Business Details
39 Years
experience
Emergency
services
24/7 Emergency Veterinary Care in Atascadero, CA
Atascadero Pet Hospital & Emergency Center was founded in 1987 by Dr. Robert Schechter, who established a veterinary wellness practice in an old dairy barn. Over the decades, the hospital has grown into a 24-hour emergency center serving San Luis Obispo County. Our team of nine veterinarians, four licensed technicians, and over 30 employees bring state-of-the-art medicine and compassionate care to pets and their families. We offer advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, hyperbaric therapy, and wellness programs, with a focus on client-centered communication.With 24/7 availability since 2002, we provide critical care for over 2,000 emergency cases annually. Our facility includes digital imaging, CT scans, and an on-site laboratory, ensuring comprehensive care for pets at every stage of life. The hospital remains a trusted community resource, combining cutting-edge technology with personalized attention.
Services
Emergency Care
Wellness Exams
Diagnostic Imaging
Pet Dental Care
Acupuncture
Surgical Procedures
Hyperbaric Therapy
Pet Boarding
Vaccinations
Microchipping
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care with state-of-the-art equipment
- Our team includes specialists in diagnostics, surgery, and critical care
- We provide client-centered communication and personalized treatment plans
- Our hospital has advanced imaging capabilities including CT scans
- We've served the Central Coast community for over 35 years
What people say
Compassionate staff
24/7 emergency availability
Quality critical care
Positive surgical outcomes
Supportive end-of-life care
Services
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency services handle critical cases including trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses. With specialized equipment and a team trained in critical care, we provide immediate treatment for pets requiring urgent attention. Services include stabilization, diagnostics, and surgical interventions for life-threatening conditions.
Diagnostic Imaging
We offer advanced diagnostic imaging including digital X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans. These tools help identify internal injuries, tumors, and other medical conditions. Our board-certified radiologists interpret images to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans for complex cases.
Surgical Procedures
Our surgical center performs routine and complex procedures including orthopedic repairs, soft tissue surgery, and emergency operations. With sterile environments and advanced monitoring systems, we ensure safe outcomes for procedures ranging from spays/neuters to trauma repairs and tumor removals.
Hyperbaric Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates healing for injuries, snakebites, and neurological conditions. Patients receive 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. This non-invasive treatment benefits pets recovering from trauma, surgery, or chronic wounds.
Wellness Programs
Our wellness services include annual exams, vaccinations, and dental care to maintain pet health. Customized plans address age-specific needs, with preventive measures against parasites, dental disease, and chronic conditions. Early detection screenings help identify potential health issues before they become serious.
People
Dr. Aaron Schechter
Veterinarian & Practice Owner
Dr. Schechter graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. He specializes in orthopedic surgery and ophthalmology, with certifications in PennHip and TPLO procedures. He co-owns the practice with Dr. Cherbinsky.
Dr. Ofer Cherbinsky
Veterinarian & Practice Owner
Dr. Cherbinsky earned his DVM from Hebrew University in 2001. He specializes in diagnostic imaging and completed a Small Animal Ultrasound Fellowship at UC Davis. He co-owns the practice with Dr. Schechter.
Dr. Jennifer Burke
Veterinarian
Certified in veterinary acupuncture since 1996, Dr. Burke focuses on emergency medicine and alternative therapies. She has practiced at the hospital since 2000 and is one of few local veterinarians offering small-animal acupuncture.
Dr. Cody Brooks
Veterinarian
Dr. Brooks specializes in emergency medicine, toxicology, and CPR. After working at the hospital as a student, he returned as a doctor in 2019 following emergency internships in San Francisco.
Dr. Tonya Blanco-Kung
Veterinarian
Certified in veterinary acupuncture, Dr. Blanco-Kung joined the team after completing clinical training at Oregon State University. She focuses on emergency medicine and client education.
Questions
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes, we accept new clients and veterinary referrals. Call to schedule appointments or visit our website for patient referral information.
What are your emergency hours?
Our emergency center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for urgent pet care needs.
Do you offer routine wellness exams?
Yes, we provide wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventive care during regular business hours for non-emergency pet healthcare.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards, CareCredit, and Scratchpay for pet healthcare services and emergency treatments.
Can I stay with my pet during treatment?
Yes, owners are welcome to stay with their pets during visits. We understand the importance of owner presence for pet comfort.
Do you have boarding services?
We only provide medical boarding for patients requiring special care. For general pet boarding, we recommend our sister clinic Cuesta Park Animal Hospital.
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