Trauma & Critical Care for Pets in Athens & Watkinsville, GA
Rapid, expert care for injured or critically ill pets — when every second counts. GVETS offers overnight trauma and emergency stabilization for dogs and cats, as well as exotic pets, in Watkinsville, Athens, and surrounding areas. We’re open nights, weekends, and holidays to provide advanced care when your regular vet is closed.
Emergency Pet Trauma & Critical Care
When your pet suffers a sudden injury or begins showing signs of a critical health crisis, immediate treatment is essential. GVETS provides hospital-grade emergency pet stabilization and trauma care for pets facing accidents, collapse, bleeding, or shock.
As the only overnight animal ER in a 60-mile radius, we are equipped to assess, stabilize, and support pets through the most intense emergencies — keeping them comfortable and safe until morning or referral.
What We Treat
Our emergency team provides critical care for a wide range of urgent conditions:
- Traumatic injuries (hit by a car, falls, lacerations)
- Snake bites and insect stings
- Heat stroke and overheating
- Shock, bleeding, or collapse
- Eye injuries or swelling
- Paralysis or sudden inability to walk
We evaluate and stabilize each case on arrival and continue monitoring overnight. If your pet is hospitalized, requires a specialized surgery one that is not offered by our facility, or further care is needed, we coordinate directly with your primary vet or a specialty hospital for next steps.
Our Facility & Critical Care Capabilities
GVETS is more than a triage center — we are a full-service overnight emergency facility with the tools and expertise to support serious trauma cases.
Our hospital includes:
- Dedicated trauma triage area
- On-site diagnostic imaging (X-ray)
- In-house labwork for real-time blood analysis
- Oxygen cages and IV fluid support
- Pain management and sedation options
- Continuous patient monitoring
We provide ongoing updates and discharge instructions to support a seamless morning transfer for continued care.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Bring your pet to GVETS immediately if you notice:
- Active bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe pain, limping, or dragging limbs
- Swelling, especially around the face or eyes
- Sudden collapse or unresponsiveness
- Exposure to extreme heat or snakebite
Appointments are NEVER needed, but please call ahead if possible so we can prepare for your arrival. We are ALWAYS open for walk-ins whenever we are open.
Trusted Overnight Critical Care in Northeast Georgia
Our team provides experienced, compassionate trauma care every night of the year. We’re proud to support pet parents and referring veterinarians throughout Watkinsville, Athens, Oconee County, Clarke County, and nearby communities.