Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation (LAASER) is the 24/7 emergency animal hospital in Los Angeles that also offers comprehensive specialty care. This guide covers how the 24/7 emergency service operates, the triage process, and the six board-certified specialty departments available on-site. It explains how to navigate appointments, referrals, and the collaborative care model that keeps your pet in one facility.
24/7 Emergency Care
Emergency veterinary care is available at LAASER 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No appointment is necessary for emergency visits. You can simply come to the hospital at any time, day or night. If you believe your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, it is recommended to call (323) 800-VETS (8387) so the team can prepare for your arrival. The hospital is located at 2500 N. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065.
The Triage Process
When you arrive, a triage technician promptly assesses your pet’s condition to determine the urgency of their medical needs. Pets are treated based on the severity of their condition through a process called triage. This ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients receive immediate attention. While the waiting room may appear quiet, the medical team is often actively caring for hospitalized patients, performing emergency surgeries, and stabilizing critical cases behind the scenes.
Common Emergency Symptoms
Seek emergency care if your pet is experiencing trauma, difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, suspected poisoning, persistent vomiting, significant bleeding, or difficulty urinating. Other signs include heatstroke, sudden paralysis, eye injuries, or known heart problems. Any condition that causes concern or seems significantly different from your pet’s normal behavior warrants immediate evaluation. If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition is an emergency, contacting the hospital for guidance is always appropriate.
Specialty Veterinary Services
LAASER provides six distinct specialty departments staffed by board-certified and residency-trained specialists. These services are available by appointment. If your primary care veterinarian has referred your pet, or if you are seeking care from one of these departments, you can call (323) 800-VETS (8387) to schedule an appointment. Completing the Patient Registration Form prior to your visit allows the team to review your pet’s medical history and coordinate referral records.
Emergency and Critical Care
The Emergency and Critical Care team aligns with the standards of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC). Critically ill or injured pets who need round-the-clock care are given doctors and teams heavily experienced in working in emergency units. This department handles the initial stabilization and ongoing intensive care for patients with severe conditions.
Internal Medicine and Cardiology
Internal medicine specialists are board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). They manage complex conditions involving the gastrointestinal, endocrine, respiratory, kidney, liver, and immune systems. Cardiology services are offered one week of the month. Cardiologists are board-certified in Internal Medicine with a sub-specialty in cardiology and use advanced diagnostics such as echocardiography and Holter ECG monitoring to manage heart disease.
Neurology, Surgery, and Rehabilitation
The Neurology and Neurosurgery team sees appointments Monday through Thursday and performs consults for the Critical Care and Emergency service on other days. They address conditions such as seizures, spinal disorders, and paralysis. The Surgery department offers advanced soft tissue, orthopedic, and emergency surgical procedures, including fracture stabilization and arthroscopy. Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine focuses on pain management and functional recovery using therapies like underwater treadmills, laser therapy, and acupuncture.
| Specialty Department | Key Focus Areas | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency & Critical Care | Stabilization, ICU, Trauma | 24/7 |
| Internal Medicine | Chronic disease, Endocrinology, Urology | By Appointment |
| Cardiology | Heart disease, Echocardiography | One week per month |
| Neurology & Neurosurgery | Seizures, Spinal disorders | Mon-Thu (Consults other days) |
| Surgery | Orthopedics, Soft tissue, Oncology | By Appointment |
| Rehabilitation | Physical therapy, Acupuncture | By Appointment |
Key Takeaways
- LAASER is a 24/7 emergency hospital located in the Glassell Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
- No appointment is needed for emergencies, but calling ahead helps the team prepare.
- Triage determines the order of treatment based on the severity of the pet's condition.
- Six specialty departments operate under one roof, including Neurology, Surgery, and Cardiology.
- Specialty appointments require a referral or direct scheduling via phone or the Pet Parent Portal.
- Board-certified specialists collaborate with the emergency team to provide seamless continuity of care.
- Payment options include Cherry, which offers 0% APR plans and no hard credit checks.
- Referring veterinarians can submit records via an online portal to expedite the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to visit LAASER for specialty care?
Yes, specialty services are available by appointment. If your primary care veterinarian has referred your pet, or if you are seeking care from a specialty department, please call to schedule an appointment. You may also complete the Patient Registration Form prior to your visit.
Is LAASER open for emergency veterinary care?
Yes, the Emergency team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No appointment is necessary for emergency visits. You can come to the hospital any time, day or night.
What happens when my pet arrives at the emergency hospital?
One of our triage technicians will promptly assess your pet’s condition to determine the urgency of their medical needs. Pets are treated based on the severity of their condition through a process called triage, ensuring that the most critically ill or injured patients receive immediate attention.
Does LAASER accept pet insurance or financing options?
LAASER accepts various payment options, including Cherry, a buy now, pay later company. Cherry offers 0% APR options and interest-bearing plans with APRs as low as 5.99%. There are no hard credit checks, and applications take about 60 seconds to complete.
What is a veterinary specialist?
A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed extensive additional education and clinical training in a particular area of veterinary medicine. Following veterinary school, specialists typically complete advanced training that may include an internship and a multi-year residency.
How can I schedule an appointment with a specialist?
You can call (323) 800-VETS (8387) to schedule an appointment. You may also submit an appointment request from the Pet Parent Portal. Providing your information in advance allows our team to review your pet’s medical history and coordinate referral records.
Conclusion
Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation provides a seamless bridge between urgent crisis management and long-term specialized treatment. By housing six specialty departments within a 24/7 emergency facility, LAASER ensures that your pet receives advanced diagnostics and targeted therapy without the stress of multiple transfers. Whether you are facing a sudden emergency or managing a chronic condition, the collaborative approach of the LAASER team prioritizes the well-being and comfort of every patient. To plan your visit or schedule a specialty appointment, today.