When your pet isn’t feeling well, deciding where to seek help can be stressful. Is it a minor issue that can wait for your primary vet, or is it a critical emergency? Enter CVETS Urgent Care—the ideal middle ground designed to provide prompt, same-day attention for non-life-threatening conditions.

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Marissa Harris, a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) at CVETS Urgent Care. Marissa shares her inspiring path into veterinary medicine and pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you bring your pet in for urgent care.

Meet Marissa Harris, LVT

Every great veterinary team relies on the skill and dedication of its Licensed Veterinary Technicians. Marissa’s journey into the field stems from a lifelong passion for animal health and patient advocacy. As an LVT at CVETS, her daily role bridges the gap between pet owners, veterinary assistants, and doctors—ensuring that every pet receives compassionate, top-tier care from the moment they walk through the door.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care: What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest takeaways from Marissa’s conversation is understanding when to choose urgent care over the emergency room.

• Veterinary Urgent Care is designed for non-life-threatening events that need same-day attention when your family vet is fully booked or closed. Think of conditions like ear infections, minor cuts or bites, sudden vomiting or diarrhea, torn nails, or sudden behavioral changes.

• 24/7 Emergency Care (located at the main CVETS hospital in Northeast Columbia) is equipped for critical, life-threatening crises requiring advanced interventions, surgery, or round-the-clock monitoring—such as severe trauma, difficulty breathing, or active seizures.

By utilizing urgent care for minor ailments, pet owners can get faster service for non-critical issues while keeping ER resources open for life-threatening emergencies.

Behind the Scenes: What to Expect During an Urgent Care Visit

Bringing a sick or injured pet to the clinic can feel overwhelming, but Marissa demystifies the process to give pet owners peace of mind. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

1. Triage & Initial Assessment: The moment you arrive, the care team evaluates your pet’s vitals and symptoms to ensure they are stable.

2. Stress-Free Comfort: The team prioritizes low-stress handling techniques to keep pets calm and comfortable during exams and diagnostic testing.

3. Diagnostics & Treatment: From in-house lab work to x-rays, the urgent care team works quickly to pinpoint the issue and initiate treatment.

4. Seamless Continuity of Care: CVETS coordinates directly with your primary veterinarian, sending over visit notes and medical records so your pet’s regular doctor stays fully in the loop.

Compassionate Care When You Need It Most

Whether it’s an unexpected illness after hours or a weekend minor injury, Marissa and the CVETS Urgent Care team are dedicated to getting your pet back on their paws quickly.

Is your pet in need of same-day medical attention? Learn more about our hours, locations, and services by visiting CVETS.net.