What to Expect at 24hr Emergency Pet Intensive Care
Helpful insights from EPIC Vets so you feel prepared during your pet’s emergency.
When your pet suddenly becomes sick or injured, panic sets in fast. Every second feels like an eternity, and not knowing what to expect at the emergency hospital can add to the stress.
At EPIC Vets (Emergency Pet Intensive Care) in Temecula, we understand how overwhelming those moments are. That’s why we want to walk you through what happens when you arrive — so you feel prepared, supported, and reassured that your pet is in the best hands.
Step 1: Triage – First Things First
Just like in a human ER, we see pets based on medical urgency rather than order of arrival.
- A pet who can’t breathe will be seen before one with a minor limp.
- Our technicians will perform a quick triage exam to determine whether immediate stabilization is needed.
👉 What you can do: Provide a clear summary of your pet’s symptoms, when they began, and any substances or medications your pet may have been exposed to.
Step 2: Stabilization & Initial Examination
If your pet needs immediate help, we act quickly. This may include:
Oxygen therapy
IV fluids or medications
Pain control or seizure management
Controlling bleeding or stabilizing fractures
Once your pet is stable, a veterinarian will perform a full examination and begin discussing next steps with you.
Step 3: Diagnostics – Getting Answers
To understand the cause of your pet’s illness or injury, we may recommend diagnostics such as:
Bloodwork to check for infection, organ function, or toxins
X-rays or ultrasound to look for injuries, foreign objects, or internal issues
Urinalysis or fecal testing when appropriate
These tools help us get answers quickly so we can build the right treatment plan.
Step 4: Treatment Plan & Estimate
Once we know what’s going on, your veterinarian will provide:
A treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs
A cost estimate so you know what to expect
A discussion of options, when applicable, ranging from conservative to advanced care
We know emergencies are stressful in every way — including financially — so our team is committed to transparency and helping you make the best decision for your family.
Step 5: Treatment & Monitoring
Depending on your pet’s condition, treatment may involve:
Hospitalization with 24/7 monitoring by our trained staff
Emergency surgery (such as C-sections, foreign body removal, or trauma repair)
Outpatient care if your pet can safely go home with medications and instructions
Throughout your pet’s stay, our team will keep you updated on their progress.
Step 6: Discharge & Aftercare
When your pet is ready to go home, you’ll receive:
A clear discharge summary with all test results and instructions
Any necessary medications, with dosing guidance
Follow-up recommendations, either with us or your primary veterinarian
Your pet’s recovery doesn’t end when you walk out our doors — and we’ll make sure you feel confident about the next steps.
How You Can Prepare for a Visit to EPIC Vets
While emergencies can’t always be predicted, a little preparation helps:
📲 Save our phone number: (951) 695-5044
📍 Know our address: 27727 Jefferson Ave, Temecula, CA 92590
🐾 Bring medical records if you’re transferring from another clinic
💳 Plan payment options — we accept major credit cards, CareCredit, Scratch Pay, All Pets card and work with Trupanion pet insurance.
Common Emergencies We Treat
At EPIC Vets, we see everything from the unexpected to the unusual, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Toxicity/poisoning (chocolate, medications, xylitol, plants)
- Trauma (car accidents, bites, falls)
- Seizures or collapse
- Gastrointestinal emergencies (bloat, foreign bodies)
- Whelping and dystocia (birthing complications)
