Orange County Emergency Animal Hospital

A pet emergency is any sudden illness or injury that requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening consequences or permanent harm. Common emergencies include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding or trauma (e.g., hit by a car)
• Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
• Seizures
• Ingestion of toxic substances
• Sudden changes in behavior or collapse

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call your emergency vet clinic for guidance.

If your pet is showing signs of distress such as difficulty breathing, excessive vomiting, uncontrollable bleeding, or signs of severe pain, you should seek emergency care immediately. Other signs may include:

• Pale gums
• Loss of consciousness
• Inability to stand or walk
• Swollen abdomen
• Non-responsiveness to stimuli

If you’re ever in doubt, contact your nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

If your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance (such as chocolate, plants, medications, or household chemicals), call us immediately to 949-261-7979 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a professional. Bring the product packaging or any information that could help your vet assess the situation.

What should I bring to the emergency vet clinic?
When bringing your pet to the emergency vet, it’s helpful to have:

• Any medical records or details of your pet’s medical history
• A list of current medications or supplements your pet is taking
• A sample of vomit, stool, or urine (if relevant to the condition)
• The packaging of any toxins or foreign substances they may have ingested
  Contact information for your primary vet

Being prepared can help the emergency vet team treat your pet faster.

Yes, it’s always a good idea to call ahead if possible. This allows the emergency team to prepare for your arrival and provide immediate assistance if necessary. Calling ahead also helps ensure the clinic is ready with the necessary equipment or personnel when you arrive.

If you want to save time, please fill out our online form.

Yes, pet insurance can be invaluable during emergencies. Depending on your plan, pet insurance can cover a significant portion of emergency medical costs, including surgeries, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization. Be sure to review your policy details to understand what is covered.

In most cases, you may be allowed to stay with your pet during initial assessment. However, during certain treatments, such as surgery or diagnostic procedures, you may be asked to wait outside or in a designated waiting area for the safety and comfort of your pet and the veterinary team.

If your regular vet is closed, contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Many emergency vet clinics, including ours, are open 24/7, including holidays, to handle critical and urgent pet care needs. We recommend calling ahead if possible to 949-261-7979 but walk-ins are always welcome in emergencies.

We understand that pet emergencies can be unexpected. Most emergency vet clinics accept various forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, and pet insurance. Some clinics also offer financing options through third-party providers such as CareCredit. It’s a good idea to inquire about payment options when arriving at the clinic.