Pet Walk-In & Urgent Care
At Panova Animal Hospital, we reserve same-day availability for dogs and cats who need to be seen right away. If your pet is unwell and you’re not sure what to do next, call us—we’ll help you figure out the right step forward.
Same-Day Urgent Care During Business Hours
We understand that pets don’t always get sick on a convenient schedule. That’s why we keep dedicated appointment slots available each day for urgent care needs. If your dog or cat is showing signs of illness or injury during our regular business hours, reach out as soon as possible so we can determine the best next step.
Our urgent care is part of our general practice—not a separate emergency facility. Dr. Pan’s clinical background allows him to handle many urgent and complex cases in-house that other general practices may send elsewhere, including advanced diagnostics, imaging, and surgical intervention when needed.
Signs Your Pet May Need Urgent Care
- Sudden vomiting or diarrhea, especially if persistent or bloody
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy or sudden changes in energy or behavior
- Limping, difficulty walking, or signs of pain
- Eye discharge, swelling, or sudden changes in vision
- Skin wounds, lacerations, or bite injuries
- Suspected foreign body ingestion
- Urinary straining or inability to urinate
- Ear shaking, head tilting, or significant ear discharge
- Swelling, lumps, or masses that appeared suddenly
If you’re unsure whether your pet’s situation is urgent, call us at 714-707-6212. We’d rather talk it through with you than have you wait and wonder.
What to Expect at an Urgent Care Visit
When you arrive for a same-day urgent care appointment, our team will assess your pet’s condition promptly and prioritize care based on what we find.
Depending on the situation, your pet’s visit may include a physical examination, in-house diagnostics such as blood panels or urinalysis, imaging including X-ray or ultrasound, and treatment or medication as needed. If your pet requires a procedure, our surgical suite is on-site and available during business hours.
We’ll keep you informed throughout the visit—explaining what we’re seeing, what we recommend, and what it will cost before we proceed.
When to Go Directly to an Emergency Hospital
Go directly to an emergency hospital—or call one en route—if your pet is experiencing:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Severe trauma such as being hit by a vehicle
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Seizures
- Pale, blue, or white gums
- Extreme bloating or distended abdomen
- Inability to urinate, especially in male cats
For a current list of trusted after-hours and emergency referral clinics in the area, visit our after-hours emergencies page.
Pet Walk-In & Urgent Care FAQs
Do I need to call before coming in for urgent care?
Is your urgent care available on weekends?
We are closed on weekends. For after-hours and weekend emergencies, please refer to our after-hours emergencies page for local emergency clinic options.
How is urgent care different from an emergency hospital?
Urgent care at a general practice like ours is best suited for conditions that need prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening. True emergencies—such as difficulty breathing, collapse, or suspected poisoning—require the around-the-clock resources of a dedicated emergency hospital. When in doubt, call us, and we'll help you determine the right level of care.
What if my pet needs surgery during an urgent care visit?
If a same-day surgical procedure is needed and appropriate for your pet's condition, our surgical suite is available during business hours. We'll discuss the recommendation and associated costs with you before proceeding.
Will I be seen right away?
We do our best to see urgent cases promptly. Wait times may vary depending on how many patients we're caring for at a given time. Calling ahead helps us prioritize your arrival and minimize delays.
Prompt Care When It Matters Most
Having access to a trusted urgent care vet can make all the difference when your pet needs help quickly. At Panova Animal Hospital, our same-day availability, in-house diagnostics, and on-site imaging mean we can assess and address many urgent situations without sending you across town for care. We’re here for the dogs and cats of Fountain Valley and the surrounding area—not just for scheduled visits, but also for the moments that can’t wait.