In an Emergency
The emergency team is dedicated to providing 24 hour emergency and critical care for companion animals. We serve both the family and the veterinary community as we accept “walk-in” urgent cases, direct transfers, and referrals from family veterinarians. The ER team stays in close communication with your family veterinarian (and specialists as needed) to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for your pet.
Our emergency department operates on a triage basis. We are always open and available (24/7, 365 days a year).
Common emergencies seen include trauma, injury, toxicities, intestinal upset, bowel obstruction, breathing difficulties, heart failure, acute illness secondary to infection, diabetes, kidney failure, pancreatitis, liver disease, and cancer. We provide on-site laboratory testing, advanced imaging, and critical care (including transfusions). We can readily provide emergency surgery and endoscopic services.
As long term members of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, all of our emergency veterinarians maintain a rigorous continuing education program specific to the management of emergency cases to continually enhance our services and capabilities.
Welcome to Vancouver Animal Emergency & Referral Centre
Our Hospital
The team at VCA Canada Vancouver Animal Emergency, which includes board-certified specialists, will work with you and your family veterinarian to offer you the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available. When emergencies occur, we're here for you 24/7. What could be more important?
If your pet has an emergency, please call us at 604-879-3737 so that we can anticipate your arrival. To help us accelerate the check-in process, complete our digital check-in form. We are offering a combination of in-person appointments and curbside service. Masks are currently mandatory in our facility and are available on site.
To manage this high demand, we may need to periodically implement our triage protocol when we're unable to see all patients. When this protocol is active, please follow the priority levels and instructions listed below. For current triage status, please call our hospital at 604-879-3737.
Priority 1 - Please come directly to the hospital.
Priority 2 - We will see your pet as soon as possible.
Priority 3 - We will see your pet as soon as possible, however please expect long wait times.
Priority 4 - Please contact your primary care veterinarian for next available appointment, or contact us again in 12 hours.
Please let us know right away if your pet’s condition changes at any time. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding. The safety of our teams, patients, and clients is our top priority.