Emergency & Urgent Pet Care in San Diego – Compassionate, Same-Day Veterinary Services
Here When Your Pet Needs Us Most
When unexpected health issues arise, you need a veterinary team you can trust. Our San Diego hospitals offer same-day urgent care services to help your pet get the immediate attention they need—without the long wait or high cost of an emergency room. While we are not a 24-hour facility, we do offer extended urgent care hours and are open every Sunday specifically for urgent cases. Sunday Urgent Care Hours: 9am – 5pm
Our skilled team, including Dr. Vanessa Hoard, Dr. Cory Hanks, and Dr. Laura Sanabria, has extensive experience in emergency medicine and is here to deliver fast, compassionate care when every moment counts.
What Qualifies as a Pet Emergency?
If you’re unsure whether your pet needs urgent care, call us. We’ll help you assess the situation and advise on next steps. Here are some common emergencies we treat:
- Rattlesnake bites – a growing risk in San Diego’s hiking areas
- FLUTD / urinary blockages in male cats – life-threatening if untreated
- Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
- Collapsing, weakness, or difficulty breathing
- Ingestion of toxins, medications, or foreign objects
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Aural hematomas – painful swelling in your dog’s ear flap
- Seizures or head trauma
- Lacerations or bleeding wounds
- Birthing complications (dystocia)
Sunday Urgent Care Services
We understand that emergencies don’t follow a schedule. That’s why we offer urgent care hours every Sunday from 9am – 5pm, dedicated specifically to same-day illness or injury visits. While we do not provide overnight care, we stabilize and treat pets with a wide range of urgent needs and refer to local 24-hour hospitals when necessary.
Why Pet Parents Trust Our Team
- Experienced Emergency Clinicians: Our veterinarians are skilled in stabilizing critical cases and guiding pet parents through urgent medical decisions.
- In-House Diagnostics: Digital x-rays, lab work, ultrasound, and monitoring are all available on-site.
- Gentle, Fear-Free Handling: We reduce stress for your pet while ensuring safe, effective treatment.
- Clear Communication: We keep you informed throughout the visit and provide detailed home care instructions.
What to Expect During an Urgent Visit
- Call ahead to let us know you’re coming (walk-ins accepted when possible).
- Your pet will be triaged by a nurse and examined by one of our doctors.
- We’ll provide a treatment plan with clear estimates and discuss all options.
- In most cases, your pet can be treated and sent home the same day.
Client Testimonials
“Our dog was bitten by a rattlesnake on a Sunday. We rushed in, and Dr. Hanks and the team jumped into action. They saved her life. We are forever grateful.”
— Megan F., San Diego
“My cat became blocked out of nowhere, and my worst nightmares quickly became a reality. Dr. Sanabria explained everything, and they had him catheterized and on fluids within the hour. They are amazing and I’m forever grateful.”
— Jacob W., San Diego
Emergency & Urgent Care FAQs
Q: Are you open 24 hours?
A: No. We offer extended urgent care hours and are open every Sunday from 9am – 5pm, but we are not a 24-hour facility.
Q: Can I just walk in?
A: Walk-ins are accepted when space allows. Calling ahead is always recommended so we can prepare for your arrival.
Q: Do you treat exotic pets or wildlife?
A: We currently treat dogs and cats only. We’re happy to refer exotic pets to trusted local specialists.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: We accept CareCredit and other financing options to help make urgent care accessible.
Contact Us Today
If your pet is experiencing an urgent issue, call us now. We’re here to help. For life-threatening situations after hours, we will refer you to a trusted 24-hour emergency facility in San Diego.