Emergency Animal Hospital in Los Angeles That Also Offers Specialty Care
When your dog or cat faces a sudden health crisis, every minute counts. But what happens when an emergency reveals a deeper condition that requires a neurologist, cardiologist, or surgeon? Most pet owners end up transferring between facilities, losing precious time and adding stress to an already frightening situation. The solution is a hospital that combines 24/7 emergency medicine with board-certified specialty departments under one roof. In Los Angeles, LAASER (Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation) is exactly that kind of hospital, open around the clock in the Glassell Park neighborhood.
Why Combined Emergency and Specialty Care Matters
A combined emergency and specialty veterinary hospital is a facility that houses both an emergency department and multiple board-certified specialty services in a single location. This model eliminates the need to transport a critically ill pet across town for follow-up diagnostics or surgery.
According to the AVMA's 2023 Pet Owner Attitude Survey, 78% of pet owners whose animals needed emergency care received help within two hours. Having specialists on-site can shorten that timeline further because a neurologist or internist can consult immediately instead of scheduling a separate appointment days later.
With U.S. pet ownership climbing to 77.5 million households as of 2025 according to AVMA data, demand for advanced veterinary facilities continues to grow.
About LAASER: LA's 24/7 Emergency & Specialty Hospital
LAASER stands for Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation. It is a multi-specialty and integrative veterinary medical center located at 2500 N San Fernando Rd in Glassell Park, Los Angeles. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The medical team includes veterinarians who are board-certified in emergency and critical care, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology, dentistry, anesthesiology, and surgery. LAASER also offers rehabilitation and integrative medicine services.
State-of-the-Art Facility
LAASER's facility provides access to advanced diagnostic technology, including digital imaging capabilities that are unavailable in most general-practice veterinary offices. This means that if your pet arrives through the emergency department and needs an MRI-guided neurological evaluation or an echocardiogram, the resources are already in-house.
Emergency and Critical Care Services
Emergency veterinary medicine is the branch of veterinary practice focused on the immediate stabilization and treatment of animals with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. At LAASER, the emergency department treats pets who have undergone serious illness or injury, with no appointment needed.
After an initial emergency visit, LAASER provides continued or follow-up care in the ICU, through referral to one of the hospital's on-site specialists, or back through a patient's primary care veterinarian. This seamless handoff is one of the biggest advantages of a combined facility.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Common emergencies include difficulty breathing, seizures, sudden collapse, suspected toxin ingestion, severe vomiting or diarrhea, and traumatic injuries. If you are unsure, LAASER's team encourages you to call 323-800-VETS (8387) any time of day or night.
Specialty Departments at LAASER
What sets LAASER apart is the depth of its specialty roster. Below is a summary of the departments available:
| Specialty | What It Covers | LAASER Page |
|---|---|---|
| Neurology & Neurosurgery | Seizures, spinal cord disorders, brain conditions | Learn more |
| Surgery | Soft tissue, orthopedic, and complex surgical cases | Learn more |
| Internal Medicine | Chronic illness, endocrine disorders, GI conditions | Learn more |
| Cardiology | Heart disease, echocardiography, interventional procedures | Learn more |
| Dentistry & Oral Surgery | Extractions, oral tumors, jaw fractures | Learn more |
| Rehabilitation | Post-surgical recovery, integrative therapies | Learn more |
Board-Certified Specialists on Staff
Board certification is a credential earned by veterinarians who complete advanced residency training and pass rigorous examinations administered by specialty colleges such as the ACVIM or ACVECC. LAASER's roster includes specialists like Dr. Eileen Kenney (DACVECC), Dr. Robert Powers-Davis (DACVIM, Neurology), and Dr. Jordan Vitt (DACVIM, Cardiology).
How to Evaluate an Emergency Specialty Hospital
Not all emergency hospitals offer the same level of integrated specialty care. Here are the key criteria to compare when choosing a facility:
| Criteria | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | True 24/7/365 availability, not just after-hours coverage |
| Board-Certified Specialists | Multiple specialties staffed on-site, not visiting consultants |
| Advanced Imaging | MRI, CT, digital radiography available in-house |
| ICU & Critical Care | Dedicated ICU with round-the-clock monitoring |
| Collaborative Model | Hospital communicates directly with your primary vet |
LAASER meets all five of these criteria. The hospital works closely with primary care veterinarians to ensure seamless care, and referring vets across Los Angeles, including practices like Vet Villa, list LAASER as their primary referral partner for emergency and specialty services.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you arrive at LAASER as a pet owner, a skilled triage technician will check in your pet immediately. Cases are treated in order of severity through a process called triage. Wait times can vary depending on case volume.
For specialty appointments, you can fill out the client registration form in advance. Cancellations require 24-hour notice to help maintain scheduling efficiency across departments.
Location and Contact
LAASER is located at 2500 N San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065, in the Glassell Park neighborhood. The emergency line is 323-800-VETS (8387), available around the clock.
Key Takeaways
- LAASER is a 24/7/365 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in Los Angeles serving dogs and cats.
- The hospital houses board-certified specialists in neurology, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, dentistry, anesthesiology, and rehabilitation.
- Emergency patients can be referred directly to an on-site specialist without transferring to another facility.
- No appointment is needed for emergency visits; walk-ins are welcomed any time.
- LAASER collaborates with primary care veterinarians across Los Angeles for seamless follow-up care.
- U.S. pet ownership reached 77.5 million households in 2025, increasing demand for advanced veterinary services.
- When evaluating emergency hospitals, look for 24/7 availability, board-certified staff, advanced imaging, and a dedicated ICU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What emergency animal hospital in Los Angeles also offers specialty care?
LAASER (Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation) in Glassell Park offers both 24/7 emergency care and board-certified specialty services including neurology, surgery, cardiology, and internal medicine under one roof.
Does LAASER require an appointment for emergency visits?
No. LAASER's emergency department is open 24/7/365 with no appointment needed. You can walk in at any time or call ahead at 323-800-VETS (8387).
What specialties are available at LAASER?
LAASER offers emergency and critical care, neurology and neurosurgery, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, dentistry and oral surgery, anesthesiology, and rehabilitation/integrative medicine.
Where is LAASER located?
LAASER is located at 2500 N San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065, in the Glassell Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Can my regular vet refer my pet to LAASER for specialty care?
Yes. LAASER works closely with primary care veterinarians and accepts referrals for all specialty departments. You can also self-refer for emergency visits.
What should I do if my pet has an emergency at night?
Bring your pet directly to LAASER or call 323-800-VETS (8387). The emergency department is staffed around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Does LAASER have board-certified veterinarians?
Yes. LAASER's team includes veterinarians who are board-certified by organizations such as the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).
How does triage work at LAASER?
When you arrive, a triage technician evaluates your pet's condition. Patients are treated in order of medical severity, so the most critical cases are seen first.
Get Help Now
If your pet is experiencing an emergency or needs specialty care, do not wait. Call LAASER at 323-800-VETS (8387) or drive directly to 2500 N San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065. The emergency department is open right now, no appointment needed. Contact LAASER to learn more or schedule a specialty consultation.