VCA Animal Hospitals are a chain of veterinary clinics owned by Mars Petcare, with locations across the United States

VCA operates more than 1,000 animal hospitals in the US, Canada, and Germany. In the United States, you'll find VCA locations in nearly every state, though the number and location of clinics varies by region. Each hospital is independently operated but follows VCA's clinical standards and uses the same medical record system across locations.

VCA hospitals range from small neighborhood clinics to large 24-hour emergency and specialty centers. Some locations offer only routine care — vaccinations, checkups, dental cleaning. Others are full-service emergency hospitals that operate around the clock and handle trauma, surgery, and intensive care. The services available depend on which specific VCA location you visit.

You do not need to be an existing patient to walk in during an emergency. VCA emergency hospitals accept new patients at any time, though wait times vary based on the severity of cases ahead of you and the time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • VCA operates over 1,000 animal hospitals across the US, with both routine daytime clinics and 24-hour emergency centers, depending on location.
  • You can visit any VCA location without being a prior patient, but emergency hospitals prioritize cases by medical urgency, not arrival order.
  • Payment is expected at the time of service; VCA accepts cash, credit cards, and offers in-house payment plans through CareCredit, though approval is not may provide.
  • Your pet's medical records stay within the VCA system, so any VCA hospital can access them if you've been seen at another VCA location.
  • If cost is a barrier, ask the hospital staff about payment options, reduced-fee clinics in your area, or local animal welfare organizations that may help with emergency care.

Finding a VCA Emergency Hospital Near You

VCA's website has a location finder where you can search by zip code or city. The search results show hours, services offered, and phone numbers. Not every VCA location is an emergency hospital — many are daytime clinics only. The location finder clearly labels which hospitals are open 24 hours and which ones handle emergency cases.

If you are in an emergency and cannot reach your regular veterinarian, calling the nearest VCA emergency hospital directly is faster than searching online. The staff can tell you when ready whether they can see your pet and how long the wait is likely to be. Some VCA hospitals have online wait-time estimates, but calling gives you the most current information.

In rural areas where VCA locations are sparse, you may need to travel 30 minutes or more to reach an emergency hospital. If that is the case, ask your regular veterinarian ahead of time which emergency hospital they recommend and whether they have a relationship with that facility — some vets can call ahead to alert the emergency team.

What Happens When You Arrive at a VCA Emergency Hospital

When you walk in, you'll check in at the front desk and provide your pet's name, your contact information, and a brief description of the emergency. The staff will ask whether your pet has been seen at a VCA hospital before. If yes, they can pull up existing medical records. If no, you'll fill out a new patient form with your pet's medical history, current medications, and any known allergies.

After check-in, your pet will be triaged — a veterinary technician will do a quick assessment to determine urgency. A pet with difficulty breathing or severe trauma moves ahead of a pet with a minor injury, regardless of who arrived first. Triage usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The staff will give you an estimate of how long the wait is likely to be.

Once a veterinarian is available, they will examine your pet, discuss findings with you, and recommend a treatment plan. This is when costs become clear. The vet will explain what tests, medications, or procedures are needed and what each one costs. You can ask questions about whether all recommended treatments are necessary or whether some can wait.

Understanding VCA's Costs and Payment Options

VCA does not publish standard pricing online because costs vary by location, by the specific services needed, and by your pet's condition. A basic emergency exam might cost $100 to $300, but bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound, or surgery can add hundreds or thousands of dollars. The only way to know the cost for your pet's specific situation is to ask the veterinarian or hospital staff before treatment begins.

Payment is due at the time of service. VCA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you cannot pay the full amount upfront, ask about CareCredit, an in-house financing option that offers payment plans with no interest if paid in full within a promotional period (usually 6 or 12 months). CareCredit approval is not may provide and depends on a credit check.

Some VCA locations participate in programs that reduce costs for low-income pet owners, though availability varies by location. Call ahead and ask whether the hospital offers reduced-fee services or whether they know of local animal welfare organizations that help with emergency veterinary costs. The ASPCA and Humane Society websites list local resources by zip code.

Medical Records and Continuity of Care

If you have been seen at one VCA hospital before, your medical records are stored in VCA's system and can be accessed by any other VCA hospital. This means if you go to a different VCA location for a follow-up or another emergency, the new veterinarian can see your pet's history without you having to repeat information.

However, records from non-VCA veterinarians (your regular vet, an emergency clinic that is not part of VCA) do not automatically appear in the VCA system. If your pet has been treated elsewhere, bring those records with you or ask your regular vet to send them to the VCA hospital before your visit. This helps the VCA veterinarian understand your pet's full medical picture.

After your emergency visit, ask for a copy of the discharge summary and any test results. Give these to your regular veterinarian so they have a complete record of what happened and what treatment was given. This prevents duplicate testing and helps your regular vet plan follow-up care.

When to Choose VCA vs. Other Emergency Options

VCA is one option among several for emergency veterinary care. Other options include independent emergency hospitals, university veterinary schools, and specialty animal hospitals. VCA's advantage is availability — with over 1,000 locations, there is likely one near you. The disadvantage is that costs can be high and may vary between locations.

If you have a choice between multiple emergency hospitals in your area, call ahead and ask about wait times and whether they have experience with your pet's specific condition. Some hospitals specialize in certain types of cases — orthopedic surgery, exotic animals, or critical care — and may be better equipped than others.

If cost is your primary concern, ask your regular veterinarian whether they have a relationship with a lower-cost emergency clinic or whether they offer emergency services themselves. Some regular veterinary clinics have after-hours phone lines that can direct you to the most affordable option in your area.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring your pet's microchip number if you know it, any medications your pet is currently taking, and a list of known allergies or medical conditions. If your pet has been seen at a VCA hospital before, you do not need to bring records — they will be in the system. If your pet has been seen elsewhere, bring those records if you have them.

Bring a valid form of payment or information about how you plan to pay. If you think you may need a payment plan, ask about CareCredit or other options when you check in, not after treatment is complete.

If your pet is injured or in pain, keep them as calm and still as possible during transport. Do not attempt to treat the injury yourself unless you have been trained to do so. Let the veterinarian assess what has happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call ahead to see how long the wait will be?

Yes. Call the VCA emergency hospital directly and ask about current wait times. Some hospitals have online wait-time estimates on their websites. Be aware that wait times change constantly and depend on how many emergencies are being treated at that moment.

What if I cannot afford the treatment the vet recommends?

Tell the veterinarian about your budget before treatment begins. Ask whether some treatments can be delayed or whether less expensive alternatives exist. Ask about payment plans, CareCredit, or local animal welfare organizations that help with emergency costs. Some hospitals will work with you to prioritize the most critical care first.

Will my regular vet's records be available at VCA?

Only if your regular vet is also part of VCA. If your regular vet is independent or part of a different chain, bring those records with you or ask your vet to send them ahead. This helps the VCA veterinarian understand your pet's full history.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

VCA emergency hospitals accept walk-ins at any time. No appointment is needed. You will be triaged based on medical urgency, so wait times depend on how many other emergencies are being treated.

What if my pet needs follow-up care after the emergency visit?

Ask the VCA veterinarian for a discharge summary and recommendations for follow-up. Take this to your regular veterinarian, who can provide ongoing care. If you do not have a regular vet, ask the VCA hospital staff whether they can recommend one in your area.