Route 66 Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Center
Check In & Triage
We respect your time and are proud to offer a convenient, centrally located hospital with a large open waiting area for you and your pets comfort. We also have a lovely outdoor landscaped area for you to enjoy during your wait.
If your pet is in critical condition, please call us immediately at (505) 266-7866.
Call Us On Your Way
For faster check-in, we may be able to get you into our system on your way in. Call us!
Once you are checked in and in the Lobby, our front desk team will keep you up to date on potential wait times and assist with comfort items, ask us for snacks and coffee!
When it’s almost your pet’s turn to be seen, we will get you into an exam room.
Check In & Triage FAQs
When is emergency care right for my pet?
If your pet has a non-life-threatening issue such as limping, an ear infection, skin allergies, or other non-life-threatening concerns, an ER or URGENT visit may be right for you, BUT you will likely experience a longer wait than more critical and life-threatening cases. We are here to help all patients wherever we can!
URGENT AND EMERGENCY CASES SHOULD HEAD TO THE HOSPITAL ASAP YOU CAN CALL ON THE WAY FOR SPEEDY CHECK IN, BUT DO NOT DELAY IF YOU ARE CONCERNED AN ISSUE IS LIFE-THREATENING!
Do you take appointments?
No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome. All patients are seen based on the severity of their condition.
Can I bring in multiple pets?
Absolutely, if more than one pet needs to be seen, we will check them in and see them individually.
What if I decide I no longer want/need to have my pet seen?
Please let our front desk team know so we can remove your pet from our waiting queue/check-in list. Please note that you may always return later.
How do I know if my pet’s condition is critical and needs to be brought in immediately, or stable and able to wait their turn?
We understand that it can be difficult to know whether your sick pet needs immediate emergency care or if their condition can wait. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to give us a call. Our team is always happy to answer your questions and help you determine the best next steps for your pet’s care.
Do you take pets in the order they are checked in? Are you able to give an estimated wait time for my pet to be seen?
As an emergency veterinary hospital, we make every effort to see patients in the order they check in; however, all pets are also evaluated through a three-tier triage system, with Priority 1 cases being seen first. After you check in, our team will assess your pet based on the symptoms you’ve provided and update you with an estimated wait time. If you believe your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call us immediately at (505) 266‑7866.
PRIORITY 1: May survive if life-saving measures are applied
Examples: poisoning, collapse, bloat (GDV), active seizures, allergic reactions, traffic accident, difficulty breathing, urinary tract blockage, and heat stroke
PRIORITY 2: Likely to survive if care is given within hours
Examples: closed fractures, diarrhea, active vomiting, bowel obstruction, and urinary tract infections
PRIORITY 3: Non-life-threatening conditions
Examples: skin conditions, lameness, abscesses, minor wounds, sore eyes/ears, and chronic diseases
