When your pet is suddenly unwell or injured, Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver is here to help. We see urgent and emergency cases during clinic hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call ahead at (604) 221-5858 so our team can prepare for your arrival. For emergencies outside our hours, please contact VCA Canada Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre at (604) 879-3737, 2303 Alberta Street, Vancouver.
Pets involved in sudden accidents, including vehicle impacts, falls from height, or blunt trauma, should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, even if they appear to be walking normally. Internal injuries are not always visible on the outside. Our team will stabilize your pet, assess for shock and internal concerns, manage pain, and guide you through the next steps. Call (604) 221-5858 while on your way so we can prepare for your arrival.
A seizure lasting more than two minutes, a cluster of seizures, or sudden collapse in a pet that was previously normal is a medical emergency. These events can indicate neurological, metabolic, or cardiac conditions requiring urgent assessment. Keep your pet away from furniture and hazards during a seizure, time the event if you safely can, and call us immediately. Our team will assess and stabilize your pet and discuss further workup options depending on the findings.
Severe allergic reactions in pets can develop rapidly and may cause facial swelling, hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse. Common triggers include insect stings, vaccines, certain foods, and environmental exposures. If your pet shows signs of a significant allergic reaction, call (604) 221-5858 right away and head directly to our clinic. Rapid supportive care can prevent a mild reaction from becoming life-threatening.
Urinary blockage, particularly in male cats, is a painful and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Signs include straining at the litter box without producing urine, crying out, frequent trips to the box, or a hunched posture. Do not wait to see if the situation resolves on its own. Call (604) 221-5858 right away. Our team will assess the severity and provide the most appropriate supportive care and management.
Pyometra is a serious uterine infection that can develop in intact female dogs and cats, often following a heat cycle. Signs may include lethargy, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, or a swollen abdomen. Open pyometra may present with vaginal discharge. This condition can deteriorate rapidly and requires prompt assessment. Our team will evaluate the severity, discuss the most appropriate management options with you, and support your pet through the process.
Dogs and cats sometimes swallow objects that can become lodged in the stomach or intestines. Signs include repeated vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal pain. If you suspect your pet has swallowed something, call us immediately at (604) 221-5858. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by our team, and never pull on string or ribbon that may be visible at the mouth or rectum. Imaging can help us assess the situation quickly.
Sudden lameness, limping, or an unwillingness to bear weight on a limb can result from soft tissue injury, a joint problem, a paw laceration, or a fracture. Our team will assess the affected area, manage pain, and determine whether imaging is needed to clarify the nature of the injury. We will provide a clear plan for immediate management and follow-up, and refer for surgical care if indicated.
Although Vancouver has a temperate climate, heatstroke can occur during hot weather, after vigorous exercise, or when a pet is confined in an enclosed space. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, disorientation, and red or pale gums. Begin cooling your pet with cool (not ice cold) water and call (604) 221-5858 immediately. Heatstroke can cause serious organ damage even when a pet appears to be recovering, and prompt veterinary assessment is essential.
If your pet needs urgent care, call (604) 221-5858 right away. Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver is open seven days a week. For emergencies after hours, contact VCA Canada Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre at (604) 879-3737, 2303 Alberta Street, Vancouver.
