Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand: What to Know Before You Go

What Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand offers

Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand is a 24-hour emergency veterinary facility in Myrtle Beach that treats urgent and critical pet injuries and illnesses around the clock. The hospital handles everything from hit-by-car trauma and severe allergic reactions to difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, and sudden paralysis. They also see pets with poisoning, choking, severe vomiting or diarrhea, and other conditions that cannot wait for a regular veterinary office to open.

The facility is staffed with emergency veterinarians and veterinary technicians trained in trauma care, intensive care, and emergency medicine. They have diagnostic equipment on-site including radiography (X-ray), ultrasound, and laboratory testing, so they can assess your pet's condition quickly and begin treatment the same night.

The hospital is located at 3705 Mr. Joe White Avenue in Myrtle Beach. Because they operate 24 hours every day, you can bring your pet in at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday or 11 p.m. on a holiday—whenever the emergency happens.

Key Takeaways

• Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and handles life-threatening pet emergencies including trauma, poisoning, difficulty breathing, and severe bleeding.
• The hospital is located at 3705 Mr. Joe White Avenue in Myrtle Beach and has on-site diagnostic equipment including X-ray, ultrasound, and laboratory testing.
• You do not need an appointment; bring your pet in immediately if you believe there is an emergency, and call ahead if possible so staff can prepare.
• Costs vary depending on the condition, diagnostics needed, and treatment required; ask about payment options when you arrive or call beforehand.
• If your regular veterinarian is open and your pet's condition is not immediately life-threatening, your vet may be able to see your pet sooner and at lower cost.

When to go to Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand

Bring your pet to the emergency hospital if you see signs of severe distress or injury that suggest your pet could die or suffer permanent damage without immediate care. These include difficulty breathing or choking, unconsciousness or collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, inability to move the hind legs, severe trauma from being hit by a car or attacked, suspected poisoning or ingestion of a toxic substance, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a few hours, inability to urinate or defecate, severe eye injury, and seizures.

If your regular veterinarian's office is open and your pet's condition is urgent but not immediately life-threatening—such as a mild limp, mild vomiting, or a small wound—call your vet first. They may be able to see your pet sooner and often at lower cost than an emergency hospital. However, if it is after hours, your vet's voicemail will usually direct you to the nearest emergency facility, which is Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand for most of the Myrtle Beach area.

Do not wait to see if your pet improves on its own if you suspect a serious condition. Conditions like bloat, urinary blockage, and internal bleeding can become fatal within hours.

What to expect when you arrive

When you bring your pet in, staff will ask you to complete a brief intake form with your pet's name, age, medical history, and a description of what happened or what symptoms you noticed. Tell them everything you observed, including when the symptoms started, what your pet has eaten or gotten into, and any medications your pet is currently taking. If you know your pet's regular veterinarian's name and clinic, provide that information—the emergency hospital may contact them for your pet's medical records.

A veterinary technician will then perform an initial assessment, checking your pet's heart rate, breathing, temperature, and other vital signs. Depending on what they find, the veterinarian may recommend immediate diagnostic testing such as X-rays, ultrasound, or blood work. The vet will explain what they are looking for and what the testing costs before proceeding, though in true emergencies they may begin treatment first and discuss costs afterward.

Treatment timelines vary widely. A pet with a simple laceration might be treated and released in an hour or two. A pet with internal bleeding or severe trauma may require several hours of intensive care, monitoring, and possibly surgery. The hospital will update you on your pet's condition and keep you informed of next steps.

Cost and payment

Emergency veterinary care is significantly more expensive than routine veterinary visits because it requires 24-hour staffing, specialized equipment, and often intensive monitoring and treatment. Costs depend on what your pet needs: an examination and basic treatment for a minor wound might cost several hundred dollars, while diagnostic imaging, laboratory work, surgery, or overnight hospitalization can easily reach thousands of dollars.

Ask about costs upfront or as soon as possible during your visit. Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand accepts various payment methods; call ahead at their main line to ask what options they offer. Some pet owners carry pet emergency insurance or have a credit line set aside for unexpected veterinary costs. If cost is a concern, tell the veterinarian—they can sometimes prioritize the most critical diagnostics and treatments first and discuss options for managing the bill.

After your pet leaves the hospital

When your pet is discharged, the hospital will provide written discharge instructions including any medications to give at home, activity restrictions, wound care if applicable, and follow-up appointments needed. They will also provide a summary of what was diagnosed and treated so you can share it with your regular veterinarian.

Follow the discharge instructions carefully. Many pets need restricted activity (no running or jumping) for several days or weeks while they heal. Medications must be given exactly as prescribed, even if your pet seems to be improving. If your pet's condition worsens or you notice anything concerning after discharge, contact Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand or your regular veterinarian immediately—do not wait to see if it improves.

Schedule a follow-up appointment with your regular veterinarian within a few days of discharge so they can monitor your pet's recovery and make sure the emergency treatment was successful.

Contact and location information

Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand is located at 3705 Mr. Joe White Avenue, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The facility is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.

If you need to call ahead to let them know you are coming, or if you have questions about whether your pet's condition warrants an emergency visit, contact the hospital directly. Having your pet's medical history and a description of the emergency ready will help staff prepare for your arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call before bringing my pet in?

You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead is helpful. It lets staff know you are coming and gives them time to prepare. If you are unsure whether your pet's condition is an emergency, describing the symptoms over the phone can help staff advise you on whether to come in immediately.

What if my pet's regular veterinarian is open?

If your vet is open and your pet's condition is not immediately life-threatening, call your vet first. They know your pet's history and may be able to see your pet sooner and at lower cost. However, if your vet is closed or cannot see your pet right away and your pet is in distress, go to the emergency hospital.

Will the hospital contact my regular veterinarian?

If you provide your veterinarian's name and clinic, the emergency hospital may contact them for your pet's medical records. They will also send a summary of the emergency visit and treatment to your vet so your regular doctor can follow up on your pet's care and recovery.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your pet, a leash or carrier, and your insurance card or payment method. If you have your pet's medical records or a list of current medications, bring those too. If your pet ingested something toxic, bring the container or package so the vet can see exactly what your pet was exposed to.

Can I stay with my pet during treatment?

Policies vary depending on the type of treatment and the hospital's capacity. Ask staff when you arrive. In some cases, especially during intensive care or surgery, your pet may need to stay in the back where staff can monitor them closely, and you may be asked to wait in the lobby.