365 days a year
Including holidays!
365 days a year
Including holidays!
Compassion around the clock
South Metro Animal Emergency Care (SMAEC) provides emergency care around the clock, 365 days a year. At least one veterinarian and several veterinary technicians are on site during all open hours providing complete diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Our Mission
To provide exceptional quality, compassionate, and individualized emergency care for our patients, clients, and primary care veterinarians of the Twin Cities community and surrounding areas. A critical component of this includes fostering a work environment designed for continued education, growth opportunities, and appreciation of all team members.
South Metro Animal Emergency Care in Apple Valley has been treating sick and injured pets since 1997. Our dedicated staff understands how frightening emergencies are, and we’re committed to treating your family friend as if it were our own.
Our treatment area, in-house laboratory, and intensive care ward enables South Metro’s veterinarians and technicians to use state-of-the-art technology and the latest medical advances to diagnose and treat a wide variety of critically ill and seriously injured pets.
South Metro Animal Emergency Care (SMAEC) provides emergency care around the clock, 365 days a year.
Tour Our Hospital
Explore South Metro Animal Emergency Care’s facility through our virtual tour gallery!
What counts as a pet emergency?
A pet emergency is any sudden change in your pet’s health or behavior that could be life-threatening or cause serious pain if not treated right away. Common examples include:
Trouble breathing or blue/pale gums
Collapse, seizures, or inability to stand
Severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood
A bloated or painful abdomen
Hit by a car or any major trauma
Ingestion of a toxin, medication, or foreign object
Difficulty urinating or not urinating at all
Sudden eye injuries, swelling, or blindness
If you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency, it’s always safer to call. Our emergency veterinary team can help you decide whether your pet needs to be seen immediately.
When should I go to an emergency animal hospital instead of my regular veterinarian?
Visit an emergency animal hospital when your pet needs urgent care outside normal business hours or when their condition is too serious to wait for a regular appointment. This includes:
Symptoms that worsen over minutes or hours
Severe pain, distress, or ongoing bleeding
Difficulty breathing or sudden collapse
Possible poisoning, heatstroke, or severe allergic reactions
Complications after surgery or a recent procedure
Your family veterinarian is still an important partner in your pet’s care. Our emergency doctors work closely with primary care veterinarians to share records, test results, and treatment plans so your pet’s care stays continuous and coordinated.
Do I need an appointment for emergency care?
For emergencies, no appointment is needed. Our emergency team accepts walk-ins during our emergency hours. If it’s safe to do so, calling us at (952) 953-3737 on your way in can help our team prepare for your arrival, especially in severe or time-sensitive cases.
If your pet’s condition is urgent but stable, we may advise you on the best time to arrive and what to expect, including check-in, triage, and estimated wait times.
What should I do before bringing my pet to the emergency vet?
If your pet needs emergency care:
Stay as calm as possible. Your pet can pick up on your stress.
Call us if you can safely do so. Our team can give first-aid guidance and prepare for your pet’s arrival.
Transport safely. Use a carrier for cats/small pets, and a blanket or sturdy surface for larger dogs who cannot walk. Avoid muzzle use if your pet is struggling to breathe or vomiting.
Bring key information. Medications, recent test results, x-rays, and your regular veterinarian’s contact info are all helpful.
Avoid home treatments unless instructed. Giving human medications or inducing vomiting without guidance can be dangerous.
What happens when I arrive?
When you arrive, your pet will be evaluated through a triage process, similar to a human ER. This allows our medical team to quickly identify life-threatening conditions and begin treatment right away. Pets who are stable may wait while more critical cases are attended to.
During your visit, you can expect:
Check-in with a client service representative
Triage assessment performed by a trained veterinary professional
Medical recommendations based on your pet’s condition
A treatment estimate before diagnostics or procedures
Ongoing communication from our team throughout your pet’s care
Our goal is to keep you informed, support your pet’s comfort, and provide fast, medically appropriate care when it matters most.