It's frightening when you're faced with an emergency and your pet needs immediate veterinary care. If your pet is in need of emergency veterinary care please call us immediately. By calling ahead we can be prepared for your pet's arrival.

• Helping Your Pet in an Emergency

• What to Expect When You Arrive

• What is an Emergency?
  
  

Helping Your Pet in an Emergency

Call Ahead
Please call ahead if your pet needs emergency care. Calling ahead will alert our staff to the nature of your cat's emergency and will help us prepare to meet you when you arrive -- saving valuable treatment time when every minute counts. Staff may also give you instructions on how to assist your pet if they are in distress, helping them stay safe and comfortable en route to the hospital.

Use a Pet Carrier
Please keep your pet—and everyone else—as safe as possible. Please use a carrier. If you do not have a carrier, we will provide one for you prior to your entrance into the hospital.

Drive Safely
You'll be safer, and it will minimize the stress on your injured or sick pet. Most of all, breathe! We understand that it's a stressful time. We'll do all we can to make you and your pet comfortable.

Amador Valley Veterinary Center is only open for Emergencies:
Monday - Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm

Saturday CLOSED
Sunday CLOSED

If you are experiencing a pet medical emergency outside of these days and times, please call Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care in San Ramon at 925.866.8387. Several of our veterinarians also work at BRVC and your pet's records will be accessible to the hospital.

BRVC Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday - Sunday 8:00am to 8:00pm

BRVC has 24-hour patient care for hospitalized pets.
BRVC Address:
2000 Bishop Drive
San Ramon, CA 94583
​​​​​​Get Directions

What to Expect When You Arrive

Arrival
Now that you have called ahead, our staff is prepared and expecting you. You will be met by the reception staff or members of our medical team.

Assessment and Triage
Your pet will immediately be triaged, and depending on their condition, you and your pet will either be seen by one of our veterinarians in an examination room or in the event of a potentially life-threatening emergency your pet will be immediately taken to our treatment area to be assessed by our emergency medical team.

Wait Times
Pets that are stable will be examined by a doctor within 30 to 60 minutes of arrival. Pets with a life-threatening situation will be treated immediately. Pets are treated based on the seriousness of their condition and arrival time. Appointments are not required for pets that are in need of urgent care.

Fees
The examination fee for an emergency is $140.00. Your pet's treatment plan and cost of care will be discussed with you after the initial exam.

What is an Emergency?

When you are experiencing an emergency with your pet, we provide the compassionate care your pet needs. We know it is sometimes difficult to determine if your pet is in crisis, which is why we encourage you to call and speak with one of our veterinarians or staff members prior to arrival.
Our staff can answer your question, ease your mind, and provide information that will help you make a decision regarding your pet's medical care.

However, if you are concerned enough to call us, it is usually best to bring your pet in for a visit. Beginning treatment immediately may save a life, shorten recovery time and reduce costs.

Since pets can't talk to us, it can be difficult to determine if some situations are truly emergencies. Trust your instincts and "if in doubt, check it out" with a veterinarian.
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The following is a list of common signs that may require urgent care:

• Bites (insect, snake, other animals, etc.)

• Burns

• Bleeding that won't stop

• Crying out

• Difficulty breathing

• Persistent coughing

• Eye injury or squinting

• Excessive head shaking and scratching

• Trauma, such as being hit by a car

• Straining to urinate or defecate

• Sudden limping

• Sudden loss of appetite

• Suspected heatstroke

• Swollen or painful abdomen

• Lacerations

• Seizures, fainting, or collapse

• Unusual behavior, such as aggressiveness or lethargy

• Unexplained trembling

• Difficulty delivering kittens

• Repeated vomiting

• Ingestion of a foreign object

• Weakness in limbs/Inability to walk

• Suspected poisoning