We are experiencing an increased case load. To allow time for a high standard of care for each individual patient, we are implementing pause-intervals in the intake of stable emergency patients. 

Your pet will be triaged and assigned a level of urgency based off clinical parameters and doctor assessment and unstable or critical patients will be prioritized. If your pet is suffering from a non-urgent issue, there will be extended wait times during these intervals.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and patience.

Complete Emergency Care

At VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital, we're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with a full staff of top veterinarians, technicians, and client care specialists to handle any situation requiring immediate medical attention. Whether your regular veterinarian's office is closed or you have been referred by your family veterinarian, we are prepared to care for your pet and handle all emergencies -- from the minor to most complex.

Our highly trained emergency and critical care teams have direct access to the Hospital's full complement of state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, they are aided by the support of the Hospital's entire interdisciplinary team of specialists, as well as the referring veterinarian–all working in concert to deliver the best, most expeditious treatment possible. Pet medical emergencies can be stressful and traumatic for owners as well as their pets. We provide prompt, attentive, personal service starting the very first moment a patient arrives, with a quick, clear line of communication to the primary care veterinarian and pet owner.

VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital's Emergency and Critical Care Specialists can help in the event of a medical crisis. When every second counts, we're here and ready to assist you and your pet. For immediate medical assistance or for information, please call our center at (714) 963-0909.

• Traumatic injuries - fractures, bites, burns, lacerations
• Automobile accidents
• Wounds, bleeding
• Known or suspected ingestion of a foreign object or unknown substance
• Respiratory emergencies, choking, difficulty breathing
• Vomiting, diarrhea
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Shock, loss of consciousness
• Dizziness, staggering, tremors, inability to move, sudden weakness, unusual or erratic behavior
• Signs of extreme pain, such as whining or shaking indicating a problem
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Toxin reactions, poison ingestion
• Labor that does not progress and delivery problems
• Blood in urine or feces or vomiting blood
• Swollen, hard, painful abdomen
• Any injury to the eye
• Heatstroke

What Is an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian?

A veterinarian whose sole focus is on emergency and critical care of pets has a background and experience in treating life-threatening conditions. While your general practitioner veterinarian can diagnose and treat many health problems and handle many routine emergencies, certain situations may require the care of a doctor who has had intensive training and experience in handling emergency and critical care of pets. An emergency and critical care veterinarian typically works in tandem with your general practitioner veterinarian on a referral basis, as well as with any other needed specialists, until the emergency is resolved.