Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic. Click Here for More Information

NBC news story released on Aug. 31, 2025- CDC surveillance shows outbreaks of rabies rising across the U.S.

How does this affect us in Fargo-Moorhead?  
Our area has had reported cases of rabies. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention critical. People exposed to a suspected rabid animal undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of injections required to help the body fight off a possible rabies infection.  
It’s the law! Within the Fargo–Moorhead-West Fargo city limits, all dogs and cats are legally required to be up to date on their rabies vaccination.  Veterinary professionals are at a three-times higher exposure risk to a rabid animal than the public. For the health, safety, and protection of our team members and the community,

Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic.  

 

Common questions: 
What if I am bit by a dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact the local police department, and contact your medical provider.

What if my pet is bit by another dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact your veterinary office, and determine if the local police department needs to get involved.

What if my pet is bit by wildlife?  
This could be a public health concern. Contact your veterinarian.  The only way to confirm a rabies infection is by testing non-frozen brain material.  If the wild animal needs to be tested, safety precautions must be used when handling the wild animal.

Do I need to vaccinate my pet if I live in an apartment?
Yes, all dogs and cats within local city limits and surrounding areas are legally required to be kept up to date on their rabies vaccination.

For more information on the human rabies vaccine series, visit the ND Gov website: Rabies Vaccine Information | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Pet Emergency Care

Red River Animal Emergency Hospital and Referral Center available 24/7
Pet Wellness Care

Pet Emergency Care

We at Southgate Veterinary Hospital understand that not everything goes as planned. Just like humans, our pets can experience unexpected illness or injury, which can be a source of stress for pet owners. Our commitment is to provide the highest level of care for both your pet and you.

Our team consists of dedicated veterinarians and support staff who can handle pet emergencies; however, the Red River Animal Emergency Hospital and Referral Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat a wide range of emergency conditions with exceptional precision and accuracy. Whether your pets are facing sudden illnesses, accidents, or injuries, they provide immediate, life-saving care to give them the best chance of recovery. They leave no stone unturned when it comes to your pet’s well-being.

24/7 Support Through Red River Animal Emergency Hospital

Southgate utilizes Red River Animal Emergency Hospital in Fargo for emergency veterinary services. Their team provides 24/7 care for serious injuries, trauma, and critical conditions.

Their services include:

  • Continuous monitoring and critical care
  • Advanced imaging and diagnostics
  • Emergency surgery
  • IV fluid therapy and transfusion support
  • Oxygen therapy and hospitalization

This partnership ensures that pets in Fargo have access to comprehensive emergency care at any hour.

Preparing for a Pet Emergency

It helps to be prepared before an emergency occurs. Keep the following information accessible:

Let us know if your pet has any allergies, current medications, or a recent history of illness or injury. This information can be helpful during an emergency visit.

Trusted Pet Emergency Care in Fargo, ND

If you’re searching for dependable pet emergency care in Fargo, ND, contact the Red River Animal Emergency Hospital for immediate assistance. Your pet’s health is our priority, every hour of the day.

Veterinary Services in Fargo, ND

Small Animal Care

Pet Owner Education

Pet Dental Care

Pet Lab Services

Pet Radiology & Ultrasound

Pet Health Store

Pet Surgery

Pet Emergency Care

Pet Supplies

Pet End-of-Life Care