Emergency Care

As San Francisco’s first round-the-clock veterinary hospital, with a veterinary staff of thirteen full-time doctors and two board certified specialists, Pets Unlimited is committed to providing the highest level of care to pets and their human caretakers.

Since we began operating as a 24-hour facility in 1989, we have treated thousands of traumatized, injured and sick animals. With the goal of offering state-of-the-art veterinary care, our renovated facilities offer extensive emergency and critical care services.

Do you have a pet emergency?

When you are faced with such a situation, try to remain calm. Acting quickly and decisively may be critical in saving your pet’s life. You may need to bring your dog or cat to a veterinarian right away. Keep the phone number of the closest 24-hour veterinary hospital or emergency clinic and directions in an easily accessible location. It is best to call ahead and notify the hospital so they may prepare for your arrival. Try to explain the symptoms in clear, concise, and specific terms.

Signs of an emergency

• Repeated vomiting
• Rapid weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe lethargy
• Bloated or distended abdomen
• Watery, bloody, or severe diarrhea
• Frequent urination or inability to urinate
• Lameness – not bearing weight or limping severely
• Loss of appetite – your pet has not eaten in one or more days
• Eye problems – pawing at eyes or squinting, swelling/discharge from one or both eyes
• Poisoning – your pet has ingested any toxins such as anti-freeze, rat or slug bait, or any medications not prescribed by a veterinarian

What should I do prior to bringing my pet to the veterinary hospital?

• If your pet is bleeding: Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
• If your pet has a broken limb: Restrict walking, apply a splint or wrap to the effected limb. If bone is exposed, cover the wound with a clean or sterile dressing.
• If your pet is in shock: Wrap them in a blanket to preserve body heat, remove any fluid or vomit from the oral cavity.
• If your pet has ingested any poison: Bring any labels or containers with you. Call your local veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control Center (800-548-2423) if you have questions regarding potential poisoning.

Do not administer any medications not prescribed by your veterinarian!

Many common household medicines are very toxic to animals. Tylenol will cause liver failure in cats and aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) can cause gastric ulceration and kidney problems in domestic animals.

How We Can Help

In order to meet the needs of San Francisco Bay Area pet owners, Pets Unlimited is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our excellent and compassionate veterinary, technical, and ICU staff is available at all hours of the day and night and throughout weekends and holidays to evaluate, diagnose, and treat critically ill, sick, and traumatized animals.

Pets Unlimited is a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital offering 24-hour critical care, in-house laboratory testing, radiology, and emergency surgery. We also offer advanced diagnostics including ultrasound and endoscopy, and work closely with several veterinary specialists in the Bay Area.

If you have any questions regarding our Emergency Services, pet emergencies, or your pet’s health care in general, please call us at (415) 563-6700.