SAME-DAY URGENT CARE & EMERGENCY TRIAGE DURING BUSINESS HOURS
When your dog or cat becomes suddenly ill or injured, call Desert Forest Animal Hospital at (480) 488-2010. We provide same-day urgent veterinary care and emergency triage during regular business hours when staffing, case volume and the patient’s medical needs allow.
Desert Forest Animal Hospital is not a 24-hour emergency hospital. We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday.
Call before arriving—even while traveling when it is safe to use hands-free calling or have a passenger call. This allows our team to assess the situation, confirm current availability and help determine whether our hospital or a 24-hour emergency facility is the safest destination.
We treat dogs and cats only.
Rattlesnake bites are a serious local risk for dogs and cats in Cave Creek, Carefree and surrounding Sonoran Desert communities. Desert Forest Animal Hospital stocks crotalid antivenom for veterinary patients.
If you suspect a rattlesnake bite:
Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the bite, attempt to suction venom or place ice directly over the wound.
Calling ahead allows us to confirm availability and begin preparing appropriate equipment and treatment when possible. If we cannot safely receive or stabilize your pet because of the time, current case volume or level of care required, we will direct you to a 24-hour emergency hospital.
These conditions may need prompt veterinary attention but are not always immediately life-threatening. Call so we can assess your pet’s specific symptoms:
We may be able to evaluate these conditions the same day when staffing, case volume and the patient’s needs allow.
Seek immediate veterinary care for:
Do not delay care while waiting for an online reply or appointment confirmation.
Urgent patients are evaluated according to medical severity rather than order of arrival. A patient with breathing difficulty, shock, severe bleeding or another immediately life-threatening condition must be prioritized ahead of a stable pet.
Initial triage may include assessment of:
After triage, the veterinarian may recommend stabilization, examination, diagnostic testing, treatment or transfer to a 24-hour facility.
Depending on the patient, urgent evaluation may involve:
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Do not give human pain medication, induce vomiting or administer another pet’s medication unless a veterinarian or animal poison professional specifically directs you to do so.
Dr. Quinn Bauer is a Fear Free Certified veterinarian and uses gentle, behavior-aware techniques whenever the patient’s condition permits.
Medical urgency must come first. A pet with shock, breathing difficulty, major trauma or another life-threatening condition may need rapid stabilization that cannot be delayed for gradual acclimation. Even then, the team considers pain, fear and safe handling while providing necessary care.
LEARN ABOUT FEAR FREE VETERINARY CARE
Availability may change according to current patient volume, staffing and the level of care required. Always call before arriving.
Unexpected illness and injury can create financial stress. Desert Forest Animal Hospital provides information about available financing and pet-insurance resources.
Payment is due at the time services are provided. Financing approval, insurance coverage, deductibles and reimbursement are determined by the individual provider.
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When Desert Forest Animal Hospital is closed, or when a pet requires overnight monitoring, intensive care or services beyond what we can safely provide, seek care at a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
22595 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 110
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 949-8001
Open 24 hours
10380 N Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 948-3873
Emergency service available 24 hours
Call the emergency hospital while traveling when possible because hours, capacity and services can change.
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URGENT VETERINARY CARE NEAR CAREFREE
No. Desert Forest Animal Hospital provides same-day urgent care and emergency triage during regular business hours. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Yes. Calling ahead allows us to assess the situation, confirm current availability and determine whether our hospital or a 24-hour facility is the safest destination.
Yes. We stock crotalid antivenom for dogs and cats. Availability and the amount required for an individual patient can vary.
Keep your pet calm and still, call immediately and seek veterinary care without waiting for swelling or other signs to appear.
No. We make every reasonable effort to help urgent patients, but availability depends on staffing, current case volume and the patient’s medical needs.
No. We treat dogs and cats only.
No. Call directly for urgent or emergency concerns. Do not wait for an online response.
Call before arriving: (480) 488-2010
Desert Forest Animal Hospital
6554 E Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
We are not open 24 hours. For after-hours or overnight emergency care, contact a 24-hour emergency hospital.
Medical review: Reviewed for medical accuracy by Bryan Hayter, DVM, Owner and Medical Director. Last reviewed July 2026.
