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Size
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Often--but not always--a veterinary hospital is larger than an emergency clinic. This allows the hospital the distinct advantage of being able to treat more patients at one time.
Equipment
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Veterinary hospitals will frequently have more specialized equipment. Clinics might have one multipurpose microscope, for example, where a veterinary hospital might have one for fecal samples, one for blood samples and one for skin samples.
Patients
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Veterinary clinics are often equipped to work with small, and occasionally large, mammals. Hospitals are better equipped to deal with reptilian, avian and exotic pets.
Atmosphere
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A veterinary clinic is better able to provide one-on-one service, making the atmosphere seem more personable. Veterinary hospitals are frequently busy, making the attention and care each client receives less personal than in a smaller clinic.
Care
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The level of care at an emergency veterinary clinic should not differ in quality from that of an animal hospital. Employees at both should be equally as competent and knowledgeable.
Credentials
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Hospitals are eligible for additional certification with the Association of American Animal Hospitals. There is no such additional certification for veterinary clinics.
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Emergency Vet Clinic Vs. Hospital
Emergency veterinary care is crucial to pet owners. Emergencies happen at all times of the day, all days of the week. Choosing an emergency facility before your pet encounters a problem is easier than trying to decide on a facility in a panic.