Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
24/7 Emergency & Specialty Vet Care in Santa Cruz
Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists has been dedicated to providing advanced veterinary care since 1961. Our team of board-certified specialists and emergency veterinarians offers 24/7 critical care, internal medicine, oncology, and surgical services for pets in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas. We are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, ensuring adherence to rigorous standards of veterinary excellence. Our hospital features state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, a fully equipped facility, and a 24-hour ICU to address urgent medical needs. We collaborate closely with primary care veterinarians to deliver comprehensive, integrated treatment plans tailored to each patient. With over six decades of experience, we prioritize compassionate care, innovative diagnostics, and cutting-edge treatments to improve pet health outcomes.Our emergency services operate continuously, staffed by trained criticalists ready to handle life-threatening conditions. We maintain partnerships with community organizations like the BirchBark Foundation to provide financial assistance for life-saving treatments. The hospital offers online resources, including pet health advice and emergency preparedness guidance, to support responsible pet ownership. Our commitment extends beyond clinical care to include client education and fostering relationships between pets, families, and referring veterinarians.
Services
Emergency Care
Oncology
Surgery
Internal Medicine
Critical Care
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- 24/7 emergency services with board-certified critical care specialists
- AAHA-accredited hospital maintaining rigorous veterinary care standards
- On-site 24-hour ICU and advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities
- Specialists with 3+ years additional training beyond veterinary school
- Partnership with BirchBark Foundation for financial assistance programs
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association
What people say
Affordable professional compassionate
24/7 availability
Advanced diagnostic tools
Board-certified specialists
Seamless primary vet communication
Services
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency department treats life-threatening conditions including trauma, poisoning, respiratory distress, and internal bleeding. Board-certified criticalists utilize advanced diagnostics and triage protocols to stabilize patients immediately. The facility maintains continuous ICU monitoring capabilities for post-emergency care.
Internal Medicine
Veterinary internists manage complex conditions affecting organ systems through comprehensive diagnostics and targeted treatments. Specialists handle endocrine disorders, kidney failure, and immune-related diseases using advanced imaging and laboratory testing. Treatment plans integrate multiple specialties for optimal outcomes.
Oncology
Board-certified oncologists provide cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. The service combines cutting-edge diagnostics with compassionate care while coordinating with primary vets. Treatment options address both curative and palliative needs.
Surgery
Our surgical team performs complex procedures including orthopedic repairs, soft tissue surgery, and minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Surgeons utilize advanced imaging and monitoring during operations. Post-operative care includes pain management and recovery protocols tailored to each patient's condition.
Critical Care
Board-certified criticalists manage life-threatening conditions in our 24-hour ICU. Services include respiratory support, cardiac monitoring, and treatment for sepsis or organ failure. Continuous patient monitoring combines specialized nursing care with advanced life support technologies for critically ill animals.
People
Melissa Arbaugh
Board-Certified Surgeon
DVM, MS, DACVS. Specializes in advanced surgical techniques including orthopedic and soft tissue procedures. 10+ years experience in veterinary surgery.
Stephen Kalff
Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc, MANZCVS, DSAS, MRCVS. Expertise in complex surgical interventions with international veterinary surgical training background.
Colleen Brady
Critical Care Specialist
DVM, DACVECC. Emergency medicine specialist managing trauma and critical patients using evidence-based life support protocols in our ICU.
Kelly Akol
Internal Medicine Specialist
DVM, DACVIM(SAIM). Focuses on diagnosing and treating complex internal medical conditions affecting organ systems in companion animals.
Jay Stone
Veterinary Oncologist
DVM. Specializes in cancer diagnosis and treatment options including chemotherapy and palliative care for oncology patients.
Questions
What emergency veterinary services are available in Santa Cruz?
Our 24/7 emergency hospital treats critical conditions like trauma, poisoning, breathing difficulties, and severe bleeding with board-certified specialists.
What specialty veterinary care options exist in Santa Cruz?
We provide oncology, internal medicine, surgery, and critical care services with advanced diagnostics and treatment options unavailable at standard clinics.
When should I visit your emergency animal hospital?
Seek emergency care for symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding, breathing difficulties, seizures, poisoning, or inability to urinate/bowel movement.
How are emergency vet cases prioritized?
Cases are triaged by severity: immediate life-threatening conditions first, followed by urgent and non-life-threatening cases using our Red/Yellow/Green system.
Do you coordinate with primary care veterinarians?
Yes, we maintain communication with your regular vet to ensure continuity of care and share detailed medical records post-treatment.
Where is your 24/7 vet hospital located?
Our AAHA-accredited facility is located at 2585 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, serving Santa Cruz and surrounding counties.
