What Vets Are Open on Saturday? Your Guide to Saturday Vet Care
In Forest Hills, NY, Austin Veterinary Care is open Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM for routine and same-day urgent care. For life-threatening emergencies, call ahead or seek a 24-hour emergency vet, as we are closed Sundays.
24-Hour Emergency Vets Open Saturday
If your pet has a life-threatening emergency on Saturday, the safest move is to call a 24-hour emergency animal hospital immediately. While Austin Veterinary Care offers same-day urgent care during our Saturday hours (9 AM–6 PM), we are not a 24/7 facility.
- Assess urgency – Signs like difficulty breathing, seizures, or severe bleeding need immediate ER care. For less critical issues, call us first.
- Call a 24-hour emergency vet – Search for "24-hour emergency vet near me" and call ahead to confirm they are open and accepting patients. Many ERs operate on a triage basis.
- Know your route – Have the address and directions ready. In Forest Hills, you may need to travel to neighboring areas like Rego Park or further into Queens for 24/7 coverage.
- Bring essentials – Take your pet's medical records, any medications, and your payment method. Emergency care often requires upfront payment.
- Call us if within hours – If it's Saturday between 9 AM and 6 PM, call Austin Veterinary Care at (718) 480-6100. We can handle many urgent cases with our in-house lab and diagnostics.
If you're unsure whether it's an emergency, call us or a 24-hour vet – better safe than sorry.
Saturday Walk-In and Urgent Care Options
At Austin Veterinary Care, we offer same-day urgent care during business hours on Saturday, but we do not take walk-ins. You must call ahead to schedule an urgent slot.
A good fit if…
- Your pet has a non-life-threatening issue – Like vomiting, diarrhea, minor wounds, or ear infections that need same-day attention.
- You can call ahead – We'll triage your pet's symptoms over the phone and reserve a time slot.
- You need diagnostics – Our in-house lab and digital imaging mean faster results without sending samples out.
Consider another option if…
- It's after 6 PM or Sunday – We're closed, so you'll need a 24-hour emergency vet.
- The situation is critical – Difficulty breathing or collapse requires ER, not urgent care.
- You prefer walk-in convenience – Some clinics accept walk-ins, but we require an appointment to manage patient flow.
Call (718) 480-6100 to discuss your pet's symptoms and we'll advise whether a same-day slot is appropriate.
Vets Open on Saturday Near Forest Hills, NY
Finding a vet open on Saturday in Forest Hills is straightforward. Austin Veterinary Care, located at 68-60 Austin St Store #8, is open Saturdays 9 AM–6 PM. Here's how to get care:
- Confirm hours – Check the clinic's website or call to verify Saturday hours, as they can change. Our hours are listed above.
- Book an appointment – Call (718) 480-6100 or use online booking if available. For urgent care, mention it's time-sensitive.
- Prepare for your visit – Bring your pet's records, a list of medications, and any questions. New clients get a free first exam (terms apply).
- Use public transit or drive – We're near Parkside and 63rd Drive–Rego Park stations. Street parking may be limited, so plan extra time.
If we're not the right fit, other nearby clinics in Rego Park, Kew Gardens, or Briarwood may also be open Saturday. Always call ahead.
Saturday Vet Visit Costs and Fees
Saturday vet visits often cost more than weekday appointments due to after-hours or weekend surcharges. Here's what drives the cost:
| Factor | Why It Matters | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | Base cost for the veterinarian's consultation | $50–$100 (varies) |
| Urgent care surcharge | Same-day or weekend appointments may add a fee | $50–$150 extra (varies) |
| Diagnostics | Blood work, X-rays, or ultrasound add significant cost | $100–$500+ (varies) |
| Medications | Prescriptions, injections, or fluids | $20–$200+ (varies) |
| Procedures | Wound care, minor surgery, or dental work | $200–$2000+ (varies) |
Always ask for a written estimate before treatment. We accept credit cards, cash, and CareCredit. If cost is a concern, discuss options with us or see [[how-do-i-pay-my-vet-bill-if-i-have-no-money|how to pay vet bills with no money]].
Directions to our vet in Forest Hills from United States Post Office
Start at United States Post Office and head to Austin Veterinary Care at 68-60 Austin St Store #8, Forest Hills, NY 11375.
Saturday Hours at Local Animal Hospitals
Saturday hours vary by clinic. Here's a general guide for Forest Hills and nearby areas – always confirm by phone.
| Clinic | Saturday Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Veterinary Care | 9 AM – 6 PM | Same-day urgent care, in-house lab |
| Typical clinic in Rego Park | 9 AM – 2 PM (varies) | Call ahead |
| Typical clinic in Kew Gardens | 8 AM – 12 PM (varies) | Limited services |
| 24-hour emergency hospital | Open 24/7 | For emergencies only |
Some clinics close for lunch or have reduced staff on Saturday. If you're planning a routine visit, book early in the day.
What to Do If Your Vet Is Closed on Saturday
If your regular vet is closed on Saturday, you still have options. Here's a step-by-step plan:
- Call your vet's voicemail – Many clinics leave an after-hours message with emergency contacts.
- Use pet telehealth – Services like [[animal-help-now|animal help now]] or [[emergency-pet-care-credit-card|emergency pet care credit card]] can provide immediate advice. Telehealth can help you decide if an ER visit is needed.
- Visit a 24-hour emergency vet – Search for "emergency vet near me" and call ahead. Be prepared for higher costs.
- Seek a Saturday clinic – Austin Veterinary Care is open Saturday 9–6. Call us at (718) 480-6100 to see if we can help.
- Monitor your pet – If the issue is minor, keep them comfortable and call your regular vet on Monday.
Never wait if your pet shows severe symptoms – go to an ER.
Services Offered at Saturday Vet Clinics
Saturday clinics often provide a range of services, but not all are available every day. Here's what you can typically expect:
| Service | Available at Austin Veterinary Care | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine exams & vaccines | Yes | New clients: free first exam |
| Same-day urgent care | Yes | Call ahead |
| In-house lab & diagnostics | Yes | Fast results |
| Surgery (drop-off) | By appointment | Ask when booking |
| Dental care | By appointment | May require separate booking |
| Boarding drop-off/pick-up | Limited | Confirm availability |
If you need a specific service, call ahead to confirm it's offered on Saturday. For complex procedures, we may recommend a weekday appointment.
For details on services and visits, see the main page about vet forest hills.
Sources
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Frequently asked questions
At what age do puppies need their first vet visit?
Puppies should have their first vet visit at around 6-8 weeks of age. This is when they start their vaccination series and get a general health check. See our [[newborn-puppy-vet-schedule|newborn puppy vet schedule]] for details.
What is considered poor quality of life for a dog?
Poor quality of life in dogs includes chronic pain that isn't controlled, inability to eat or drink, difficulty breathing, and loss of interest in favorite activities. Use our [[free-dog-quality-of-life-calculator|free dog quality of life calculator]] to assess.
What do you do if you can't pay your vet bill?
If you can't pay, discuss payment plans with your vet. Some clinics offer third-party financing like CareCredit. You can also explore [[how-do-i-pay-my-vet-bill-if-i-have-no-money|options for paying vet bills with no money]].
Do vets make you pay upfront?
Many vets require payment at the time of service, especially for emergency and Saturday visits. Some clinics offer payment plans or financing. Always ask about payment policies before treatment.
Is $500 a lot for a dog?
It depends on the procedure. $500 could cover a dental cleaning or minor surgery, but it's not unusual for emergency care to cost more. Always get a written estimate first.