What happens during a pet emergency?
Whether it’s 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., needing emergency care for your pet is overwhelming. You’re anxious, unsure what’s going to happen, and probably wondering if you're doing the right thing.
At BluePearl Pet Hospital in Irvine, we care for emergency cases 24 hours a day – and we know that most pet owners have no idea what actually happens inside an animal ER. This article walks you through what to expect: Who you'll meet, what we evaluate, and how we treat pets in urgent situations.
Arrival and triage: What happens first?
When you arrive at BluePearl Irvine, a member of our medical team will perform a triage assessment – a quick, focused evaluation to determine how urgently your pet needs care.
- Critical patients are immediately taken into treatment.
- Stable patients are checked in and may wait briefly to be seen.
This process ensures the most severely ill or injured pets are treated first – just like in a human ER.
What makes BluePearl Irvine different?
Our 24/7 facility is equipped to handle a full range of emergencies – but what really sets us apart is our team. Our emergency doctors, technicians, and support staff are trained for high-pressure situations and complex cases.
We see everything from toxic ingestions to trauma to heatstroke – and we treat every pet as if they were our own.
We’re located near the 405 and 55 freeways, making us easily accessible from anywhere in Orange County. And we're open nights, weekends, and holidays – because emergencies don’t follow a schedule.
What you can do to help your pet (and your care team).
- Bring any packaging from suspected toxins
- Keep your pet calm and secure on arrival
- Know that if you’re separated briefly, it’s to keep them safe
- Ask questions – we want you to understand the process
Emergency pet care at BluePearl Irvine – FAQ.
If your pet is in distress, bring them to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Irvine as soon as possible. We’re open 24/7, including weekends and holidays. If you're able, call ahead to let us know you’re coming – this helps us prepare.
Upon arrival, our team will perform a quick triage to assess the urgency of your pet’s condition. Pets in critical condition are immediately taken into treatment. Pets that are stable may wait briefly before being seen. This system ensures that the most urgent cases receive immediate attention.
Once your pet is stable and checked in, a veterinarian will gather information about their symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and talk with you about next steps. This may include diagnostics or beginning treatment right away.
Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend:
- Blood tests
- X-rays or ultrasound imaging
- Urine or fecal analysis
- Tests for toxins if poisoning is suspected
These tools help us understand the issue and make the best care decisions.
Treatments can range from basic supportive care to advanced interventions like emergency surgery or overnight hospitalization. For pets with minor issues, we may send them home with medications and follow-up instructions. More serious cases may need close monitoring in our intensive care unit.
Our hospital operates 24 hours a day and is staffed by a skilled emergency team experienced in handling urgent, complex cases. We’re equipped to manage everything from traumatic injuries to life-threatening illnesses. Our location near major freeways makes access quick and convenient for pet owners across Orange County.
To support your pet’s care and help our team work efficiently:
- Bring any packaging or info about suspected toxins or medications
- Keep your pet as calm and restrained as possible during transport
- Trust that brief separations may be necessary for urgent care
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions – we’ll keep you informed every step of the way
No appointment is needed for emergency care. We accept walk-ins at any hour of the day or night.
Related articles.
