Skip to content

NorthCare- North Vancouver Animal Hospital & West Vancouver West Vancouver Veterinary Clinic

What to Do in a Pet Emergency in North Vancouver

A pet emergency can happen at any time—day or night—and knowing what to do in those critical moments can make the difference between life and death for your furry friend. Whether your dog has been injured in a sudden accident, your cat is experiencing breathing difficulties, or your pet is suffering from a sudden illness, it’s essential to act fast and know where to go for emergency vet care in North Vancouver.

At North Care Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive emergency veterinary services, available 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Located at 1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101, we are your trusted emergency animal hospital in North Vancouver.


When Is It a Pet Emergency?

Not every health issue requires an emergency visit, but certain signs demand immediate attention. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide whether your pet is having a true emergency:

Emergency SymptomPossible CauseUrgency Level
Difficulty breathingAsthma, choking, fluid in lungsImmediate – Critical
Uncontrolled bleedingInjury, internal traumaImmediate – Life Threat
Seizures or loss of consciousnessNeurological issue, poisoningImmediate – Critical
Vomiting or diarrhea (more than 2x)Poisoning, infection, gastrointestinal obstructionImmediate – High
Inability to urinate or defecateUrinary blockage, constipationImmediate – Urgent
Swollen or hard abdomenBloat (gastric dilation-volvulus), internal bleedingImmediate – Critical
Sudden lameness or paralysisFracture, spinal issueImmediate – Urgent

If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, call 604-984-1464 immediately.


Step-by-Step: What to Do in a Pet Emergency in North Vancouver

1. Stay Calm and Evaluate the Situation

Your reaction matters. Panicking may stress your pet even more. Take a deep breath and quickly assess the situation. Look for bleeding, difficulty breathing, or signs of poisoning (foaming at the mouth, tremors, etc.).

2. Call North Care Animal Hospital Right Away

Don’t waste valuable time searching “vet emergency near me.” Instead, call North Care Animal Hospital at 604-984-1464. Our trained staff will guide you through immediate steps to take while you’re en route.

We are your local pet hospital in North Vancouver, centrally located and ready to handle all types of pet emergencies—medical, surgical, and trauma-related.

3. Transport Your Pet Safely

  • Use a carrier for small pets

  • Muzzle dogs only if they are not vomiting

  • Support any injured limbs with a towel or soft splint

  • Bring any medications or toxins they may have ingested (labels included)

Need directions? We are located at:
📍 1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S6


Why Choose North Care Animal Hospital for Emergency Vet Services?

✅ Open Late: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 7 Days a Week

Most pet emergencies don’t happen during business hours. That’s why we’re here when other clinics are closed.

✅ Fully Equipped Facility

Our on-site diagnostic imaging, in-house blood testing, and surgery suites mean we can diagnose and treat your pet without delays.

✅ Experienced Veterinary Team

Our doctors and support staff are trained in critical care, anesthesia monitoring, trauma support, and emergency medicine.

✅ Compassionate Care

We treat every pet like family and support pet owners through the process with empathy and clear communication.

Explore our full Emergency Pet Services here.


Emergency Vet Services We Offer

We handle a wide range of veterinary emergencies in North Vancouver, including but not limited to:

  • Trauma and accident injuries

  • Ingestion of toxins (e.g., chocolate, xylitol, household cleaners)

  • Respiratory distress

  • Acute allergic reactions

  • Internal bleeding

  • Gastric dilation-volvulus (bloat)

  • Seizures and neurological events

  • Urinary tract blockages

  • Emergency surgeries

If you’re searching for “animal emergency Vancouver” or “pet hospital near me,” rest assured that North Care Animal Hospital is fully equipped and ready to help.


What Sets Us Apart from Other Animal Hospitals

➤ Strategic Location

Serving both North Vancouver and West Vancouver, we are accessible within minutes from major residential neighborhoods, Lions Gate Bridge, and the Trans-Canada Highway.

➤ Client-Centered Service

We provide transparent estimates, post-care instructions, and direct communication with pet parents at every stage.

➤ Advanced Veterinary Technology

Digital X-rays, ultrasound, ECG, and in-house lab results within 15–30 minutes allow faster treatment and less stress for pets.


Your Pet’s Health Deserves Urgency

Every minute counts. A delay in treating certain emergencies—even 30 minutes—can cause irreversible damage or death. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s condition is an emergency, call us. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

📞 Call Now: 604-984-1464
📍 Visit Us: North Vancouver Animal Hospital


Tips to Prevent Common Pet Emergencies

While not all emergencies are avoidable, many can be prevented with proactive care:

  • Pet-proof your home (secure cleaning products, medications, chocolate)

  • Don’t feed table scraps that can cause pancreatitis

  • Use leashes near busy streets or parks

  • Keep cats indoors to avoid trauma or poisoning

  • Keep vaccinations and deworming up-to-date

  • Regular wellness exams at your local vet hospital

Book a routine checkup to catch potential issues early.


Real Emergency Cases We’ve Treated

Here are just a few examples of emergency cases we’ve successfully handled:

  • 🐶 Bella (Labrador Retriever) – Hit by a car, suffered pelvic fracture. Emergency surgery saved her life.

  • 🐱 Milo (Siamese Cat) – Ingested lilies (toxic to cats), hospitalized for IV fluids and anti-toxins. Fully recovered.

  • 🐶 Rex (German Shepherd) – Acute bloat, underwent immediate decompression and gastropexy surgery.

We are trusted by hundreds of pet parents across North Vancouver and West Vancouver.


Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, Act Fast

The worst thing you can do in a pet emergency in North Vancouver is delay care. Acting promptly can save your pet’s life.

If your dog, cat, or exotic pet is showing signs of distress, unusual behavior, or injury—don’t hesitate. North Care Animal Hospital is open late, well-equipped, and always ready to treat your pet with urgency and compassion.

📞 Call Now: 604-984-1464
📍 Emergency Pet Services – North Vancouver