
Emergency Care

No pet parent wants to think about
an emergency involving their dog or cat.
Something happens to your pet that you don’t expect.
Whether your precious pup snatched a pan of brownies off the counter, your curious cat took a bite of a poisonous plant, or your pet requires emergency care for any other reason, we are here to lend a helping hand. At Animal Cove Pet Hospital, we provide animal emergency care during business hours and will do everything we can to care for your sick or injured pet. When every second counts and you need an emergency vet in Foster City, depend on our experienced team of veterinary professionals.

Common Animal Emergencies

We are committed to providing compassionate and effective emergency care to animals when they need it most. While many issues can wait until you are able to schedule an appointment, others need to be addressed immediately. Many pet owners are unsure of what constitutes an emergency, though. If you are unsure whether your pet needs emergency care, please call us for advice. A member of our staff will gladly advise you over the phone.
In addition, here are a few situations that always warrant seeing an emergency vet:
- Bleeding from the nose, eyes, ears, mouth, or rectum
- Ingestion of or exposure to known toxins or poisons
- Ingestion of foreign objects (showing immediate symptoms)
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Choking or difficulty breathing
- Difficulty during labor or delivery
- Injuries from being hit by a car
- Severe wounds and lacerations
- Hard, distended abdomen
- Difficulty passing urine for a male cat
Important Service Notice
Please be aware that while Animal Cove Pet Hospital is equipped to handle many pet emergencies and can stabilize pets for transport, we are not a full-service emergency hospital.
For pets experiencing life-threatening emergencies, such as choking, difficulty breathing, or labor/delivery complications, it’s crucial to seek immediate care at a full-service emergency facility.
For such emergencies, we recommend the following nearby emergency hospitals:
Our primary goal is to ensure your pet receives the immediate emergency care they need. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s situation is an emergency or if it can be stabilized and transported, please don’t hesitate to call us for advice. Our staff is here to assist you over the phone and guide you to the best course of action.

Pet Emergency Care FAQs
How can I tell if my pet's condition is an emergency?
Signs of an emergency include severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, seizures, or the ingestion of toxic substances. For anything life-threatening, you should contact a full-service pet emergency facility. If you’re unsure whether your pet is experiencing an emergency, you can call us during our business hours for guidance.
What should I do if my pet swallows a toxin or poison?
How can I prepare for a pet emergency?
Keep our contact information and the numbers for nearby emergency facilities readily accessible, such as in your phone and/or hung on your fridge. Have a pet first aid kit on hand and familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures for pets.
What information should I provide when calling about a pet emergency issue?
Be prepared to describe your pet’s symptoms, any recent accidents or incidents, and any known medical conditions or medications. This information helps our staff assess the situation and provide the best guidance.
Do you accept emergency walk-ins for pets?
We appreciate a call in advance of your arrival. This allows us to prepare or to refer you to an animal ER if needed.
Animal Emergency Care in Foster City and San Mateo
At Animal Cove Pet Hospital, it is our sincere hope that you never have to face an emergency involving your beloved pet. If you do, though, our experienced team will be here to help. For animal emergency care in Foster City, call or bring your pet in now.
Animal Cove Pet Hospital provides animal emergency care for Foster City, San Mateo, Redwood City, Belmont, San Carlos, and the Peninsula.
