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Emergency Vets in Rochester, NY

5 emergency veterinary clinics serving Rochester and surrounding areas. Hours confirmed March 2026.

24/7 Coverage Available

Rochester and the surrounding Monroe County area are served by 5 emergency and urgent care veterinary clinics. Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services (REVS) in East Rochester is the only facility that maintains a veterinarian on-site around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, calling ahead is always the first recommended step — it allows the clinic to prepare for your arrival and can reduce critical wait time.

The Rochester emergency vet landscape changed dramatically in 2023 when Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services (VSES) in Brighton closed permanently, leaving the area without any 24/7 coverage. REVS opened in February 2024 as a nonprofit to fill that gap, and expanded to full 24/7 operations in May 2025 from a new 12,000 sq ft facility in East Rochester. For daytime and evening urgent care, ARK Veterinary Hospital in Henrietta offers the widest hours at 7 days a week, and is one of the few local options for exotic pet emergencies.

If REVS is at capacity or your pet requires specialty care not available locally, the nearest 24/7 emergency hospitals are Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (716-662-6660) approximately 79 miles west near Buffalo, and Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York (315-446-7933) approximately 92 miles east in East Syracuse. Cornell University Hospital for Animals in Ithaca (607-253-3060) is about 97 miles southeast. For suspected poisoning, contact ASPCA Poison Control immediately at (888) 426-4435.

Rochester Emergency Vet — Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a 24-hour emergency vet in Rochester, NY?

Yes. Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services (REVS) at 445 West Commercial St in East Rochester is open 24/7. It is the only true 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in the Greater Rochester area. REVS is a nonprofit that opened in February 2024 and went to full around-the-clock coverage in May 2025. Call (585) 775-0020.

What are the closest 24/7 emergency vets near Rochester?

The only 24/7 emergency vet in the Rochester area is REVS in East Rochester at (585) 775-0020. If REVS is at capacity, the nearest alternatives are Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center near Buffalo (79 miles, 716-662-6660), Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York in East Syracuse (92 miles, 315-446-7933), and Cornell University Hospital for Animals in Ithaca (97 miles, 607-253-3060).

How much does an emergency vet visit cost in Rochester?

Emergency exam fees in the Rochester area typically range from $145 to $500 for the initial assessment. Animal Intermediate Care charges a $145 exam fee. Total costs depend on the treatment required, including diagnostics, medications, surgery, and hospitalization. Most clinics accept major credit cards, and some offer CareCredit or Scratchpay financing.

Which emergency vets in Rochester accept walk-in patients?

Animal Intermediate Care in Webster accepts walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis (Sun–Thu, 11am–6:30pm). REVS accepts emergency walk-ins 24/7. ARK Veterinary Hospital asks that you call (585) 487-8700 first so they can triage your pet's situation. Pittsford Animal Hospital requires a triage form submitted the day before for weekend urgent care. Emergency clinics triage by severity, not arrival order — life-threatening cases are seen first.

Which emergency vets in Rochester treat exotic animals?

ARK Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care in Henrietta is one of the few emergency/urgent care options in the Rochester area that treats exotic pets, including birds, reptiles, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and other pocket pets. Call (585) 487-8700 first to confirm the on-duty veterinarian has experience with your specific species — exotic vet availability varies by shift.

Why did Rochester lose its 24/7 emergency vet?

Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services (VSES) in Brighton, previously the area's only 24/7 facility, cut hours in August 2023 and eventually closed permanently. The parent company, Thrive Pet Healthcare, cited staff shortages and difficulty recruiting doctors and support staff — part of a national veterinary staffing crisis. REVS opened as a nonprofit in February 2024 to fill the gap and achieved full 24/7 coverage by May 2025.

Common Reasons to Visit an Emergency Vet in Rochester

  • Accidents, falls, or trauma (hit by car, attacked by another animal)
  • Breathing difficulties or choking
  • Sudden collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness
  • Poison or toxin ingestion (chocolate, xylitol, rat poison, plants)
  • Severe pain, whimpering, or sudden behavioral change
  • Bloated or distended abdomen (possible GDV/bloat)
  • Inability to urinate, especially in male cats

After-Hours & Urgent Care in Rochester

Not every situation requires a 24/7 emergency hospital. Some conditions — like minor limping, mild vomiting, or small wounds — may be handled by an urgent care clinic at lower cost. ARK Veterinary Hospital in Henrietta and Animal Intermediate Care in Webster both offer daytime and evening urgent care without a specialist referral.

If you're unsure whether your pet needs emergency or urgent care, call the nearest facility. Most will help you triage over the phone.

How to Get to an Emergency Vet in Rochester

  • Use the Directions button on any listing above to open Google Maps navigation directly
  • Call ahead while en route — REVS at (585) 775-0020 is 24/7 and can prepare for your pet's arrival
  • Have someone else drive if possible so you can comfort and monitor your pet
  • For suspected poisoning, call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 immediately

What to Bring to the Emergency Vet

Medical Records

Vaccination history, current medications, and your regular vet's contact info

Payment Method

Credit card, CareCredit, or pet insurance info — most require payment at time of service

Toxin Sample

If poisoning is suspected, bring the packaging, label, or a sample of what was ingested

Carrier or Leash

Keep your pet safely contained — a carrier for cats and small animals, a leash for dogs

Nearby Emergency Vet Options

Other New York cities with emergency veterinary clinics:

When to Call Before You Go

Calling ahead helps confirm availability and allows staff to prepare for your pet's arrival. This is especially important during peak hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) or if your pet requires specialized care such as exotic animal treatment or advanced surgery. In true life-threatening emergencies, go directly to the nearest facility — they will triage upon arrival.