Urgent Care for Cats and Dogs in Santa Clarita

Urgent Veterinary Care

Urgent care is different from emergency veterinary care in that it addresses serious but non-life-threatening conditions. While urgent care situations can still be serious, they are generally less severe than emergencies.

Valencia Veterinary Center is not an emergency veterinary clinic. However, our team can accommodate urgent cases by appointment whenever possible.

Please contact us during regular clinic hours and we will discuss your pet's condition with you and determine whether to book an appointment or refer you to the emergency veterinary clinic listed on this page for immediate care.

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Urgent & Emergency Care FAQs

Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about urgent and emergency pet care:

• What is the difference between urgent care and emergency veterinary care?

  Urgent veterinary care is for conditions that are serious but not immediately life-threatening to your pet. Contact Valencia Veterinary Center for urgent care by appointment.

  On the other hand, emergency veterinary care is for conditions that need immediate treatment to save your pet's life. For emergencies, contact the emergency animal hospital listed on this page.

• How can I tell if my pet's condition is urgent or an emergency?

  Urgent conditions are serious but not life-threatening, while emergency conditions require immediate care to save the pet's life.

  Things like choking, broken bones, and severe bleeding are obvious emergencies and must be treated immediately by an emergency vet. But how do you make the call for less obvious symptoms? Here are a few things to consider when making your decision.

  Monitor Your Pet's Symptoms

  Keep a close eye on your pet and watch for changes in their symptoms. If they become worse over time, or if symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea show no signs of letting up, it's time for a trip to the emergency vet.

  You Think Your Pet May Have Ingested Something Toxic

  If you think your pet may have ingested something toxic, even if you're unsure, we recommend treating it as an emergency. If you're right, time is of the essence.

  Err On the Side of Caution

  If you can't decide what's best, play it safe and take your pet to the emergency vet.

  Call Our Vets - We Can Help

  Give us a call. We'll discuss your pet's condition and symptoms with you and help you decide whether urgent or emergency care is best.

• What are urgent medical conditions in cats and dogs?

  Serious but non-life-threatening conditions may require urgent care. Examples include:

  • Abscesses
  • Anal gland issues
  • Back pain
  • Difficulty walking
  • Ear or eye infections
  • Minor wounds & lacerations
  • Limping or mild lameness
  • Not eating or drinking
  • Allergic reactions
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Urinary tract issues
  • Minor vomiting or diarrhea

  Remember that any extreme examples of the above could be emergencies, and context is important. If you're not sure, contact us, or the 24/7 emergency vet listed on this page. Our veterinarians can help you determine if the situation is an emergency or not.

• What is a veterinary emergency?

  The following conditions and symptoms are emergencies and require immediate veterinary care. If your pet experiences any of these, contact the emergency animal hospital listed above right away:

  • Your pet has ingested something toxic or poisonous (examples listed in the FAQ below)
  • Heat stress or heatstroke
  • Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
  • Choking, difficulty breathing or continuous coughing/gagging
  • Fractured bones or severe lameness
  • Seizures and/or staggering
  • Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in urine
  • Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea; 2+ episodes in 24-hours
  • Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
  • Injuries to the eye(s)
  • Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
  • Unconsciousness
• What is toxic to cats and dogs when ingested?

  Here are some of the substances that can be toxic if ingested by a dog or cat. If you suspect your pet has consumed these foods or household products, visit an emergency vet immediately. 

  • Alcohol
  • Antifreeze
  • Caffeine
  • Chocolate
  • Garlic
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Insecticides and pesticides
  • Lawn fertilizers and weed killers
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Marijuana
  • Medicine intended for people or another pet
  • Mothballs
  • Onions
  • Paints and solvents
  • Rat and mouse bait
  • Swimming pool chemicals
  • Tobacco
  • Various household cleaners (such as bleach and toilet bowl cleaners)
  • Xylitol (a sweetener found in products such as some sugar-free products like gum and toothpaste)

  This list is not exhaustive. Many other substances can cause illness in pets. Please contact our vets or your nearest emergency veterinarian with any concerns.

• Steps to Take In A Pet Emergency

  Each emergency situation is unique and unpredictable. Within reason, try to do the following:

  • Remain Calm: Take a deep breath. Emergencies can be scary and overwhelming, but remaining calm will help you react more efficiently and rationally.
  • Assess the Situation: Take a moment to absorb your pet's condition and any symptoms you notice. Handle your pet carefully. Some pets may reactive negatively when being handled while afraid or in pain.
  • Call Ahead if You Can: If possible, call the emergency animal hospital to let them know you are on the way.
  • Follow Instructions Provided: If you call ahead, the emergency team may provide instructions to help you apply first aid or stabilize your pet for travel. You should follow these instructions carefully.
  • Travel Safely: Stay alert and calm while driving to the emergency veterinary clinic. Remember that your pet's health depends on your ability to get them safely to the animal hospital.