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 nearby
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 one of the emergency facilities listed below:
SFAMC (San Francisco)
- 2343 Fillmore St. San Francisco, CA 94115
- (415) 872-1872
- Visit Website
OakVet (Oakland)
- 1133 7th Street, Oakland, CA, 94607
- (510) 879-4888
- Visit Website
Sage (San Francisco)
- 600 Alabama Street, San Francisco, CA, 94110
- (415) 566-0540
- Visit Website
PETS Referral Center (Berkeley)
- 1048 University Avenue, Berkeley California
- (510) 548-6684
- Visit Website
Lenity (San Mateo)
- 257 N Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401
- (650) 513-6660
- Visit Website
Sage (Redwood City)
- 934 Charter St, Redwood City, CA, 94063
- (650) 417-7243
- Visit Website
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.
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.