When Every
Minute
Matters
Serving Pontiac & Detroit — call us first. We’ll do everything we can to get your pet seen immediately.
When to Seek
Emergency Care Immediately
If your pet is showing any of the following signs, call us right away or head to our nearest location. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment.
Difficulty Breathing
Labored breathing, gasping, blue-tinged gums or tongue
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding that won’t stop after 5 minutes of firm pressure
Seizures or Collapse
Sudden collapse, convulsions, or loss of consciousness
Repeated Vomiting
Vomiting more than 2–3 times in a row, or vomiting blood
Suspected Poisoning
Known or suspected ingestion of toxic food, plants, or chemicals
Broken Bones / Trauma
Hit by vehicle, fall from height, or visible fractures
Sudden Paralysis
Unable to walk, dragging limbs, or sudden loss of coordination
Extreme Lethargy
Unresponsive, won’t stand, won’t eat — especially combined with pain
Eye Injuries
Sudden vision loss, eye prolapse, or severe eye trauma
Steps to Take
in a Pet Emergency
Stay calm — panicking can stress your pet further. Follow these steps while getting to us as fast as possible.
Call Ahead First
Call us before leaving home if possible. Our team can advise you on immediate first aid, prepare a treatment space, and ensure the right staff is ready when you arrive.
Keep Your Pet Calm & Still
Minimize movement, especially if trauma is involved. Use a blanket or towel as a makeshift stretcher for larger dogs. For cats, gently place them in a carrier or box.
Control Any Bleeding
Apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth. Do not remove the cloth if it soaks through — add more on top and maintain pressure throughout transport.
Do Not Give Human Medication
Never give your pet Tylenol, Advil, ibuprofen, or any human pain reliever. Many are toxic to animals. Call us for guidance on what is safe.
Drive Safely to Our Clinic
Have someone else drive if possible so you can keep your pet calm. Head to whichever of our two locations is closest to you — both are equipped to handle emergencies during office hours.
Two Locations
Ready to Help
Head to whichever clinic is nearest. Both locations are staffed by experienced veterinarians during operating hours and equipped to handle urgent cases.
Bloomfield Pointe
Pontiac, MI
Pontiac, MI 48340
Tue: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Wed–Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Animal Clinic East
Detroit, MI
Detroit, MI 48205
After-Hours Emergency?
If your pet has an emergency outside of our regular office hours, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
(586) 943-3890 — After-Hours Emergency
Call our after-hours emergency line: (586) 943-3890. Dr. Ballou has personally met clients at the office late at night when needed. Call this number before going anywhere else.
You can also try our clinic lines directly — Bloomfield Pointe: (248) 332-0287 · Animal Clinic East: (313) 521-6610
If we are unable to respond, the nearest 24-hour emergency facility is Oakland Veterinary Referral Services in Bloomfield Hills: 248-334-6877.
Don’t Wait. Call Now.
Our team is ready to help. Call the location nearest to you.