Arrington Rick DVM

- 4504 Outer Loop, Okolona, KY 40219

For pet owners across Kentucky, especially in the Greater Louisville area, Jefferson Animal Hospitals Regional Emergency & Trauma Center on Outer Loop is a cornerstone of reliable and continuous veterinary care. This facility, co-founded by Rick Arrington, BSBA, and Dr. Patricia Kennedy Arrington, DVM, has been a leading provider in the region since 1978. It stands as a major center for both routine Animal Healthcare and critical, life-saving services, serving the pets of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio without ever closing its doors.

The hospital's mission is rooted in the belief that seriously ill pets require care around the clock—not just during business hours. For this reason, Jefferson Animal Hospitals is Louisville's ONLY pet hospital that NEVER closes, offering 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR service. This commitment ensures that a highly-trained Pet Doctor, alongside licensed, experienced staff, is always on the premises to manage any pet emergency, trauma, or unexpected illness that may arise. While Mr. Arrington is the co-founder and focuses on the business and management aspects, the facility's extensive array of services is delivered by a dedicated team of veterinarians and support staff. The facility is fully equipped to handle All Veterinary Care needs, from the simplest Spay Neuter procedure to complex Animal Surgical intervention and immediate Urgent Care.

However, potential clients should be aware of the nature of a 24/7 emergency center. As one review highlights a difficult and tragic experience, it underscores the importance of communication and pre-planning, especially for complicated cases like French Bulldog c-sections. While the facility is committed to excellence, the priority triage system means critical emergency cases will be seen first, which can impact wait times for less critical appointments. Conversely, another reviewer enthusiastically praised "Dr Cheever" for being "wonderful," demonstrating the facility's capacity for providing excellent, compassionate care across its team of veterinary professionals.

Location and Accessibility

The Jefferson Animal Hospitals Regional Emergency & Trauma Center is strategically located in the Okolona neighborhood of Louisville, KY, providing excellent access from surrounding areas and major roadways like I-65.

The official address for this comprehensive veterinary facility is: 4504 Outer Loop, Okolona, KY 40219, USA.

• Continuous Operation: The most notable feature is its 24/7 operation, making it a critical hub for pet care at any hour, any day of the year, including all holidays.

• High Accessibility: The facility is fully prepared to accommodate clients with mobility needs, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a Wheelchair accessible restroom.

• Planning for Your Visit: Given its function as a Regional Emergency Center, Appointments are recommended for routine wellness, though walk-ins for true emergencies are accepted and prioritized via triage.

• Expansive Campus: Since its founding, the hospital has undergone significant expansions, including a major doubling of size in 2025, to ensure the facility meets the high demands of a regional emergency and trauma center.

Services Offered

As a full-service, 24/7 hospital, the facility offers an extensive range of medical, surgical, and preventative services to address virtually All Veterinary Care needs.

• Emergency & Critical Care: Provides round-the-clock intensive care, trauma treatment, and stabilization for critical injuries or sudden illnesses, which includes access to a Pet Blood Bank.

• Advanced Diagnostics: Equipped with modern technology for Vet Diagnostic Lab work, radiology, ultrasound, and endoscopy to ensure quick and accurate identification of health issues.

• Surgery and Procedures: Offers both emergency and routine Animal Surgical services, including Spay Neuter procedures and more complex interventions in a fully-equipped surgical suite.

• Wellness and Preventative: Provides full-spectrum Animal Healthcare, routine examinations, vaccinations, and specialized care for all life stages, by appointment.

• Specialty Services: Notably, the facility is equipped to handle care for Exotic Animal species in addition to dogs and cats, filling a crucial niche in the Kentucky region.

• Alternative and Comprehensive Care: Includes access to Holistic Care options and Medical Consulting for managing complex or chronic conditions.

• Convenience Services: Offers Pet Boarding And Grooming, and in certain circumstances, supports Mobile Veterinary Service or At Home Pet Euthanasia for convenience and compassion.

• Urgent Needs: Functions as a primary center for Urgent Care, providing treatment for non-life-threatening but serious issues when a primary veterinarian is unavailable.

Features / Highlights

• Unmatched 24/7 Availability: It is unique in Louisville, KY, as the only continuously operating animal hospital, ensuring a Pet Doctor and trained staff are on-site every moment of every day, a critical feature for any pet owner.

• Trauma and Critical Care Center: Functions as a true Regional Emergency & Trauma Center, specializing in intensive care medicine and equipped for managing the most severe and time-sensitive pet emergencies.

• Decades of Experience: Established in 1978, the hospital has a long history of service to the Kentucky community, with its founders, Dr. Arrington and her husband, Rick Arrington, driving a concept of complete and continuous care that was revolutionary at the time.

• Comprehensive In-House Capabilities: The facility boasts a fully-equipped ICU, in-house Vet Diagnostic Lab, surgical suites, and advanced imaging, providing a single location for highly complex care.

• Support for All Pets: Offers specialized care for Exotic Animal pets in addition to traditional companion animals, broadening its reach and value to diverse pet-owning families.

Contact Information

Due to the 24/7 nature of this facility, the primary contact number is essential for both emergencies and scheduling routine appointments. Always call ahead if your pet is experiencing an emergency to allow the team to prepare for your arrival.

Address: 4504 Outer Loop, Okolona, KY 40219, USA

Phone: (502) 969-9900 (This is the listed number for Dr. Arrington/Jefferson Animal Hospitals. The main emergency number (502) 966-4104 is also highly recommended for immediate use).

What is Worth Choosing Jefferson Animal Hospitals: Arrington Rick DVM

For any Kentucky resident, the choice of the Jefferson Animal Hospitals Regional Emergency & Trauma Center is fundamentally a choice for unparalleled preparedness and continuous access to high-level veterinary medicine. Co-founded by a dedicated veterinarian and a focused business professional like Rick Arrington, BSBA, the hospital’s core strength is its round-the-clock availability, making it the definitive choice for pet owners who cannot risk being without professional help, especially in emergency situations.

While the nature of emergency triage means wait times can vary, the guarantee of having a skilled Pet Doctor available—supported by state-of-the-art facilities like the ICU and Vet Diagnostic Lab—is invaluable. This continuity of care is the strongest argument for choosing this facility, ensuring that whether your pet needs routine Animal Healthcare, specialized Exotic Animal treatment, or immediate Animal Surgical intervention, the resources and expertise are immediately at hand. For families in Louisville, having this reliable 24/7 partner on Outer Loop provides the ultimate peace of mind.

Arrington Rick DVM

4504 Outer Loop, Okolona, KY 40219, USA