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Rapid Response, Compassionate Care—Emergency Veterinary Services You Can Trust in Fox Chapel, PA
When every second counts, you need a veterinary team that acts fast, communicates clearly, and provides expert care with compassion. At River Valley Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help you navigate the most stressful moments with calm, capable support and state-of-the-art care for your pet.
As a trusted animal hospital, our team is trained to handle sudden injuries, illnesses, and life-threatening conditions with efficiency and empathy. Whether your dog got into something toxic, your cat is struggling to breathe, or something just seems off—you don’t have to face it alone.
What Are Pet Emergencies?
If you’re wondering whether your pet needs immediate care, trust your instincts. Some signs that warrant urgent attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or sudden collapse
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop within 5 minutes
- Seizures or disorientation
- Ingestion of toxic substances (chocolate, xylitol, medications, plants)
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood
- Unresponsive or extremely lethargic behavior
- Trouble urinating or signs of pain while trying
- Eye injuries or swelling of the face/mouth
If your pet is showing any of these symptoms—or anything that has you concerned—call us immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Veterinarian Emergency Services We Provide
Our veterinary hospital is fully equipped to handle a wide range of urgent care needs. Some of the urgent services we offer include:
- In-house digital radiographs (X-rays)
- Bloodwork and lab testing
- Oxygen therapy and IV fluid support
- Urgent surgery and wound care
- Medicine your pet needs, both now, and when they are sent home
- Pain management and sedation
- Monitoring and hospitalization when needed
We take pride in being a reliable emergency vet in Fox Chapel, offering exams, comprehensive diagnostics and treatment options under one roof. Our compassionate staff is trained to remain calm in high-pressure situations so you and your pet get the support you need without delay.
What to Expect During an Emergency Visit
We understand that urgent pet health concerns can be overwhelming. That’s why our team prioritizes clear communication and a calm, structured approach during each visit:
Triage & Immediate Support – Upon arrival, our staff will quickly assess your pet’s condition and stabilize them if necessary.
Discussion & Diagnosis – We’ll speak with you about symptoms, history, and possible causes while running diagnostics as needed.
Treatment Plan & Action – You’ll receive a transparent explanation of what’s happening, what options are available, and the recommended course of action.
Aftercare & Follow-up – If your pet requires ongoing care, we’ll provide detailed instructions or refer you to a 24/7 facility if appropriate.
All Our Services At RVVH
Patient Care
We recommend annual exams as a minimum to maintain the Doctor/Patient relationship necessary to make the proper recommendations for the well being of your pet.
Medical
We can examine your pet and discuss any medical issues that may be causing your pet to be uncomfortable. It is important for your pet to be seen so our Doctor can recommend the best course of treatment to have your pet on the road to recovery.
Vaccinations
Proper vaccination is vital in protecting our pets from many types of diseases . It’s important to consult with us about the unique risks your pet is exposed to based on his environment. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of protecting your pet.
Surgical
From spay and neuter, dental care, and beyond, our surgical team is dedicated to providing the best outcome for your pet’s surgical experience.
Pharmacy
We offer a fully stocked, competitive in-house pharmacy to expedite your medication needs.
Urgent Care
We understand emergencies do happen. We will do our best to accommodate those “unexpected” situations. We will recommend the best options based on your pet’s specific urgent needs.
We help by preventing pet health issues and being there for you when your pet needs medical attention.
Our Vision
To be the preferred veterinary hospital and set the standards for client experience in Allegheny county over the next 5 years.
River Valley’s Mission
To provide exceptional medicine and client experience and to maintain healthy pet lifestyles
We Believe In:
- Compassion: to treat all pets and their people while upholding the veterinarian’s oath
- Integrity: to perform our duties with pride and self-awareness
- Dignity: to provide every patient and owner heartfelt respect
- Honesty: to practice open, truthful, and respectful communication
- Improvement: to continuously seek improvement in ourselves and our services
- Teamwork: our ability to support our beliefs while working together
- Passion: our promise to provide quality services to our clients and their pets
- Excellence: to strive to become stronger at everything we do
- Dedication: to provide our services with a sympathetic consciousness
- Commitment to Clients: to support our beliefs all day… every day
Veterinarian’s Oath
“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.”
A Local Hospital That Cares for Their Patients Like You Do
River Valley Veterinary Hospital is more than just a clinic—we’re part of your community. We understand how much your pet means to pet owners, and we treat every urgent situation with the prompt care, and respect it deserves. Our doctors and support staff will accommodate you and your pet. We are known for compassion, experience, and ability to keep you informed during even the most difficult situations.
We are proud to serve as a dependable pet hospital, delivering quality care when you need it most.
What Sets River Valley Veterinary Hospital Apart?
- Locally Owned & Operated – We’re proud to be part of the Fox Chapel community and deeply invested in the wellbeing of our neighbors’ pets.
- Skilled Team – Our staff is trained to handle critical situations with professionalism, precision, and compassion.
- On-Site Diagnostics – No waiting for outside lab results—we have everything we need to act quickly.
- Client Communication – We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, offering honest advice with empathy.
- Pet-First Philosophy – Our goal is always the comfort, safety, and recovery of your beloved companion.
Don’t Wait—Get Help When Your Pet Needs It Most in Pittsburgh and Call Us!
When your pet is in distress, every moment matters. Whether it’s a sudden injury, a severe reaction, or symptoms that just don’t seem right, River Valley Veterinary Hospital is ready to help.
Conveniently located near Fox Chapel
Please call us immediately at (724) 274-5575
You’re never alone when your cats and dogs need help. River Valley is the emergency vet in Fox Chapel you can count on.
FAQs About Emergency Pet Care
Do I need to call ahead and schedule an appointment for an urgent concern?
If you can, yes—calling ahead helps us prepare for your arrival. But if you’re already on the way, don’t delay.
Are urgent services available during normal hours only?
This is a stressful time for pets and owners, so we are dedicated to helping you and your pet, offering support as we help you navigate the difficult decisions to provide the best care for your urgent health care situation.
What should I bring with me to the hospital?
Bring any medications your pet is taking, their medical history (if available), and anything your pet may have ingested.
Will my pet stay overnight for treatment?
That depends on the situation. If your pet requires overnight monitoring, we’ll discuss next steps and referrals with you.
Do you treat all types of pets?
Our team is trained to treat dogs and cats. For exotic pets, we’re happy to refer you to a specialized clinic.