Business Details
Emergency
services
Veterinary Care in Signal Hill, CA
For over 25 years, Blue Cross Veterinary Hospital has provided advanced veterinary medicine with compassionate service, treating each patient as if it were our own pet. Our team of highly trained veterinarians and dedicated staff offer a comprehensive range of services including internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, and emergency care. We prioritize preventive medicine and client education to ensure pets live long, healthy lives while maintaining a low-stress, fear-free environment for both animals and families.Our hospital combines state-of-the-art technology with personalized care, fostering strong community relationships through transparent communication and dedicated advocacy for every pet. With decades of combined experience, our veterinarians stay current through continuing education to deliver cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments tailored to individual animal needs.
Services
Internal Medicine
Surgery
Cardiology
Dentistry
Dermatology
Pet Insurance
Emergency Care
Nutrition Counseling
RX Refill
Vaccinations
Highlights and features
- Veterinarians with over 25 years of clinical experience
- Comprehensive emergency care services available
- Specialized diagnostics and treatment plans for chronic conditions
- Focus on preventive medicine and client education
- Fear-free environment designed for pet comfort
What people say
Loving and kind
Outstanding staff
Very friendly
Class act
Seamless execution
Services
Dentistry
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup to prevent systemic infections affecting heart, liver, and kidney health. Our team treats dental disease symptoms like bad breath and eating difficulties through thorough oral exams and ultrasonic scaling. We educate owners on home care techniques including brushing and dental chews to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Emergency Care
24/7 emergency services handle critical conditions ranging from trauma to acute illness. Our staff stabilizes patients through triage protocols and provides advanced diagnostics for conditions requiring immediate intervention. We coordinate after-hours care with three local ER facilities for after-hours critical situations while maintaining treatment continuity.
Dermatology
Comprehensive evaluations identify causes of itching, hair loss, and skin infections through allergy testing and microscopic analysis. We develop customized treatment plans for chronic skin conditions using the latest diagnostic tools and pharmaceutical options. Our approach focuses on rapid symptom relief while addressing underlying causes like environmental allergens or dietary sensitivities.
Cardiology
Advanced diagnostics including echocardiograms and ECGs assess cardiac function for patients showing symptoms like lethargy or breathing difficulties. We manage chronic heart conditions through medication protocols and lifestyle recommendations. Our team monitors progression of congenital abnormalities and age-related cardiac diseases to optimize long-term outcomes.
Internal Medicine
Non-invasive techniques evaluate complex systemic conditions affecting multiple organ systems. Our veterinarians diagnose and manage chronic diseases like diabetes and kidney failure through comprehensive blood work and imaging. We develop long-term treatment strategies for pets with multi-systemic health challenges requiring specialized monitoring.
People
Dr. Ralph D. Sellman II
Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Sellman graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1996, completed a small animal internship at the University of Georgia, and has practiced in three different states before settling in California. His professional focus includes preventative medicine and dental procedures while maintaining active involvement in continuing education programs.
Dr. Lynda Guenther
Veterinarian, Associate
Dr. Guenther accumulated 28 years of clinical experience before retiring in 2025. She developed particular expertise in small animal care and built long-standing relationships with local pet owners through her compassionate approach to veterinary medicine.
Alen RVT
Veterinary Technician
A Long Beach native, Alen obtained her RVT license in 2021 after volunteering at the Long Beach Animal Shelter. She specializes in patient comfort and care coordination while maintaining her passion for animal welfare through her energetic rescue dog Canela.
Kelsey
Office Manager
Starting as a kennel attendant, Kelsey worked her way up to office manager through 15+ years of service. With Scottish heritage and international experience from Sweden, she brings organizational expertise and lifelong pet care knowledge to client interactions.
Monica
Receptionist
A 20-year veteran of the front office, Monica transitioned from customer service management to veterinary reception in 2004. She combines hospitality skills with deep pet knowledge, referring to patients as 'her kids' while mentoring youth groups and practicing photography.
Questions
When should I bring my pet for emergency care?
Contact us immediately if your pet shows symptoms like vomiting, collapse, breathing difficulties, or facial swelling during regular hours. After hours, visit one of our recommended ER facilities.
How often should pets receive vaccinations?
Vaccination schedules depend on your pet's age and health status. We'll create a customized wellness plan during your initial consultation to ensure optimal disease prevention.
Do you offer dental cleaning services?
Yes, we perform comprehensive dental cleanings including subgingival treatment. Our team can address signs of dental disease like bad breath and eating difficulties through professional care.
What diagnostic tools are available?
Our hospital features ultrasound technology, echocardiograms, and in-house lab testing for rapid diagnosis of internal medicine cases and chronic conditions.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (562) 494-0975 during business hours or request an appointment through our website. We'll confirm your preferred time slot and prepare for your pet's specific needs.
Are preventive care services available?
We emphasize preventive medicine through wellness plans that include parasite prevention, nutrition counseling, and annual exams to maintain your pet's optimal health.
Videos
