Triage Process

How We Prioritize Emergency Cases

At WAVES, every patient is assessed on arrival to determine how quickly care is needed. Our triage process allows us to identify critical cases immediately and begin treatment without delay.

You may be asked a few quick questions about your pet’s condition so our team can accurately assess urgency. Pets with less severe concerns may experience longer wait times as we focus first on those in life-threatening situations.

Level 1: Critical — Immediate Intervention Required

These patients need rapid stabilization to give them the best chance of survival.

Collapse or inability to stand
Difficulty breathing or severe respiratory distress
Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding
Unresponsive or minimally responsive
Active seizures
Severe trauma (hit by car, crushed, significant fall, etc.)
Distended or bloated abdomen, unproductive retching
Blood in urine or inability to urinate (especially male pets)
Snake bites
Suspected fluid around the lungs or heart

Level 2: Serious — Prompt Medical Attention Needed

These pets are stable but require timely evaluation and treatment.

Complications during labor
Multiple seizures within a short period (cluster seizures)
Vomiting and diarrhea with decreased appetite
Known or suspected toxin ingestion
Diabetic pets acting lethargic or unwell
Open fractures (bone visible)
Sudden inability to walk
End-of-life care (euthanasia support)

Level 3: Urgent — Care Needed, But Can Safely Wait

Conditions that should be addressed but are not immediately life-threatening.

Mild or infrequent vomiting
Straining to defecate
Blood in urine (female pets)
Small wounds or lacerations
Mild changes in behavior or awareness
Persistent cough without breathing difficulty

Level 4: Non-Urgent — Stable Conditions

These concerns are not emergencies and may be scheduled based on availability.

Itching or skin irritation
Chronic limping
Ongoing dermatologic issues
Hair loss
Gradual weight loss
Single seizure with full recovery