24/7 Emergency Vet Hospitals in Los Angeles: Your Complete Guide

When your dog or cat faces a medical crisis at 2 a.m., knowing where to go can save their life. Los Angeles is home to several emergency and specialty veterinary hospitals that never close, operating around the clock every day of the year. With more than 163 million pet dogs and cats in the U.S. and rising veterinary costs, having a plan before an emergency strikes is more important than ever. This guide covers the top 24/7 emergency vet hospitals in Los Angeles so you can act fast when seconds count.

Why 24/7 Emergency Vet Access Matters

A 24/7 emergency vet hospital is a veterinary facility that provides urgent and critical care for animals at any hour, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Unlike general practice clinics that close in the evening, these hospitals are staffed with emergency-trained veterinarians ready to stabilize and treat life-threatening conditions on the spot.

According to AVMA data, 77.5 million U.S. households owned at least one pet in 2025. That enormous pet population means emergency rooms see everything from toxin ingestions to traumatic injuries every single night. Pet emergencies do not follow a schedule, and having a trusted hospital identified in advance eliminates dangerous delays.

Top 24/7 Emergency Vet Hospitals in Los Angeles

LAASER (Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation)

LAASER is a 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital located in the Glassell Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with no appointment needed. LAASER's staff includes board-certified specialists in emergency and critical care, cardiology, dentistry and oral surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, internal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, and rehabilitation. The hospital features a 32-slice CT scanner, digital radiography, fluoroscopic imaging, and advanced ultrasound. You can reach LAASER anytime at 323-800-VETS (8387).

Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital (MASH)

MASH is a locally owned emergency and specialty hospital located at 6565 Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. MASH offers specialties including internal medicine, surgery, oncology, dentistry, dermatology, neurology, and ophthalmology alongside its emergency department.

TrueCare for Pets Los Angeles (BluePearl)

TrueCare for Pets is a 24-hour emergency vet and specialty hospital in Studio City. Established originally as the Animal Emergency Centre in 1980, it serves as the primary veterinary blood and anti-venom bank for the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles. The facility is AAHA-accredited and offers CT scanning, fluoroscopy, and minimally invasive surgical equipment.

VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital

VCA West Los Angeles, located at 1900 S. Sepulveda Blvd, provides emergency and critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The emergency department is staffed by board-certified critical care specialists who work closely with surgery, internal medicine, and cardiology services.

VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) Santa Monica

VEG Santa Monica is an emergency-only hospital open 24/7 near the intersection of Wilshire Blvd and Princeton St. VEG uses an open-concept floor plan that allows pet parents to stay with their animals throughout treatment. No appointment is needed.

Side-by-Side Comparison

What to Expect at an Emergency Vet Visit

Triage is the process by which emergency patients are prioritized based on the severity of their condition. When you arrive at a 24/7 hospital like LAASER, the veterinary team will quickly assess your pet's vital signs and determine how urgently they need treatment. Pets with life-threatening conditions are seen first.

Expect the team to perform diagnostics such as bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasound to identify the problem. Once stabilized, the emergency veterinarian will discuss a treatment plan and may refer your pet to an in-house specialist for conditions requiring advanced care, like surgery or neurology consultation.

Costs to Consider

Emergency vet visits typically cost more than routine appointments due to after-hours staffing and advanced equipment. According to the 2025 AVMA Sourcebook, the average reported cost of the last veterinary visit was $200, but emergency and specialty visits can run significantly higher depending on the diagnostics and procedures required.

When Should You Visit an Emergency Vet?

Not every health concern requires an emergency room visit, but certain situations demand immediate attention. Bring your pet to a 24/7 emergency hospital if they experience:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Seizures or sudden collapse
• Trauma from a fall, car accident, or animal fight
• Suspected toxin ingestion (chocolate, xylitol, rat poison, etc.)
• Uncontrolled bleeding or a deep wound
• Inability to urinate (especially in male cats)
• Bloated or distended abdomen with retching

A board-certified emergency and critical care specialist is a veterinarian who has completed intensive additional training in treating life-threatening conditions. Hospitals like LAASER that employ these specialists can provide a higher level of stabilization and ongoing critical care.

How to Prepare for a Pet Emergency

Build an Emergency Kit

Keep a folder with your pet's vaccination records, current medications, and your regular veterinarian's contact information. Store the phone number of your nearest 24/7 hospital in your phone. For LAASER, that number is 323-800-VETS (8387).

Know Your Route

Drive to your chosen emergency hospital during a non-emergency so you know exactly how long it takes. At 3 a.m., you do not want to be searching for directions for the first time.

Call Ahead When Possible

If your pet is stable enough to allow it, call the hospital before you arrive. The team can provide first-aid guidance over the phone and prepare for your pet's arrival. LAASER and other 24/7 hospitals welcome walk-ins, but a quick call helps the team triage effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Los Angeles has multiple veterinary hospitals open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• LAASER in Glassell Park offers both emergency and multi-specialty care under one roof, including neurology, surgery, cardiology, and dentistry.
• Triage systems at emergency hospitals prioritize patients by the severity of their condition, not arrival order.
• Common emergencies include trauma, seizures, toxin ingestion, breathing difficulty, and urinary obstruction.
• Board-certified emergency and critical care specialists provide the highest level of urgent veterinary treatment.
• Calling ahead, even briefly, helps the hospital prepare and can improve your pet's outcome.
• The U.S. pet population now exceeds 163 million dogs and cats, making emergency preparedness a growing priority for households nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment at a 24/7 emergency vet in Los Angeles?

No. Hospitals like LAASER, MASH, TrueCare for Pets, VCA West LA, and VEG Santa Monica all accept walk-ins around the clock. Calling ahead is helpful but not required.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost in Los Angeles?

Costs vary depending on the severity of the condition and the diagnostics needed. An initial emergency exam and basic stabilization may range from $200 to $500, while advanced procedures such as surgery or overnight ICU care can cost several thousand dollars. Ask for an estimate once the veterinarian has assessed your pet.

What is the difference between an emergency vet and a specialty vet?

An emergency veterinarian focuses on stabilizing and treating acute, life-threatening conditions at any hour. A specialty veterinarian is board-certified in a specific discipline such as neurology, cardiology, or surgery. Hospitals like LAASER combine both under one roof so patients can seamlessly transition from emergency to specialty care.

Can I stay with my pet during emergency treatment?

Policies vary by hospital. Some facilities allow pet parents in the treatment area, while others provide regular updates from a dedicated team member. Contact your chosen hospital to confirm their policy.

What should I bring to an emergency vet visit?

Bring any medical records you have on hand, a list of your pet's current medications, and information about what may have caused the emergency (e.g., a photo of a substance your pet ingested). Having your regular veterinarian's contact details helps the emergency team coordinate follow-up care.

Is LAASER open on holidays?

Yes. LAASER's emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. No appointment is needed.

How do I know if my pet's situation is a true emergency?

When in doubt, call a 24/7 emergency hospital. The veterinary team can help you assess the situation over the phone and advise whether an immediate visit is necessary. It is always better to err on the side of caution with symptoms like difficulty breathing, seizures, or sudden lethargy.

Do Not Wait When Your Pet Needs Help

If your dog or cat is experiencing a medical emergency in Los Angeles, contact LAASER immediately at 323-800-VETS (8387). Our emergency department is open right now, no appointment needed. Walk in or call ahead so our board-certified team can start helping your pet the moment you arrive.