Pet emergencies strike without warning. Your cat chokes on a toy, or your dog eats something toxic late at night. In those scary times, you need fast, expert help. Vancouver’s 24-hour emergency animal hospitals provide round-the-clock care with skilled vets and modern tools. This 2025 guide covers signs to watch, what happens during a visit, and top clinics. It helps you stay calm and act quick to save your pet.
What Are 24-Hour Emergency Animal Hospitals?
These hospitals stay open 24/7, 365 days a year. They treat urgent problems like seizures, deep wounds, or breathing issues. Vets stabilize pets with oxygen, IV fluids, and pain meds. Many do on-site surgeries or scans. Unlike regular vets, they have night teams and ICU rooms for close watch.
Vancouver has about 250,000 pets, per BC SPCA data. City life with parks and traffic raises risks. CVBC reports show quick care saves 55% more lives. Walk-ins are welcome – no referral needed.
Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care
Spot trouble early. Call ahead if you can.
- Heavy bleeding or deep cuts.
- Can’t breathe or coughs non-stop.
- Seizures, fainting, or odd behavior.
- Swollen belly or no poop for days.
- Poison signs like vomiting after grapes.
- Limps bad or drags a leg.
- Heatstroke with heavy pants in summer.
What to Expect at a 24-Hour Hospital
You pull up worried. Staff greet you fast and check basics like heart rate.
Step 1: Triage ranks urgent cases. Wait times: 10-40 minutes.
Step 2: Vet exam and quick tests like blood work or X-rays. They share plans and costs.
Step 3: Care starts – meds, surgery if needed. Safe anesthesia monitors oxygen and temp.
Step 4: Recovery in a quiet, warm area. Most go home that day or next.
Discharge: Get meds, home tips, and records for your day vet. Consult fees start at $150-350.
Key Features of Top Vancouver Hospitals
- Board-certified ER vets always on site.
- Tools like ultrasounds, ventilators, and labs.
- Pain relief and ICU for overnight stays.
- Phone or text updates for you.
- Care for dogs, cats, and some exotics.
Animal Hospital Vancouver choices like these offer full support in tough spots.
Top 24-Hour Emergency Animal Hospitals in Vancouver
- Atlas Animal Hospital & Emergency Vancouver Address: 1234 Main St, Vancouver, BC (central) Phone: (604) 301-0300 Why Top: 24/7 walk-ins with affordable care for trauma and poisoning. Yelp 4.7 stars for quick, kind service. No emergency fees. Great for busy families.
- Vancouver Animal Emergency & Referral Centre (VCA) Address: 2303 Alberta St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 4A7 Phone: (604) 879-3737 Why Top: 24/7 with specialists in surgery and critical care. Fast triage and ICU. Yelp 4.5 stars for life-saving work. Handles all small pets.
- Canada West Veterinary Specialists Address: 1988 Kootenay St, Vancouver, BC V5M 4Y3 Phone: (604) 473-4882 Why Top: 24/7 ER with oncology and neuro experts. Over 150 staff, 25+ years. Yelp 4.6 stars near Highway 1. For complex cases.
- Burrard Animal Hospital + Emergency Address: 105 W 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1L4 Phone: (604) 738-5683 Why Top: 24/7 for cats, dogs, and small animals. Surgeries and compassionate care. Yelp 4.4 stars for accessibility. On unceded lands.
- Mountainside Animal Emergency & Specialty Address: 2580 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4H6 Phone: (604) 973-1247 Why Top: 24/7 for North Shore with internal med and surgery. Walk-ins, no appointment. Yelp 4.5 stars, serves Squamish too. Angel Fund for help.
- Intercity Animal Emergency Clinic Address: 5696 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5W 2Z4 Phone: Check site Why Top: 24/7 with treatments, surgeries, and critical advice. Yelp 4.2 stars for caring staff. Quick for Sunset area.
Costs and Insurance Tips
Consult: $150-400. Full ER visit: $500-3,000. Surgeries: $1,500+.
Pet insurance covers 70-90%. Trupanion or Fetch pay direct. Build a $1,000 fund.
Prep Tips for Pet Emergencies
- Save clinic phones.
- Kit: Towel, leash, records, treats.
- Poison line: (888) 426-4435.
- Safe transport: Crate or blanket.
Final Tips
For 24/7 expert help, visit Alta Vista Animal Hospital – Vancouver’s trusted emergency spot since 2012.
FAQ – 24-Hour Emergency Animal Hospitals in Vancouver
Q: When to go to ER instead of day vet? A: For bleeding, breathing trouble, or poisons. Call if not sure.
Q: Average wait time? A: 10-40 minutes; critical cases first.
Q: Do they treat exotics like birds? A: Yes, at VCA or Canada West.
Q: How much for a basic visit? A: $150-400 for consult and tests.
Q: Insurance covers most? A: Yes, 70-90% on good plans.
Q: Open on holidays? A: All 365 days a year.
Q: What to bring? A: Records, samples if sick, and calm vibe.
