First State Urgent Vet - Newark - Newark, Delaware

Jamie K

Born on December 25, 2021,
Entered the Dog Star Planet on November 20, 2024.

In the 1,062 days you were with me, you brought so much joy and countless small moments of happiness into my world. At this moment, it seems the connection is fading—I can no longer hear your breathing, your voice, or feel your strong and steady heartbeat.

I’m struggling to accept the diagnosis from First State Urgent Care. How could a three-year-old dog suddenly be diagnosed with parvovirus? You were raised at home, had no contact with other dogs, and played only in the yard every day. Just 4-5 hours before being sent to the clinic, you showed no signs of illness—you were lively, with a good appetite. Shouldn’t a toxicology test have been conducted immediately upon arrival?

Because it was an urgent care facility and they couldn’t provide hospitalization, they referred us to Blue Pearl for further treatment. However, isn’t it standard for the receiving hospital to send a team for the transfer? Why was I left to drive you there myself, holding you in my arms, without any medical equipment to support you during the journey? By the time we arrived at Blue Pearl, you had almost no vital signs, and the doctor pronounced you dead. I said goodbye to you in the comfort room, but your true cause of death remains a mystery.

May you continue to be loved and happy on the Dog Star Planet.
Love, Dad.

Carol Wessolock

Although no one wants to have an emergency with their pet, it is certainly comforting to know that First State Urgent Vet is available when your regular veterinarian is not. I had such an emergency over a recent weekend.
From the moment I arrived with my very ill dog, I was greeted by the front desk staff with compassion and caring. The technicians were patient, kind and thorough in interpreting my initial information regarding the symptoms to convey to the veterinarian. Within a short period a diagnosis was made by the doctor and treatment was started. Thanks to Dr. Downs and Dr. Lawrie for their expertise in putting Daisy on the path to recovery.

Nick Russo

Jenny was our tech and Dr. Downs was our vet. They were both great! So good with Ginger and with us, thorough in the exam and balanced and insightful regarding the situation. They advised without guilting us about what we should do in terms of treatment and didn’t gouge us with more than was needed.

jeffrey Haas

We took our pup to First State Urgent Care on a Saturday because our vet was booked solid and recommended we visit them.

While I’ve seen the building from the outside several times, we hadn’t previously been inside. The facility is clean, the staff provided clear explanation around how services would be rendered and fees paid (which demystified the final bill).

I was highly impressed with Dr. Downs’ thorough exam of Daisy and her recommended course of action. Once we discussed her recommendation, she stepped outside and a min or two another staff member came in and informed us of the price for that course of action.

Complete transparency BEFORE something is done. Amazingly refreshing.

Dr Downs then came back and moved forward with agreed treatment.

What Ioved about First State Urgent Vet:
1) Dr Downs was a joy to work with; connected well with Daisy and met her with compassion which led to a great interaction
2) Staff was friendly, thorough and transparent
3) Facility is clean and has the ability to provide all types of emergency services (should they be needed)
4) We were seen in reasonable time
5) During the visit Daisy was able to relax more - do to how the staff worked with her

Definitely going back!

Lauren

I had to take my cat, Belle for an emergency visit on Sunday to the Newark location. This was our first visit to First State Urgent Vet. The entire process from beginning to end was excellent.

The fact that you can see the wait-list on their website is the icing on the cake. I added myself to the list, there were 4 in front of us with an estimated 40-55 minute wait. I received an email including our visit confirmation and intake forms to complete.

We gathered my hurt girl and headed to the Newark office. Everyone at the front desk was very sweet and welcoming. Tech Courtney and Dr. Mester were both very sweet, compassionate, spoke to us in terms that we could understand, and they made us and our cat feel very comfortable. I've never seen my cat that calm with strangers before, they had the magic touch.

They got my girl diagnosed, cared for and discharged all in less than two hours, this also included dispensing medication to go home with.

The prices are phenomenal, the care and compassion that you receive is top-tier as well.

We have zero complaints! Thank you for being so accommodating and taking care of Belle for us.

We will definitely be visiting again if we need urgent care and will surely be recommending them to friends and family.

Thank you for the best possible experience during our time of panic!

Lilly Tong

First state took such great care of my doggy. We came in for a leg injury while we are here visiting family, and far away from her veterinarian. The whole staff was so sweet and lovely! They got us in and out very quickly and gave me all the information needed to bring to my pup’s primary care vet. They were very helpful, answered all of our questions, provided notes for what to do going forward, and prescribed pain medication for my baby to keep her comfortable while she heals. I highly recommend them, they will take great care of you and your pets!

Kaylah de Ford

Too good to be true is what comes to mind. It’s now my second time coming here for my dog and I’ve gotten in same day every time. Joining a waitlist and being able to be seen the same day is such a relief when you are worried about your fur baby. Also being open 7 days a week is a HUGE bonus. Located in a beautiful shopping center with very clean premises. Dr. Downs is very knowledgeable and so easy to talk to. She’s kind and patient with my dog too. What more could you ask for? We’re going to be patients here for life!

Matthew Cohen

First State Urgent Vet is the absolute best. Our dog's health declined quickly and she needed to be put down. We were able to be seen immediately and the doctors/staff were incredibly compassionate and understanding. It was the best experience we could have hoped for given the situation.