Best Emergency & Critical Care Vets in California
When a pet emergency can't wait, these are the top 12 emergency & critical care practices serving California, ranked by rating and review volume. Call ahead to confirm hours and availability before you drive over.
Top-rated emergency & critical care practices in California
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1
Animal Specialty Group Inc: Coddon Emily DVM
Los Angeles, ca
- 2
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3
Veterinary Emergency Group
Larkspur, ca
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4
WAG Animal ER
San Diego, ca
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5
VEG ER for Pets
San Ramon, ca
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6
Veterinary Emergency Group
Encinitas, ca
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7
Veterinary Emergency Group
Palo Alto, ca
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8
Fountain Valley Emergency Pet Hospital
Fountain Valley, ca
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9
VEG ER for Pets
San Diego, ca
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10
Veterinary Emergency Group
Santa Monica, ca
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11
Veterinary Emergency Group
San Jose, ca
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12
IronHorse VetCare
Dublin, ca
Typical emergency procedure costs
National ballpark ranges — use a free estimator for a region- and case-adjusted figure before you call.
| Procedure | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hemodialysis & Renal Replacement Therapy | $3,000–$12,000 |
| Emergency Surgery | $1,500–$8,000 |
| Bloat / GDV Surgery (Gastropexy) | $3,000–$7,500 |
| Tracheal Stent | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Splenectomy (Spleen Removal) | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Veterinary ICU | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Cesarean Section (C-Section) | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Exploratory Surgery | $1,500–$5,000 |
| GI Foreign Body Surgery | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Pyometra Surgery (Emergency Spay) | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Bladder Stone Surgery (Cystotomy) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Blocked Cat Treatment (Urethral Obstruction) | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Pericardiocentesis (Draining Fluid Around the Heart) | $800–$2,500 |
| Wound Repair and Laceration Treatment | $300–$2,500 |
| Blood Transfusion | $400–$1,500 |
| Oxygen Therapy | $200–$1,200 |
| Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy | $150–$400 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does emergency veterinary care cost in California?
Emergency and critical-care procedures in California typically run from about $150 to $12,000 depending on the procedure, your pet's size, and case severity. A stabilization visit costs less than a major emergency surgery such as bloat (GDV) or a foreign-body removal. Use a free cost estimator for a region- and case-adjusted figure before you call.
What should I look for in an emergency vet?
Look for a hospital that is genuinely open when you need it — true 24/7 or clearly posted after-hours emergency hours — and, for critical cases, one with a board-certified criticalist (DACVECC) on staff. Board certification, on-site diagnostics and surgery, and an ICU are what separate an emergency and critical-care hospital from a daytime urgent-care clinic.
How many emergency vets are in California?
Our directory currently lists 42 emergency & critical care practices serving California. Availability changes, so call ahead to confirm a hospital is open and can take your pet before you drive over.
Browse every specialist in our California directory.