URGENT VETERINARY CARE IN LAGUNA BEACH
Medically reviewed by Bryan Hayter, DVM, Owner and Medical Director of Aliso Beach Animal Clinic. Last reviewed: August 2026.
When your pet suddenly becomes sick or injured, you need clear guidance and timely veterinary attention. Aliso Beach Animal Clinic provides same-day urgent veterinary care for dogs, cats and many exotic pets during regular clinic hours.
We evaluate many non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that should not wait for a routine appointment. Walk-ins are welcome when availability allows, but please call before arriving so our team can assess your pet’s condition, confirm availability and prepare for your visit.
Same-Day Urgent Care Hours
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
30816 Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Directly across from the Montage Laguna Beach
Important: Aliso Beach Animal Clinic is not a 24-hour emergency hospital. Pets experiencing a life-threatening emergency may need to go directly to a 24-hour veterinary emergency facility.
Urgent-care conditions are problems that need prompt medical attention but do not appear immediately life-threatening.
Contact us if your pet develops a sudden change in health and cannot comfortably or safely wait for the next available routine appointment.
Call us if your pet has repeated vomiting or diarrhea, cannot keep food or water down, appears uncomfortable, or develops a sudden change in appetite.
Very young, elderly, medically fragile, or dehydrated pets may need evaluation sooner because they can deteriorate more quickly.
Learn more about
vomiting and diarrhea in dogs in Laguna Beach.
We can evaluate sudden limping, paw injuries, torn nails, minor wounds, possible sprains, and other painful injuries.
Major trauma, an open fracture, profound weakness, or an inability to stand should be treated as an emergency.
Read our guide to
dog limping and when to see a veterinarian.
If your pet may have been bitten by a rattlesnake, call Aliso Beach Animal Clinic immediately during business hours. Rattlesnake bites can worsen quickly, and early veterinary evaluation is important.
Our team evaluates suspected rattlesnake bites and carries rattlesnake antivenom. Call before arriving so we can prepare for your pet and help determine whether the patient should come directly to our hospital or be taken to a 24-hour emergency facility.
Do not apply ice, cut the bite, attempt to suction venom, or place a tourniquet. Keep your pet as calm and still as possible during transport.
Learn more about rattlesnake bites, warning signs, treatment, and antivenom in Laguna Beach.
Squinting, redness, swelling, discharge, cloudiness, or sudden eye pain should be evaluated promptly. Eye conditions can worsen quickly, and delaying treatment may put your pet’s vision at risk.
Contact us for sudden ear pain, head shaking, odor, discharge, swelling, or persistent scratching. These symptoms may be associated with infection, allergies, inflammation, or a foreign object.
We evaluate sudden itching, hives, localized swelling, hot spots, rashes, insect stings, and other uncomfortable skin problems.
Difficulty breathing, collapse, or rapidly worsening facial swelling requires emergency care.
Learn more about
veterinary dermatology and allergy care.
Straining, frequent attempts to urinate, blood in the urine, crying while urinating, or sudden accidents require prompt attention.
A pet that cannot pass urine—especially a male cat—may have a life-threatening urinary obstruction and should receive emergency veterinary care immediately.
New coughing should be assessed, especially when accompanied by lethargy, reduced appetite, weakness, or changes in breathing.
Labored breathing, choking, blue or gray gums, open-mouth breathing in a cat, or severe respiratory distress is an emergency.
Hiding, trembling, crying, restlessness, unusual aggression, reluctance to move, or other sudden behavioral changes can be signs of pain or illness.
Call us so our team can help determine how urgently your pet should be evaluated.
Cats can be especially challenging because they often conceal pain and illness until a medical problem has progressed. A cat that becomes unusually quiet, hides, stops eating, vomits repeatedly, changes litter-box habits, or begins breathing differently may need prompt veterinary attention.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic provides same-day urgent veterinary care for cats in Laguna Beach when availability and the patient’s condition allow.
Urgent feline concerns may include:
Repeated trips to the litter box, straining, crying, licking the genital area, or producing little to no urine can indicate a urinary obstruction.
A male cat that cannot urinate has a potentially life-threatening emergency. Do not wait to see whether the problem improves on its own.
Open-mouth breathing, pronounced abdominal effort, blue or gray gums, collapse, or severe respiratory distress requires immediate emergency care.
A cat in respiratory distress should be handled as little as possible and transported calmly.
A cat that suddenly stops eating may have dental pain, gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis, kidney disease, infection, toxin exposure, stress-related illness, or another medical problem.
Cats should not simply be allowed to go for prolonged periods without food. Call if your cat has stopped eating, especially when appetite loss is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, hiding, weight loss, or other signs of illness.
Depending on the situation, evaluation may include a physical examination,
bloodwork and laboratory testing,
digital X-rays,
or
abdominal ultrasound
when appropriate and available.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, reptiles, tortoises, backyard chickens, and selected companion birds may become seriously ill while showing only subtle outward signs.
Changes in appetite, stool production, breathing, posture, activity, mobility, or normal behavior may warrant prompt veterinary attention.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic provides same-day urgent veterinary care for many exotic pets in Laguna Beach during regular clinic hours when availability, species, patient condition, and hospital resources allow.
Because exotic species differ significantly in anatomy, metabolism, handling needs, environmental requirements, and responses to illness, please call before arriving with an exotic pet.
Our team can confirm whether we can appropriately evaluate your pet or whether a specialty or 24-hour emergency facility that treats the species would be a safer destination.
A rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla, hamster, or other small mammal that suddenly stops eating or producing normal stools should be taken seriously.
Dental disease, gastrointestinal problems, urinary disease, infection, pain, injury, and other medical conditions can cause these signs.
Explore our
rabbit veterinary care,
guinea pig veterinary care,
chinchilla veterinary care,
and
hamster care guide.
Urgent reptile concerns may include labored breathing, severe lethargy, abnormal movement, swelling, trauma, shell injury, prolapse, reproductive problems, or refusal to eat accompanied by other signs of illness.
Temperature, UVB exposure, humidity, hydration, diet, and enclosure conditions are important parts of reptile health, but an acutely ill reptile still requires appropriate veterinary evaluation rather than husbandry changes alone.
Visit our
bearded dragon veterinary care,
tortoise veterinary care,
and
leopard gecko care guide.
Birds often conceal illness until they are significantly sick.
Difficulty breathing, pronounced tail-bobbing, sitting on the bottom of the enclosure, inability to perch normally, sudden weakness, decreased appetite, bleeding, trauma, egg-laying problems, or neurologic changes should prompt a call to a veterinarian.
Availability for birds varies by species, condition, and level of care required. Please call before coming so our team can confirm whether we can appropriately evaluate your bird.
Depending on the species, patient size, and medical condition, an urgent exotic-pet evaluation may include a physical examination, hydration assessment, oral or dental evaluation, laboratory testing, fecal or urine testing, digital X-rays, wound care, fluid therapy, medications, and other supportive treatment when appropriate.
Learn more about our
in-house veterinary diagnostics
and
digital veterinary radiology.
For comprehensive preventive, medical, surgical, husbandry, and species-specific veterinary care, visit our
Exotic Pet Veterinary Care in Laguna Beach
page.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic is not a 24-hour exotic emergency hospital.
Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, repeated seizures, rapid deterioration, or another immediately life-threatening condition may require a 24-hour emergency or specialty facility that confirms it treats your pet’s species.
Some illnesses and injuries can be treated with same-day urgent veterinary care, while others require the advanced monitoring, intensive care, or overnight hospitalization available at a 24-hour emergency hospital.
If you are unsure where your pet should be seen, call us at
(949) 499-4190
and our team can help guide you.
| Same-Day Urgent Care at Aliso Beach Animal Clinic | Go Directly to a 24-Hour Emergency Hospital |
|---|---|
| Vomiting or diarrhea in an otherwise stable pet | Severe breathing difficulty or respiratory distress |
| Ear infection, skin infection, or sudden itching | Major trauma, including being hit by a car |
| Limping, minor wounds, or suspected sprains | Uncontrolled bleeding or severe blood loss |
| Eye irritation, squinting, or minor eye injuries | Collapse, prolonged unconsciousness, or profound weakness |
| Possible foxtail exposure | Repeated or prolonged seizures |
| Suspected rattlesnake bite when the patient is stable enough for transport and our team confirms we can receive them | Severe envenomation with collapse, respiratory distress, rapidly progressive swelling, or shock |
| Reduced appetite, lethargy, or sudden behavior changes | Severe abdominal distension with repeated unproductive retching or suspected GDV/bloat |
| Urinary symptoms when the pet is still passing urine | Inability to urinate, particularly in a male cat |
If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not delay care.
Go directly to the nearest appropriate 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
For additional guidance, visit our
Laguna Beach Pet Emergency & Urgent-Care Guide.
Some conditions require continuous monitoring, intensive care, emergency surgery, or treatment beyond the capabilities or operating hours of a daytime veterinary clinic.
Seek immediate emergency veterinary care for:
Do not use an online appointment form for a life-threatening emergency.
Go directly to an appropriate 24-hour emergency hospital or call the emergency facility while you are on the way.
Call Aliso Beach Animal Clinic at
(949) 499-4190.
Tell us what happened, when symptoms began, whether your pet is alert, whether breathing appears normal, and whether the patient is able to stand and walk.
Calling ahead helps us determine whether your pet can be appropriately evaluated at our clinic or should go directly to a 24-hour emergency hospital.
Approach an injured or frightened pet carefully. Pain and fear can cause even gentle pets to bite or scratch.
Use a secure carrier for cats and small animals. Keep dogs leashed.
A blanket or firm, flat surface may help move a larger pet that cannot walk, but avoid unnecessary movement when spinal injury or a major fracture is possible.
When possible, bring:
Do not give human pain relievers, leftover prescriptions, supplements, or home remedies unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.
Some medications that are safe for people can be dangerous or fatal to pets.
When you arrive, our veterinary team will assess your pet’s immediate condition and determine how quickly treatment is needed.
Patients with the most serious symptoms may need to be prioritized first, so wait times can vary.
Depending on your pet’s condition, the veterinarian may recommend:
Our goal is to identify the problem, relieve discomfort, stabilize the patient when appropriate, and determine the safest next step.
If your pet requires continuous overnight monitoring, intensive critical care, advanced specialty treatment, or resources beyond those available at our hospital, we will recommend transfer to an appropriate emergency or specialty facility.
Timely diagnostic information can be especially important when a pet is suddenly ill.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic offers
in-house veterinary laboratory testing
that may help our veterinary team evaluate blood cells, organ function, hydration, electrolytes, and other important health indicators without sending every test to an outside laboratory.
We also offer
digital veterinary X-rays
and may coordinate additional diagnostic imaging or radiology consultation when indicated.
The tests recommended depend on your pet’s symptoms, examination findings, age, species, and medical history.
Contact a veterinarian or pet-poison specialist immediately if your pet may have swallowed medication, chemicals, poisonous plants, rodent bait, chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, or another potentially harmful substance.
Do not wait for symptoms to develop, and do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control specialist specifically instructs you to do so.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control:
(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline:
(855) 764-7661
Consultation fees may apply.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic is located on Coast Highway in South Laguna, directly across from Montage Laguna Beach, making our hospital convenient for pet owners throughout Laguna Beach and the surrounding coastal communities.
We regularly care for pets from Laguna Beach, South Laguna, Three Arch Bay, Monarch Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Newport Coast, San Clemente, and surrounding South Orange County communities.
Local pets can face several coastal and Southern California hazards that may lead to an unexpected veterinary visit.
These include:
For more local pet-safety information, explore:
If you are searching for a same-day urgent vet near Laguna Beach, South Laguna, Monarch Beach, or coastal South Orange County, call before driving to the clinic so our team can confirm availability and determine whether we are the appropriate destination for your pet’s condition.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic provides urgent veterinary care during regular clinic hours.
When our clinic is closed—or when your pet requires intensive, overnight, or life-saving emergency treatment—contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
28085 Hillcrest Road
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 364-6228
Open 24 hours
31896 Plaza Drive, Suite C-1
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 201-4100
Open 24 hours
Emergency-hospital services, availability, species accepted, and wait times may change. Call the hospital before arrival when it is safe to do so.
We reserve availability for many unexpected illnesses and injuries during regular clinic hours.
Walk-ins may be accommodated when our schedule and medical caseload allow. Calling before arrival gives us the best opportunity to prepare for your pet.
Urgent patients may benefit from access to in-house laboratory testing, digital X-rays, fluid therapy, medications, supportive care, daytime hospitalization, and selected surgical procedures when medically appropriate.
Our team evaluates urgent concerns involving traditional companion animals as well as many exotic species.
Our veterinary clinic and animal hospital is located on Coast Highway in South Laguna, directly across from Montage Laguna Beach and convenient to Laguna Beach, Three Arch Bay, Monarch Beach, Dana Point, and nearby South Orange County communities.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic is independently owned. We explain examination findings, discuss diagnostic and treatment options, and help owners understand whether a pet can safely return home or needs emergency or specialty care.
Learn more about
our independent veterinary practice
and
our veterinary team.
Same-day appointments and walk-ins may be available when our schedule allows, but calling first is strongly recommended.
Our team can ask about your pet’s symptoms, determine whether our clinic is the appropriate destination, and prepare for your arrival.
No. We provide urgent veterinary care during regular clinic hours.
Pets needing overnight monitoring, continuous intensive care, or life-saving emergency treatment should be taken to an appropriate 24-hour emergency hospital.
Urgent care is generally appropriate for stable pets with conditions that need prompt attention but do not appear immediately life-threatening.
Emergency care is required for severe breathing problems, collapse, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, prolonged seizures, complete inability to urinate, and other critical conditions.
Yes. We evaluate many pets with vomiting or diarrhea.
Call promptly if symptoms are repeated, your pet cannot keep water down, blood is present, the abdomen appears painful or distended, or your pet seems weak or unusually lethargic.
We evaluate many urgent eye concerns, including redness, squinting, discharge, swelling, and sudden discomfort.
Serious trauma, a visibly ruptured eye, or an eye displaced from its socket requires immediate emergency treatment.
Yes. We evaluate many same-day feline concerns including vomiting, reduced appetite, urinary symptoms, wounds, eye problems, sudden pain, lethargy, and changes in behavior.
A male cat unable to urinate, a cat with severe breathing difficulty, or a cat that is collapsed or profoundly weak requires emergency care.
Yes. We evaluate many urgent concerns involving rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, reptiles, tortoises, backyard chickens, selected companion birds, and other appropriate exotic pets during regular clinic hours when availability and hospital resources allow.
Because exotic species can decline quickly and not every emergency facility treats every species, please call before arriving.
Learn more about our
exotic-pet veterinary care in Laguna Beach.
Call a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give medications or home remedies unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian or poison-control professional.
Yes. Aliso Beach Animal Clinic is located in South Laguna on Coast Highway, directly across from Montage Laguna Beach, and regularly cares for pets from Laguna Beach, South Laguna, Three Arch Bay, Monarch Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and surrounding coastal Orange County communities.
If your pet has developed a sudden illness, injury, or concerning change in behavior, call Aliso Beach Animal Clinic before arriving.
Our team can help determine whether your pet can be evaluated through our same-day urgent-care service or should go directly to a 24-hour emergency hospital.
Same-Day Urgent Care Hours
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic
30816 Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Directly across from Montage Laguna Beach
CALL (949) 499-4190
|
GET DIRECTIONS
Do not use an online appointment form for urgent or emergency concerns. Call during clinic hours. If your pet appears to have a life-threatening emergency, seek appropriate emergency veterinary care immediately.
