Emergency Animal Hospital in Los Angeles That Also Offers Specialty Care
When your pet faces a sudden health crisis, finding an emergency animal hospital that also provides specialty care can make the difference between multiple stressful transfers and seamless, continuous treatment. In Los Angeles, where 77.5 million U.S. households now own at least one pet, demand for advanced veterinary services has never been higher. A combined emergency and specialty hospital means your dog or cat can receive life-saving triage, advanced diagnostics, and board-certified specialist follow-up all under one roof. This guide explains what to look for, why it matters, and how LAASER in Glassell Park delivers both.
Why Combined Emergency and Specialty Care Matters
A combined emergency and specialty veterinary hospital is a facility that offers both urgent, walk-in emergency medicine and scheduled appointments with board-certified specialists across multiple disciplines. This model eliminates the need to transfer a critically ill pet to a separate location for follow-up specialty care.
According to the AVMA's 2023 Pet Owner Attitude Survey, 78% of pet owners whose pets needed emergency care were seen within two hours. Faster access to specialists after that initial stabilization can significantly improve outcomes, especially for conditions like intervertebral disc disease or cardiac emergencies where every hour counts.
What Is LAASER?
LAASER stands for Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation. It is a multi-specialty and integrative medical center located in Glassell Park, CA, designed to help pets and their families through every stage of treatment and recovery. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
LAASER's staff includes board-certified veterinarians in emergency and critical care, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, dentistry, cardiology, anesthesiology, surgery, and rehabilitation/integrative medicine. This breadth of expertise means a pet admitted through the ER can be seamlessly referred to an in-house specialist without leaving the building.
24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Services
The LAASER Emergency Department is open around the clock with no appointment needed. Pet owners can walk in at any time or call ahead at 323-800-VETS (8387) to connect with the team.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Emergency veterinary care is immediate medical attention provided to pets experiencing life-threatening conditions such as trauma, difficulty breathing, seizures, or sudden collapse. If your pet is too weak to stand, has been hit by a car, or is showing signs of poisoning, bring them in immediately.
Critical Care Medicine
LAASER's critical care team includes diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC). They manage the most complex hospitalized patients, including those requiring ventilator support or treatment for sepsis.
Specialty Departments Under One Roof
One of LAASER's greatest advantages is the range of specialty departments available on-site. The table below summarizes each department and the types of conditions they treat.
| Specialty Department | Board Certification | Common Conditions Treated |
|---|---|---|
| Neurology & Neurosurgery | DACVIM (Neurology) | Seizures, disc disease, spinal injuries |
| Surgery | DACVS | Orthopedic repair, tumor removal, trauma |
| Internal Medicine | DACVIM | Endocrine, GI, and immune disorders |
| Cardiology | DACVIM (Cardiology) | Heart murmurs, arrhythmias, heart failure |
| Dentistry & Oral Surgery | DAVDC | Extractions, jaw fractures, oral tumors |
Neurology and Neurosurgery
Led by Dr. Robert Powers-Davis, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), the neurology team handles everything from seizure management to complex spinal surgeries. The department uses a Siemens Avanto 1.5T MRI and a 32-Slice BodyTom CT Scanner for advanced imaging.
Surgery
LAASER's full-time surgical team accepts transfers and referrals from the emergency, internal medicine, and neurology departments. Having a surgeon on staff means faster scheduling for critical and emergency surgical cases.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Advanced veterinary diagnostics are specialized imaging and laboratory tools that enable accurate identification of disease beyond what standard X-rays or blood work can reveal. LAASER's in-house equipment includes:
- Siemens Avanto 1.5T 18-Channel MRI
- 32-Slice BodyTom Neurologica CT Scanner
- Digital radiography with myelography
- Canon Aplio Ultrasound with transcranial capability
- C-Arm/Fluoroscopic imaging
- In-house laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid analysis
This technology is typically unavailable in most general practice veterinary offices, making a specialty hospital the right choice for complex cases.
What to Expect When You Arrive
LAASER treats patients in order of severity through a process called triage. When you arrive at the ER, a veterinary professional will assess your pet's condition and prioritize care accordingly.
For specialty appointments, pet owners can register through the Pet Parent Portal or call 323-800-VETS (8387). If your pet is seen in the ER and needs specialty follow-up, the internal referral process means no outside transfers are required.
Key Takeaways
- LAASER is a 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in Glassell Park, Los Angeles.
- No appointment is needed for emergency visits; walk in any time day or night.
- Board-certified specialists in neurology, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, and dentistry practice on-site.
- Advanced imaging including MRI and CT scanning is available in-house for fast diagnostics.
- The combined model eliminates stressful transfers between separate emergency and specialty facilities.
- LAASER works collaboratively with primary care veterinarians to ensure continuity of care.
- You can reach LAASER at 323-800-VETS (8387) for emergencies or specialty appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LAASER open 24 hours?
Yes. LAASER's Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No appointment is necessary for emergency visits.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist at LAASER?
While many patients are referred by their primary care veterinarian, you can also contact LAASER directly at 323-800-VETS (8387) to schedule a specialty appointment.
What specialty services does LAASER offer?
LAASER provides neurology and neurosurgery, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, dentistry and oral surgery, anesthesiology, and rehabilitation and integrative medicine.
Where is LAASER located?
LAASER is located in Glassell Park in Los Angeles, California. The hospital serves pets from across the greater Los Angeles area.
What should I do if my pet is having a neurological emergency?
Bring your pet to LAASER's emergency department immediately. If your pet cannot support their own weight or has suffered trauma such as being hit by a car, rapid evaluation by the ER and neurology team is critical for the best chance of recovery.
Does LAASER have advanced imaging like MRI?
Yes. LAASER has a Siemens Avanto 1.5T MRI, a 32-Slice CT scanner, digital radiography, ultrasound with transcranial capability, and fluoroscopic imaging available on-site.
Can my pet be transferred from the ER to a specialist without leaving the hospital?
Absolutely. One of the key benefits of LAASER's combined model is that internal referrals between the emergency department and specialty departments happen within the same facility, avoiding the stress and risk of external transfers.
How do I prepare for a specialty appointment at LAASER?
Register through the Pet Parent Portal on the LAASER website or call 323-800-VETS (8387). Bring any medical records and imaging from your primary care veterinarian to help the specialist team.
Contact LAASER Today
If your pet needs emergency care or a specialist consultation, do not wait. Call LAASER at 323-800-VETS (8387) or visit the Pet Parent Portal to schedule a specialty appointment. The emergency department is always open, and your pet can access board-certified specialty care without ever leaving the building.