The 7 Most Crucial Things To Know About Long Beach Animal Urgent Care In 2025
Navigating a pet emergency in Long Beach, CA, requires knowing the exact difference between an "urgent care" clinic and a full "24/7 emergency hospital." As of December 23, 2025, the local veterinary landscape is primarily served by dedicated urgent care facilities that operate during extended evening hours, but critically, they are *not* open all night. This distinction is the single most important piece of information for any Long Beach pet owner, as a true life-or-death situation after 10 PM will require a trip to a specialized 24-hour facility.
The good news is that Long Beach is well-equipped with several excellent options for non-life-threatening but time-sensitive conditions—the sweet spot for animal urgent care. These clinics, led by experienced veterinarians like Dr. Jim Colwill, are designed to provide prompt attention for issues that can’t wait for a routine appointment but aren't immediately critical, often offering a more affordable animal urgent care option than a 24-hour hospital. Understanding the operating hours and services of key local providers is essential for a fast, stress-free response when your furry family member needs help.
The Critical Difference: Urgent Care vs. 24/7 Emergency Vet in Long Beach
The terms "urgent care" and "emergency vet" are often used interchangeably, but in the Long Beach area, they represent two distinct levels of care, especially concerning operating hours and the severity of conditions they treat. Knowing which one to call first can save precious time and money.
What is Animal Urgent Care?
- Focus: Non-life-threatening conditions requiring same-day or evening attention.
- Examples: Minor injuries, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, mild coughs, ear infections, minor wounds, or sudden lameness.
- Typical Hours: Extended hours, usually closing by 10 PM. They are a bridge between your regular veterinarian and a full-scale emergency hospital.
What is a 24/7 Emergency Vet Hospital?
- Focus: Life-threatening conditions and critical care.
- Examples: Hit by car (HBC), severe trauma, poisoning, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, severe heatstroke, or complex surgical procedures.
- Typical Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including major holidays. They have the staff and equipment for advanced diagnostic testing, overnight hospitalization, and complex surgery.
Top Long Beach Animal Urgent Care Centers and Their Hours
For conditions requiring prompt attention outside of normal business hours, Long Beach has a few highly reliable options. Always call ahead to confirm their current wait times and to ensure they can accommodate your pet’s specific needs.
1. Long Beach Animal Urgent Care (LBAUC)
This center is explicitly dedicated to urgent care services, making it a primary resource for Long Beach pet owners.
- Key Personnel: Led by Dr. Jim Colwill, DVM.
- 2025 Operating Hours: Monday - Friday: 12 PM - 10 PM. (Closed Major Holidays).
- Services: Focused urgent care, including diagnostics, treatment of non-critical illnesses, and minor injuries. Reviews often mention their compassionate environment and efficient service.
2. Long Beach Animal Hospital (LBAH)
LBAH is a full-service animal hospital that extends its hours to cover many emergency and urgent care needs.
- Emergency Availability: Veterinarians are available until 10 PM weekly for emergency, routine, and preventive care.
- Benefit: Can transition from routine care to urgent care in one location, offering comprehensive veterinary services.
3. All American Animal Hospital and Urgent Care
Located on Market Street, All American Animal Hospital offers a wide array of veterinary services, including urgent care, making it a valuable option for same-day appointments.
- Services: General veterinary care, surgical procedures, and urgent care to address immediate health concerns.
- Tip: Call their facility directly for the most current urgent care appointment availability and specific evening hours.
When to Go 24/7: Long Beach's Full-Service Emergency Hospitals
If your pet's condition is severe, or if it is after 10 PM, you must bypass urgent care and head straight to a full 24-hour emergency facility. These hospitals are equipped for critical care and overnight monitoring.
Long Beach Animal Emergency - Thrive Pet Healthcare
This is the primary 24/7 emergency vet in the Long Beach area, providing round-the-clock critical care.
- Availability: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Services: Full emergency services, intensive care unit (ICU), advanced diagnostic testing (like ultrasound and CT), emergency surgery, and trauma care. They are the destination for true life-or-death situations.
The Fix Project (Parvo ICU)
While not a general emergency hospital, this facility provides a critical, specialized 24-hour service in Long Beach.
- Specialty: Dedicated 24-Hour Parvo care & treatment.
- Importance: Parvovirus is highly contagious and life-threatening, requiring specialized isolation and intensive care that this facility provides.
Essential Preparation: 5 Steps Before You Head to the Clinic
A pet emergency is stressful, but a few quick steps can dramatically improve the outcome, regardless of whether you visit an urgent care or a 24-hour emergency vet.
1. Call Ahead Immediately
This is the most crucial step. Calling ahead allows the veterinary team—whether at Long Beach Animal Urgent Care or a 24/7 facility—to prepare for your arrival, prioritize your pet's condition, and provide immediate first-aid instructions. They can also confirm their capacity and current wait times.
2. Know Your Pet's Vitals and History
Be ready to state your pet’s age, breed, weight, and current medications. If possible, note the time the incident occurred or when symptoms started. If you suspect poisoning, bring the packaging of the substance with you.
3. Understand the Triage Process
All emergency and urgent care clinics operate on a triage system, meaning pets with life-threatening conditions (e.g., difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness) will be seen before those with stable but urgent issues (e.g., ear infection, minor cuts). Be prepared for a wait if your pet is stable.
4. Plan for Payment and Costs
Urgent and emergency care is significantly more expensive than routine care. Inquire about payment options, such as pet insurance, CareCredit, or payment plans, when you call. Some local organizations in Los Angeles County may offer low cost pet veterinary services for specific needs, but not for all emergencies.
5. Secure Your Pet for Travel
Even the calmest pet can become anxious or aggressive when in pain. Use a secure carrier for cats and small dogs, and a muzzle if necessary for larger dogs, to ensure the safety of both your pet and the veterinary staff upon arrival at the clinic.
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