Emergency Veterinary Care

When the unexpected happens, it can be overwhelming—but stay calm. At Lenity Veterinary Specialists + Emergency Care, we are here to guide you and provide expert, compassionate care for your pet. 

Serving San Mateo, San Francisco, and the Bay Area, our team combines advanced technology with skilled veterinary expertise to quickly assess, stabilize, and treat pets in urgent situations.

Important Signs Your Pet Needs Immediate Emergency Care

Certain symptoms may require prompt attention. Call us right away if you notice:

• Sudden difficulty breathing or choking
• Severe trauma, deep cuts, or uncontrolled bleeding
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially with lethargy
• Refusal to eat or drink for more than a few hours
• Seizures, collapse, or unresponsiveness
• Intense pain, restlessness, or unusual agitation
• Trouble urinating or defecating
• Eye injuries, sudden blindness, or discharge
• Suspected poisoning or ingestion of harmful substances

Common Emergency Situations

Our emergency team manages a wide range of urgent conditions, including:

• Traumatic injuries and wound care
• Respiratory distress or difficulty breathing
• Severe gastrointestinal issues
• High fevers or acute illness
• Toxic exposures and poisoning  
• Seizures or neurological events
• Urinary or gastrointestinal blockages
• Eye and vision emergencies
• Foreign Bodies

What to Expect During an Emergency Visit 

When you arrive, a receptionist will check you in, and a veterinary nurse will triage your pet to assess stability. Patients are treated in order of medical emergency and need rather than arrival time. If hospitalization is necessary, the admitting veterinarian will review the recommended treatment plan with you first.

ASPCA Poison Control:

The ASPCA hotline is a resource for pet owners to use if you are concerned a pet may have ingested something poisonous. They provide guidance, and have a database of known toxins, their effects, and recommended treatments. 

Call The ASPCA hotline at (888) 426-4435
Please note there is a fee for their consultation by phone.