If your pet is having an emergency, it is important that you learn what to do and act quickly. Learn about Care Animal Hospital’s emergency services and when it makes sense to take your pet in for emergency care.
How to Know When to Bring Your Pet to CAH for an Emergency vs. The Emergency Room
We know that having a pet emergency is scary but knowing when to go to your primary veterinarian vs the emergency room is important, the following are some of the most common symptoms and causes that show that your animal requires urgent treatment.
CAH
- Not Eating for less than 24 hours
- Vomiting/Diarrhea/Cough/Sneezing
- Small wounds that are not actively bleeding
- Ear Infections
- Maintenance of on going conditions
- Swelling
Emergency Room
- Trouble Breathing
- Seizures
- Suspected Fracture
- Large wounds actively bleeding
- Unconscious/Unresponsive
- Not eating/drinking more than 72 hours
- Heat Stress

Emergency Clinics
Emergency Pet Clinic
951-695-5044
27443Jefferson Ave. Temecula, CA 92590
Hours: Monday-Sunday
Open 24 hours a day
VCA California Veterinary Specialists-Murrieta
951-600-9803
39809 Avenida Acacias, Suite E
Murrieta, CA 92563
Hours: Monday-Sunday
Open 24 hours a day
Pet Wellness Center (urgent care)
951-473-2227
23644 Clinton Keith Rd. Murrieta, CA 92562
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-11pm
Sat 9am-4pm
Sun Closed
Animal Medical Center of Corona (exotics)
951-493-6771
91 E Grand Blvd. Ste 102
Corona, CA 92879
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am- 6pm
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center – La Mesa
(619) 462-4800
5232 Jackson Dr, Ste 105, La Mesa, California 91942
Hours: Monday-Sunday
Open 24 hours a day
Related Questions
How Can I Prevent My Pet From Having an Emergency?
Aside from monitoring your canine’s food and day-to-day activities, it’s important to make sure they get regular wellness check-ups.
While the expenses of check-ups, unexpected costs, and treatments might be a reason pet owners fail to bring their pets in regularly, just remember that it increases the likelihood of an emergency. You might end up spending thousands of dollars more on something you could have prevented.
What Should I Do in a Pet Emergency?
In an emergency pet situation, attend to your pets with first aid. Provide your pets with the highest level of comfort while traveling so you can take them to the vet without causing further damage.
A good option would also be to call our pet clinic first. This allows us to field your questions and provide you with the best option for your pet.
It’s also important to be prepared with your resources. Emergency check-ins include a lot of tests, examinations, and accommodations, which can have unexpected costs, especially on major holidays. Making sure you are financially able is crucial to making sure your pets get the treatment they need.
Can I Call 911 for a Pet Emergency?
No, you cannot. The only time that the police department will assist you in any animal emergency is when it involves an accident including humans, road blockage, or when an animal is a danger to humans.
While a 911 operator might assist you and teach you how to handle first aid, it is beyond their discretion and they do not have a set protocol for animal emergencies. In other words, they are not an animal doctor, and they are not supposed to send a car over for non-human related situations.
If you need help transporting your furry friend, there are companies you can call that are focused on transporting pets to emergency clinics, even on major holidays. These animal ambulances are the same as their human counterparts, and can efficiently help you bring your animal to safety with the help of competent staff and professionals.