Emergency Care
Why Choose Beacon Emergency Care
Beacon Veterinary Specialists provides emergency and critical care veterinary services for Bay Area pets 24-hours a day, 365 days a year – including nights, weekends, and holidays.
No appointment is needed.
Just like people, pets can experience sudden medical emergencies that require swift, expert care. Whether it’s a serious injury or an unexpected illness, time is critical. At Beacon, our Emergency Services team is available 24/7, providing immediate, life-saving treatment for dogs and cats when every second counts. Modeled after human emergency departments, our facility is equipped with advanced diagnostics and experienced staff to handle the most urgent cases. We know how stressful it is when your pet is in crisis — and we’re here to help, every step of the way.
You can take comfort in knowing that our emergency facility is equipped with everything needed to care for your pet in a crisis — including on-site diagnostics (digital x-ray, ultrasound), an in-house lab, pharmacy, surgical suite, and a fully equipped intensive care unit (ICU) for continuous monitoring of hospitalized patients. We also prioritize clear communication with your primary care veterinarian, sharing records promptly and coordinating follow-up care to ensure continuity and peace of mind.
What to Expect During an Emergency Visit
When you arrive at Beacon, your pet will be seen right away by our triage team, who will assess the urgency of their condition and ensure the most critical cases receive immediate care. After the initial evaluation, one of our emergency veterinarians will conduct a full examination and may recommend diagnostics such as blood work, x-rays, or ultrasound to better understand your pet’s condition.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include anything from medication and monitoring to emergency surgery or intensive care. Throughout your visit, we’ll keep you informed, explain our recommendations, and make sure you understand your pet’s condition and care plan.
What to Bring:
We understand that emergencies can be chaotic, and you may not have time to gather everything — and that’s completely okay. If possible, it can help to bring:
- Any recent medical records from your family veterinarian (or their contact info)
- A list of medications your pet is currently taking
- Notes about symptoms, including when they started and any changes
- A sample (e.g., stool, urine, or vomit) if your pet is experiencing GI symptoms
- Packaging or plant material if your pet may have ingested something toxic (e.g., medications, chemicals, plants, or food)
Only collect items if it’s safe to do so — your safety always comes first. Our medical team will guide you through next steps once you arrive.
If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately:
- Breathing problems
- Diabetic crisis
- Difficulty standing
- Excessive bleeding
- Eye injury
- Heat stroke/frost bite
- Labor and delivery problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Pale gums
- Paralysis
- Poisoning
- Seizures
- Sudden or dramatic body temperature change
- Traumatic injuries including broken bones and internal injuries
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Unusual behavior, disorientation
No matter the nature of the emergency, you can count on our team to respond with urgency, compassion, and the advanced care your pet deserves.