DOG EMERGENCY CARE

Urgent Canine Care: Navigating Emergencies 

The following are the only emergency facilities we recommend for our clients and their pets:

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital
10436 173 St. Surrey, BC 604-514-8383

Alternatives:
Canada West Veterinary Specialists
1988 Kootenay St. Vancouver, B.C. 604-473-4882

The Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Center
2303 Alberta St. Vancouver, B.C. 604-879-3737

Animal Emergency Hospital of the Fraser Valley
#306 - 6325 204 St. Langley, B.C. 604-514-1711

Intercity Animal Emergency Clinic
580 SE Marine Dr. Vancouver, B.C. 604-321-8080

For more information on when to go to the emergency hospital CLICK HERE

What do I do in a dog emergency? 

If you experience an emergency, contact us before arriving so we can prepare for your visit, ensuring a doctor and necessary equipment are ready. It’s important to try and stay calm during these emergencies; having a friend drive you is ideal. Use a soft tone to reassure your dog on the way to the hospital. If you’re unsure about the urgency of your dog's condition, make sure to call us—pets can mask symptoms, making it challenging to gauge severity. We're here to guide you to provide the best care for your dog.

What dog emergencies require immediate veterinary attention?

  • Difficulty Breathing: If your dog is struggling to breathe with rapid or labored breaths, it requires immediate attention as it may be a sign of respiratory distress or choking.

  • Uncontrolled Bleeding: Any severe bleeding, whether from an injury or other sources, needs urgent care. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth while heading to the emergency facility.

  • Seizures: If your dog experiences seizures, characterized by uncontrolled shaking or convulsions, seek immediate attention to determine the underlying cause and provide necessary interventions

  • Ingestion of Toxic Substances: If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, such as certain plants, foods, or chemicals, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline immediately

  • Trauma, Injury, or Fractures: Accidents, falls, or any trauma resulting in limping, swelling, or visible injuries demand prompt veterinary care to assess and address potential internal and external damage

  • Collapse or Loss of Consciousness: Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness requires immediate evaluation to identify and address the underlying cause, whether related to cardiac issues, neurological problems, or other factors

How do I get my dog to an emergency room safely? 

When going to an emergency room use a leash or carrier to keep your dog secure during transport, maintain as calm a presence as possible to reassure your dog, and, if possible, enlist someone else to drive so you can  focus on your pet.

FAQ

  • There are a few veterinary hospitals in the lower mainland that operate as emergency hospitals. These hospitals have met specific criteria which makes them ideal places for your pet to be treated in an emergency situation. View complete list above.

  • Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. If bleeding doesn't stop, seek immediate veterinary attention.

  • Contact your veterinarian or an emergency poison control hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.

Dog Services