Pawsitive Care Fund.
  • Community commitment. Blood donor program, Student Technician Program, RECOVER CPR training, and inspiring patient stories.

Contact Us Immediately for an Emergency Vet Appointment

Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center is open 24/7 in Fargo to provide rapid emergency vet care and critical care for dogs and cats. If your pet needs help now, contact us to get the vet care you need in Fargo, ND. Our team will triage on arrival, coordinate with your primary veterinarian, and guide you through every step.

MEET

OUR DOCTORS

DR.

ANDY CARVER, DACVECC

DR.

SAM WIGGLESWORTH, DACVECC