How We Can Help

If your pet is experiencing a true emergency during our opening hours, please come directly to the clinic. If possible, call ahead so our team can prepare, but do not delay seeking care.

For all other concerns, please call to schedule an appointment. We reserve appointments for same-day urgent care and will do our best to accommodate your pet. Vaccinations, routine care, and stable ongoing health concerns will be booked into the next available appointment.

This approach helps us give each pet the time and attention they need while keeping care available for emergencies and more urgent matters. Patients with the most serious conditions are assessed and treated first (similar to a human emergency room).

An emergency requires immediate veterinary attention. Examples include:

• Difficulty breathing ie labored breathing or open-mouth breathing in cats.

• Seizures: Multiple seizures back-to-back, a long seizure that does not stop or failure to recover between seizures.

• Toxin in gestion of any kind: Grapes/raisins, chocolate, lilies, rodenticide, prescription medication, chemicals etc. 

• Collapse, fainting, or loss of consciousness.

• Inability to urinate or repeated straining with little or no urine (especially in male cats).

• Twisted stomach (GDV). This will look like repeated attempts to vomit without bringing anything up and a distended/bloated abdomen. Commonly, this affects large and giant breed dogs (but can occasionally be seen in certain small breed dogs). 

• Major trauma such as being hit by a vehicle, falling from a height, or being crushed.

• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding.

• Severe or repeated vomiting or diarrhea, particularly with marked weakness/ lethargy, or an inability to keep water down.

• Severe pain or sudden inability to stand or walk.

These are examples, not a complete list. If you are unsure whether your pet needs emergency care, call us for guidance.

Urgent concerns need prompt attention, often the same day, even when your pet otherwise seems comfortable and alert. Examples include:

• A new decrease in appetite or refusal to eat.

• New vomiting or diarrhea without marked weakness, severe pain, or other emergency signs.

• Blood in the urine, frequent urination, or discomfort while urinating when your pet is still passing urine.

• Minor wounds.

• Eye issues.

• Painful or very itchy skin, skin infections, or ear problems.

• Constipation.

• New limping while still able to bear weight.

Vaccinations, wellness visits, and stable chronic concerns can usually be scheduled into a regular appointment. Examples include mild intermittent itching, longstanding mild stiffness, and follow-up care for a condition that is well controlled.

Recurring vomiting or diarrhea, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, and changes in appetite also deserve assessment, even if your pet otherwise seems well. Please describe these changes and the time line when booking, so we can determine how soon your pet should be seen.

If a longstanding problem suddenly worsens, contact us promptly.

Please bring your pet, any available medical records, and a list of current medications and supplements. It is helpful to know when the problem started and whether you have noticed changes in appetite, drinking, urination, bowel movements, or behaviour. Photos or videos of symptoms can also be useful.

Dogs should arrive on a leash, and cats and other small pets should be in a secure carrier.

We understand that the person who knows the pet best cannot always attend. If someone else brings your pet, please make sure the primary caregiver is available by phone. Having accurate information about your pet’s current symptoms and medical history helps us recommend the most appropriate care.

Yes. If your pet finds veterinary visits stressful or getting your cat into the carrier is a challenge, please contact us before the appointment.

We can discuss ways to make the visit more comfortable, including whether medication before the visit would be appropriate for your pet.

We accept:

• Debit.

• Visa and Mastercard.

• Cash.

• E-transfer.

• Trupanion direct billing, where eligible.

Third-party financing is available through Scratchpay, subject to approval. We do not accept American Express or offer in-house payment plans.

Absolutely! We welcome pets covered by pet insurance and offer Trupanion direct billing where eligible.

For other insurance providers, you can submit your invoice for reimbursement according to your policy. Coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement depend on your individual plan.

Yes. We do our best to help exotic pets during an emergency. Please call ahead if possible so we can advise whether we can provide the care your pet needs.

For wellness visits and routine care, we recommend a clinic with a particular focus on exotic pets.

Southpaws is located on Saskatoon’s west side, with convenient access from Circle Drive. We welcome pets from across Saskatoon and the surrounding communities.

If your pet needs urgent or emergency care while we are closed, please contact the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre’s Small Animal Clinic at 306-966-7126.

Call before traveling so their team can assess your pet’s needs and provide instructions.