Have an emergency? Don’t wait! Come in now! No appointment required!

Every day, our doctors and staff get questions from caring pet owners about how to best care for their pets and about our clinic. We’ve created this FAQ page to answer some of the most common questions we receive. Don’t see your question below? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

What types of animals does Escondido Veterinary Emergency see?

We only treat cats and dogs. In cases where a pocket pet (bird, hamster, etc.) is suffering and needs to be humanely euthanized, we can provide this service but any other forms of treatment for species other than cats and dogs would need to be performed at a different hospital (we can provide you with information for other hospitals that will treat your pocket pet).

How long are your wait times?

Every attempt will be made to minimize wait times but given the nature of emergency medicine it could be anywhere from no waiting to several hours. We always advise calling in ahead of time and we can give you a general idea of what to expect. If your pet does not have a life-threatening emergency, it is always best to come in outside of the “busy hours” which are typically from 6 pm-10 pm weekdays and from 10 am-2 pm on weekends.

What types of cases do you treat?

Whether it’s a broken toenail or anaphylactic shock, AUC will treat most conditions that present to us. For cases that are not life-threatening and your primary veterinarian is able and willing to treat, we will advise that you make an appointment with them. We also do not perform routine procedures on healthy pets such as spays, neuters, dentals, and vaccinations.

Why can’t you give me a price quote over the phone?

The only services we can quote over the phone is our examination fee and the cost for euthanasia; everything else would require an examination first. Then, based on the doctor’s findings and recommendations, a treatment plan will be created and provided prior to proceeding.

Do you accept appointments?

We do not accept appointments and patients are seen strictly on a first come/first serve basis. Similar to human emergency hospitals, preference will be given to the most urgent cases first followed by those who have been waiting the longest.

How does Escondido Veterinary ER communicate with my primary veterinarian?

We work very closely with local veterinarians which is vital to the continuity of your pet’s health care. Every patient that is seen at we will automatically have their records (including all diagnostics) sent to your primary veterinarian during or immediately following your visit here.

What types of payment do you accept?

As with most other veterinary hospitals, we does not accept payment plans so all services provided will require payment up front (which can be in the form of cash, check or credit card). We also accept all forms of pet insurance as well as medical credit such as Care Credit or Scratch Pay.