We are a private, locally owned, independent emergency hospital. We pride ourselves on serving the community that we love.
We believe that all of our furry family members should have access to excellent after hours veterinary care in case of an emergency. Our highly trained and compassionate emergency veterinary staff strives to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for you during emergency situations.
SHOULD YOU BRING YOUR PET IN?
No. We are an urgent care and emergency facility. We are open on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. We are closed Monday through Friday.
Know the Signs of a Pet Emergency. If your pet is suffering from one of the following, we recommend bringing them in.
Bleeding
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Possible Poisoning
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Acute Pain
Inability to Walk/Stand
Trouble Breathing
Distended Abdomen
Inappetance
Lethargy
Minor lacerations
Bite wounds
Toxicities
Snake bites
Coughing
Sneezing
Eye/Ear issues
Skin problems
Allergic reactions
Limping
Great question! Please stay where you are, do not move the animal if at all possible, and call Animal Control immediately. Unfortunately, the laws in the State of Georgia are such that animals are still listed as “property” under the law. Because of this, the OWNER of an animal must legally approve any and all treatments, including euthanasia. The ONLY exception to this is if Animal Control takes legal possession (custody) of the animal first. Animal Control has the authority to consent for treatment of an injured animal in need.
Unfortunately, no. This is why we have Animal Control. Remember, animals are “property”, and just like you can’t take someone’s property and keep it or give it to someone else, the same rule of CUSTODY currently still applies to animals in our state. Animal Control should be contacted to address any stray animals that are found. Until the laws change, our hands are tied.
Absolutely! We do this all the time, and it’s FREE! Once we scan the animal and find a microchip, we let you take it from there! You will be provided with the microchip number and a phone number to call the registry to see if the chip is registered. The microchip company will then contact the owner on your behalf and hopefully your efforts as a “Good Samaritan” will pay off and the puppy or kitty will be back home in no time! Just remember that if you pick up an animal, it will be your personal responsibility to safely house the pet until the owner is found. You are also required to attempt to locate the owner by reporting the pet to Animal Control, on lost pet websites, social media, and advertise in the community.
Alabama has different rules and laws in place. Please do not bring the animal to us here in Georgia. If the animal is found injured in Alabama, and requires emergency medical attention, please contact Animal Control wherever you are. Auburn University Small Animal Teaching hospital has a program in place for injured stray animals located in that state.
Rivertown Veterinary Emergency is based on a unique concept of cooperation with local veterinarians in the Chattahoochee Valley region. Our vision is one of open communication with our colleagues, and our promise is to provide emergency and urgent care veterinary services when other clinics are closed. We do not offer standard preventive care (vaccines, wellness exams, heartworm/flea preventatives, spay/neuter services). Our purpose is to provide after hours acute care, and to refer our patients back to their regular daytime veterinarians once the emergency is managed. We believe that this vision will strengthen Columbus as a community, and allow us to work together in providing a better standard of care for our furry family members.
CALL NOW!
We can treat minor medical issues when your regular veterinarian is closed. Follow-up care should be managed by your vet.
Our emergency team has the expertise necessary to diagnose and treat complex illnesses and injuries in companion animals.
Triage is the process of determining the priority of patients’ treatments based on the severity of their conditions. Critical patients will be seen ahead of those that are stable. We appreciate your patience.
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