Same-Day Appointments Available

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Emergency Vet Care in San Francisco, CA

When your pet needs urgent attention outside our regular hours, we’re here to help guide you. SF Vet Hospital offers same-day urgent care, and for after-hours or critical emergencies, we refer patients to trusted 24-hour emergency veterinary partners nearby.

Find Emergency Care

After-Hours Veterinary Emergencies

While SF Vet Hospital accepts same-day urgent care appointments during regular business hours, life doesn’t always follow a schedule. If your pet is experiencing a serious medical emergency after hours, please contact:

SAGE Veterinary Centers – San Francisco

SAGE Veterinary Centers offers advanced 24/7 emergency veterinary care, supported by board-certified specialists in critical care, surgery, internal medicine, and more. Their collaborative team approach and state-of-the-art equipment ensure your pet receives the highest level of care, day or night.

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What Is a Pet Emergency? Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care

Emergencies come in many forms. If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately:

  • Trouble breathing or open-mouth panting (especially in cats)
  • Continuous vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
  • Seizures, tremors, or sudden collapse
  • Ingestion of toxins (chocolate, xylitol, medications, household chemicals)
  • Trauma (hit by a car, fall, animal attack)
  • Difficulty urinating or defecating
  • Swollen or painful abdomen
  • Excessive bleeding or bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Heatstroke or unresponsiveness

If you’re ever unsure whether something qualifies as an emergency, it’s always better to call a vet first.

Same-Day Urgent Care at SF Vet Hospital

During normal hours, we offer same-day urgent care appointments for less severe but still concerning issues, such as:

  • Limping or mild injury
  • Eye squinting, discharge, or redness
  • Ear infections or head shaking
  • Sudden skin irritations or rashes
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy or behavioral changes

Call or text us at (415) 907-7576 to check availability.

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Emergency Pet Care FAQs

Should I call the emergency hospital before going?

Yes — if possible, always call first. Giving the hospital advance notice allows the team to prepare for your arrival with the right staff, equipment, and medications ready.

Can I give first aid at home?

In most cases, your priority should be to get your pet to a veterinary facility safely. You may apply pressure to a bleeding wound, but avoid attempting advanced care on your own. Pets in pain may react unpredictably.

How do vets treat emergencies?

After stabilizing your pet (e.g., administering fluids, oxygen, or medications), the veterinary team may perform:

  • Bloodwork
  • Digital X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • ECG/heart monitoring
  • Hospitalization if needed
What should I have in a pet emergency kit?
  • Gauze and vet-approved bandages
  • Muzzle (even gentle pets can bite in pain)
  • Emergency contact numbers (including poison control)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (only to induce vomiting when told by a vet)
  • Carrier or pet stretcher

In an Emergency, Every Second Counts

Your pet’s life and comfort matter. Whether it’s a sudden accident, toxic exposure, or respiratory crisis, prompt care can make all the difference. Trust SF Vet Hospital for same-day care when possible, and rely on our emergency partners at SAGE Veterinary Centers when the need is urgent and time-sensitive.