Let’s say you’re in your pajamas when you notice your dog is having trouble breathing or your kitty has just vomited for the third time. You want to speak to a veterinarian, but it’s late—your regular vet’s office closed hours ago. What’s a nervous pet owner to do?

At The Drake Center, we want our clients to be prepared in case something comes up after hours. Put this cheat sheet on the refrigerator and you’ll never have to worry if an emergency presents itself in the middle of the night.

Call us: One of our doctors is on call until 10 p.m., seven days a week.

When you call our office after hours, an answering service will take your call and transfer you to the on-call veterinarian. If it’s after 10 p.m., don’t worry. Our answering service will still take your call and refer you to another 24-hour facility in the area. A doctor or technician at this facility can then assess your situation over the phone and let you know whether your pet needs to be seen immediately or if the case can wait for your regular vet.

When not to call: Keep in mind that true emergencies should not wait. If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms below, please take him/her to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.

  • Massive injuries to the body
  • Seizures
  • Burns and scalds
  • Heat stroke
  • Bites and fight wounds
  • Continuous vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Eclampsia (milk fever)
  • Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (watery, bloody diarrhea)
  • Bloat (gastric dilation)
  • Any severe difficulty in breathing
  • Cardiac failure
  • Massive hemorrhage
  • Profound shock from any cause
  • Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
  • Penetrating wounds of the chest or abdomen
  • Coma and loss of consciousness
  • Poisoning

Our referral hospitals, their phone numbers and addresses are listed below. Please review this information carefully and keep it easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

  • Veterinary Specialty Hospital, Sorrento Valley

10435 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121

(858) 875-7500

  • Veterinary Specialty Hospital, San Marcos

2055 Montiel Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069

(760) 466-0600

  • California Veterinary Specialists

2310 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

(760) 431-2273

  • VCA North Coast Animal Hospital

414 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 632-1072