We are committed to caring for your pet – while maintaining the highest level of safety for our Associates and pet owners. We thank you for your continued patience and support. Learn more about our COVID-19 response and guidelines.

There is an outbreak of Canine Influenza in dogs which is very contagious. If your dog is coughing, sneezing, lethargic or has a runny nose, consider seeking veterinary care. We do not offer the vaccine at this location. Please contact your regular veterinarian for more information.

Amaris Franco

DVM, DACVECC

Veterinary Specialist

Critical Care

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At a Glance

Board Certified:

Emergency & Critical Care

Undergrad school: Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cal State Los Angeles
Veterinary school: Western University; Class of 2012
Residency: Veterinary Emergency + Critical Care in Las Vegas (sister hospital of and attached to the Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center). I did my internship there (2012-2013) and stayed on for a residency in Emergency and Critical Care (2013-2016).

Why did you choose to become an emergency veterinarian? I love the urgency. Critical care cases require quick thinking and immediate action. And if things go as you had hoped, you see your hard work pay off pretty quickly. Instant gratification!

Why do you choose to practice at VCA West Coast? Other than being a state-of-the-art facility with all of the bells and whistles, my biggest reason are my colleagues. The hospital places a lot of emphasis on having the right culture. We are a team that works well together and we support each other. We constantly collaborate on each other's patients; it is all about what is best for the patient.

What do you enjoy doing outside of practicing medicine? I really enjoy reading on my free time. Fictions, not science/medicine. Nothing better than reading a good book on my "catio" with a cat or two in my lap.

Critical Care

What Is Critical Care?

While an emergency is unfolding, or throughout recovery from a serious illness or accident, ongoing diagnostic and therapeutic care and constant monitoring of your pet's condition may be required. Many emergency and critical care facilities offer 24-hour supervision of critically ill pets and, just as in human hospitals, may have dedicated Intensive Care and Critical Care Units (ICU/CCU). Such facilities are equipped to provide oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, blood transfusions, and nutritional support. Such facilities also typically have advanced diagnostic capabilities onsite, such as ultrasound and echocardiography.

At VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital, we have a team of emergency and critical care doctors and technicians treating and monitoring critically ill pets around the clock, 365 days a year. In addition, our Intensive Care Unit is equipped with a full complement of advanced, state-of-the-art emergency and critical care medical equipment. In the event of an emergency, our emergency and critical care team is ready at all times to help your pet.

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