What MedVet Is and How to Find One

MedVet is a chain of emergency and specialty veterinary hospitals owned by Mars Petcare. Unlike a single clinic, MedVet operates multiple locations across the United States, each staffed with emergency veterinarians, surgeons, and specialists available outside regular business hours. When your regular veterinarian's office is closed and your pet needs urgent care, a MedVet location may be an option depending on where you live.

To find the nearest MedVet, you can search online for "MedVet near me" or visit the MedVet website, which has a location finder. The site lists each hospital's address, phone number, hours of operation, and the services it offers. Not every MedVet location has the same specialties — some focus on emergency medicine alone, while others also offer surgery, cardiology, oncology, or other advanced services. Calling ahead tells you what your specific location can handle and whether they are currently accepting new patients.

MedVet locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at most sites, though hours vary by location. This makes them useful when your pet has a problem at 2 a.m. or on a holiday when your regular veterinarian is closed.

Key Takeaways

  • MedVet is a chain of emergency and specialty veterinary hospitals with locations across the United States, each open outside regular business hours.
  • You can find your nearest MedVet location and its hours using the location finder on the MedVet website or by searching online.
  • MedVet charges for emergency visits and treatment, and costs vary widely depending on what your pet needs — a straightforward exam may cost less than a surgery or overnight stay.
  • You will need to bring your pet's medical records or be prepared to pay for a new patient exam, and payment is typically expected at the time of service.
  • MedVet accepts some pet insurance plans, so checking your policy before the visit may reduce what you pay out of pocket.

What to Expect During a MedVet Visit

When you arrive at a MedVet location with your pet, you will check in at the front desk and provide your pet's name, your contact information, and a description of the problem. If your pet has been seen at that MedVet before, they may have records on file. If not, you will be asked to fill out a new patient form with your pet's age, medical history, current medications, and any known allergies.

After check-in, your pet will be taken to an examination room. A veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, ultrasound, or urinalysis depending on the symptoms. The veterinarian will explain what they find and discuss treatment options with you before proceeding with anything beyond the exam itself.

Treatment at MedVet can range from a straightforward exam and medication to surgery, IV fluids, pain management, or overnight hospitalization. The veterinarian will give you an estimate of costs before starting treatment whenever possible, though emergency situations sometimes require when ready care before a full estimate can be provided.

How Much MedVet Costs

MedVet charges separately for the emergency exam, any diagnostic tests, medications, and treatment or procedures. There is no single price list because costs depend on what your pet needs. A basic emergency exam might cost between $100 and $300, but adding blood work, X-rays, or an ultrasound will increase the bill. Surgery, overnight stays, or specialist consultations cost significantly more.

Payment is expected at the time of service. MedVet accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. If you cannot pay the full amount when ready, ask about payment plans — some locations offer financing through third-party lenders, though this is not may provide at every site.

Pet insurance may cover some or all of a MedVet visit, depending on your policy. Before your visit, check your insurance documents or call your insurance company to see whether MedVet is in-network and what percentage of emergency care is covered. Bring your insurance information to your appointment so the staff can help file the claim.

Bringing Your Pet's Medical Records

If your pet has been seen by another veterinarian recently, bring those records with you or have your regular veterinarian send them to MedVet before your appointment. Medical records tell the emergency veterinarian what tests have already been done, what medications your pet is on, and what health problems your pet has had in the past. This information helps the veterinarian avoid repeating tests and make better treatment decisions.

If you do not have records available, tell the MedVet staff. They will perform a new patient exam and may repeat some tests to get a complete picture of your pet's health. This takes more time and costs more, so having records available is helpful if possible.

When to Go to MedVet Instead of Your Regular Veterinarian

Use MedVet when your regular veterinarian is closed and your pet needs urgent care. Signs that your pet needs emergency care include difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, inability to urinate or defecate, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, signs of extreme pain, trauma from an accident, or any condition that seems life-threatening.

If your pet is having a problem during your regular veterinarian's business hours, call them first. They may be able to see your pet the same day or refer you to an emergency clinic. Many veterinarians have an answering service that directs urgent calls to an emergency hospital when the office is closed.

MedVet is also useful if your regular veterinarian does not offer certain services — for example, if your pet needs surgery and your regular clinic is not equipped for it, your veterinarian may refer you to a MedVet location that has surgical facilities.

What Happens After Your MedVet Visit

Before you leave, the veterinarian will give you written discharge instructions that explain what happened during the visit, what treatment your pet received, and what care your pet needs at home. This paperwork will include any medications prescribed, with instructions on how often to give them and for how long.

The veterinarian will also recommend follow-up care with your regular veterinarian. Some conditions need monitoring or additional treatment after the emergency is stabilized, and your regular veterinarian is the best person to provide that ongoing care. MedVet will send your records to your regular veterinarian if you provide contact information, or you can request copies to take with you.

If your pet's condition worsens or does not improve after the MedVet visit, contact your regular veterinarian or return to MedVet. Do not wait if your pet is in distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to go to MedVet?

No. MedVet operates on a walk-in basis for emergency cases. You can arrive at any time during their hours without calling ahead. However, calling ahead to let them know you are coming can sometimes reduce wait time, and it is always a good idea to confirm that the location is currently accepting patients.

Will MedVet see my pet if I do not have money to pay right now?

MedVet will treat life-threatening emergencies regardless of ability to pay in the moment, but payment is expected at discharge. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask about payment plans or financing options. Some locations work with third-party lenders, but this varies by location.

Can my regular veterinarian refer me to MedVet?

Yes. If your regular veterinarian thinks your pet needs emergency care or a service they do not offer, they can refer you to a MedVet location. A referral from your veterinarian helps MedVet understand your pet's history and may speed up the process.

What if MedVet is not near me?

MedVet has locations in many states but not everywhere. If there is no MedVet near you, search online for "emergency veterinary clinic near me" or "24-hour animal hospital near me" to find other options. Your regular veterinarian's answering service can also direct you to the nearest emergency clinic.

Does MedVet work with all pet insurance companies?

MedVet works with many insurance companies, but not all. Check your insurance policy or call your insurance company before your visit to confirm coverage. Bring your insurance card and policy information to your appointment so the staff can help process the claim.