Pet Urgent & Emergency Care in San Marcos, CA

Twin Oaks Animal Hospital provides same-day urgent care for dogs and cats during regular business hours in San Marcos, CA. When your pet needs to be seen quickly, our team is ready to help.

Contact Us After-Hours Care

small tan and white puppy sleeps curled up on a gray upholstered sofa

resting white cat curled up on a textured blanket

What Is Pet Urgent & Emergency Care?

Our hospital is fully prepared to handle a wide range of urgent situations during regular business hours. If possible, please call us before you arrive so our team can prepare for your pet’s arrival. If necessary, we can also refer you to a specialty emergency practice.

We understand how stressful an emergency can feel. Having a pet urgent care vet you trust can make a real difference. Prompt attention often plays a role in how well a pet responds to treatment.

After-Hours Emergency Care

Our hospital does not provide 24-hour emergency service. After hours, we recommend contacting one of the trusted local emergency clinics below. Both are fully staffed and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

California Veterinary Specialists
2310 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 431-2273
Website: californiaveterinaryspecialists.com

Veterinary Specialty Hospital
2055 Montiel Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: (760) 466-0600
Website: vshsd.com

If you suspect your pet ingested something toxic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

person in a white lab coat feeds a gray cat from a small treat while standing in an office with a computer

When to Seek Emergency Care

Below are some common signs that may signal a need for emergency care. Prompt attention can make a meaningful difference in how your pet responds to treatment. If your pet shows any of these signs, please call us or head to the nearest emergency clinic. We may also recommend pet laboratory testing or pet soft tissue surgery, depending on your pet’s needs.

Unconsciousness
Heavy bleeding
Foaming at the mouth
Being hit by a car
Seizures or tremors
Lethargy
Blue, purple, or pale gums or tongue
Open-mouth breathing in cats
Ingestion of snail bait, rat bait, antifreeze, medications, or other suspicious substances
Animal attacks or bite wounds
Snake, spider, or insect bites

Poisoning
Paralysis
Difficulty breathing
Cardiac emergencies
Diarrhea
Allergic reactions
Dehydration
Lacerations
Fractures
Burns
Heat or cold emergencies, such as heatstroke or shivering

brown and white puppy rests its head on a dark leather cushion

Why Emergency Preparedness Matters

Recognizing an emergency quickly can be the difference between a good outcome and a missed opportunity for care. Some conditions, like heatstroke or poisoning, can worsen rapidly without prompt treatment. Knowing which emergency clinics to contact after hours helps you act quickly when it matters most. Delaying care for a true emergency can put your pet at serious risk.

Prepared to Help When It Matters Most

Our team is trained to assess and stabilize a wide range of urgent conditions during business hours. We also maintain relationships with trusted local emergency clinics, so your pet has support around the clock.

tan dog lying on a light gray sofa with a gray cat resting beside it

FAQs About Pet Urgent & Emergency Care

What should I do if my pet has an emergency during business hours?

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Please call us right away so we can prepare for your arrival, or refer you elsewhere if needed.

What should I do if my pet has an emergency after hours?

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Please contact one of the local emergency clinics listed above, since our hospital doesn't offer overnight care.

What should I do if I think my pet ingested something toxic?

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Call us or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away, since prompt action can make a real difference.

Here for Your Pet When It Matters Most

Emergencies are stressful, and knowing where to turn can make all the difference. At Twin Oaks Animal Hospital, we’re ready to help with a wide range of urgent situations during business hours. When we’re closed, our trusted local emergency partners are there around the clock. Pet owners throughout the greater San Marcos area count on us to help guide them through stressful moments. Whatever the situation, we want you to feel prepared, not alone.