West Coast Animal Hospital offers urgent care as our schedule allows. We hold urgent care spots open throughout the day, every day. They go first come, first served. If your pet has an urgent need, call us right away to see how we can help.
How urgent care works at West Coast
- Call us as soon as you notice the problem.Call (619) 431-1423. The earlier you call, the better your chance of getting a spot today.
- We'll talk through what's going on.Our team will ask about your pet's signs. If we have an open urgent spot, we'll tell you when to come in.
- If we can't fit you in, we'll say so right away.Urgent spots depend on our schedule each day. If we're full, or if your pet's signs sound like an emergency, we'll help you decide where to go next.
Urgent care vs. emergency care: what's the difference?
In vet medicine, "urgent" and "emergency" mean two different things. Knowing the difference can save you time, stress and money. It can also save your pet's life.
Needs care today, but not life-threatening
Your pet is sick or hurt, but stable. They need to see a vet soon so the problem doesn't get worse. Most pets go home the same day.
- Vomiting or diarrhea in a pet who is still alert and drinking
- Small cuts, scrapes or bite wounds
- Limping, but still using the leg
- Red, goopy or itchy eyes
- Ear infections
- Peeing often, or accidents in the house
- Itchy skin, hot spots or a swollen bump
- A same-day visit
- An exam, plus tests or X-rays if needed
- Treatment and medicine to take home
- Lower cost than an emergency hospital
Life-threatening, needs help right now
Your pet's life may be at risk. Minutes matter. Emergency hospitals are open 24 hours a day and are built for pets who are very sick or badly hurt.
- Trouble breathing
- Hit by a car, or another major injury
- Bleeding that won't stop
- Seizures
- Collapse, or can't stand up
- A swollen, hard belly
- Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Emergency surgery and overnight intensive care
- The sickest pets are seen first, so stable pets may wait for hours
- The highest cost of any type of vet care
Where should you go?
There are three places to get same-day care for your pet. Here is how they compare.
Cost and access to records are based on guidance from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Hours and prices vary by clinic.
Same problem, different danger
The same sign can be urgent one day and an emergency the next. It depends on how bad it is. Use this guide to help you decide.
Not sure which side your pet is on? Call us. We'll help you decide. You know your pet best. If something seems very wrong, trust that feeling.
Go to an emergency hospital now if your pet:
- Has trouble breathing, or is choking
- Has pale, white or blue gums
- Is bleeding heavily, and it won't stop
- Has collapsed, fainted or can't stand up
- Has a seizure longer than 5 minutes, or 2 or more seizures in a day
- Was hit by a car, fell from a height, or was badly hurt
- Has a swollen, hard belly, or tries to vomit but nothing comes up
- Shows signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, weakness
- Is in labor but can't deliver
- Is in severe pain
We are not an emergency hospital, and we are not open overnight. For the signs above, or any emergency after 6 pm, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital. Tip: look up the closest one now and save its number in your phone.
Blocked cat or poisoning? Call us first.
These are serious, and time matters. But we can treat them here. During our hours, call us the moment you notice that your pet:
- Is a cat straining to pee with little or nothing coming out, especially a male cat. This is called a blocked cat.
- Ate or licked something poisonous, like chocolate, sugar-free gum (xylitol), grapes or raisins, rat poison, antifreeze or human medicine.
If we're closed or can't fit you in, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital now. Don't wait until morning.
If your pet is also having a seizure, has collapsed or has trouble breathing, go straight to an emergency hospital.
For poisoning: bring the package or a photo of the label. Don't try to make your pet throw up unless a vet tells you to. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, any time of day. A fee may apply.
Why bring urgent problems to us?
When your pet needs care today, it's tempting to go straight to an emergency hospital or a walk-in clinic. For most urgent problems, your regular vet is the better choice. Here's why.
It usually costs a lot less
For the same problem and the same care, a visit to a general practice like ours usually costs much less than an emergency hospital. It is often less than a walk-in urgent care clinic, too. Our prices are posted on our pricing page.The same doctor sees you for the follow-up
Many urgent problems need a recheck. At West Coast, whoever sees your pet for the urgent problem also sees them for the follow-up. You don't have to retell the story to a new doctor.We already know your pet
If your pet is our patient, your doctor can see their history, past tests and medicines. That helps us make better choices, faster.Most care in one visit
Exams, lab tests, X-rays and medicine to take home can all happen here. And if your pet needs more care later, your doctor stays in charge.Before you come in
- Call first at (619) 431-1423, so we can hold a spot and tell you when to come.
- Bring your pet's medicines, or a list of them.
- If your pet ate something, bring the package, or take a photo of the label.
- Take a short video if the problem comes and goes, like a limp, a cough or a strange breathing sound.
- Bring cats in a carrier. Dogs will be put on a slip lead at check-in, for their safety.
- New to West Coast? Bring any records you have from your last vet.
Common questions
Can I just walk in?
What if you don't have an open spot?
Do you treat emergencies?
What if my pet gets sick after 6 pm?
How much does an urgent care visit cost?
Will my pet see their usual doctor?
Does your pet need care today?
Call us right away. The sooner you call, the better your chance of getting a spot. West Coast Animal Hospital is family owned, with locations in Linda Vista and Pacific Beach.