10 Signs Your Pet Needs an Emergency Vet — Don't Wait

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Current estimated wait: Under 15 minutes (about 5 minutes) to be seen by a doctor.

Updated 10:10 AM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

Don't Second-Guess an Emergency

When your pet is sick or injured, it's natural to wonder if it's 'bad enough' for an emergency visit. As veterinarians, we'd always rather see your pet and reassure you than have you wait too long. Here are 10 signs that mean you should seek immediate care.

1. Difficulty Breathing

Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing in cats, blue or pale gums, or gasping are all emergencies. Respiratory distress can indicate heart failure, pneumonia, allergic reaction, or airway obstruction.

2. Suspected Toxin Ingestion

If your pet ate chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol (sugar-free gum), rat poison, medications, or toxic plants, don't wait for symptoms. Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) and head to the vet immediately.

3. Seizures

A seizure lasting more than 2 minutes, or multiple seizures in 24 hours, requires immediate veterinary care. Keep your pet safe during a seizure (clear the area, don't put anything in their mouth) and note the time and duration.

4. Inability to Urinate

If your pet (especially male cats) is straining to urinate, crying in the litter box, or producing no urine, this is a life-threatening emergency. A urinary blockage can cause kidney failure and death within 24–48 hours.

5. Bloated or Distended Abdomen

A swollen belly, especially with nonproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up), can indicate GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus or 'bloat') — a rapidly fatal condition requiring emergency surgery.

6–10: More Emergency Warning Signs

6. Uncontrolled bleeding or deep wounds. 7. Sudden collapse or inability to stand. 8. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood). 9. Eye injuries — squinting, swelling, discharge. 10. Trauma — hit by car, fall, or fight with another animal. Even if your pet seems okay after trauma, internal injuries can be life-threatening.

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

Stay calm. Call ARCH Veterinary at (669) 230-5034 to let us know you're coming. Keep your pet warm and as still as possible during transport. Bring any packaging from ingested toxins. Our Winchester location (824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose) is open 8 AM – 10 PM, 7 days a week.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

Is ARCH Veterinary a 24-hour emergency vet?

ARCH Veterinary is open 8 AM – 10 PM daily, including weekends and holidays. For overnight emergencies, we can refer you to a 24-hour facility and provide seamless transfer of medical records.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost in San Jose?

Emergency exam fees vary based on the time of visit and severity. We provide transparent estimates before treatment. Most emergency visits range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on diagnostics and treatment needed.

Should I call ahead before bringing my pet to the ER?

Yes! Calling ahead at (669) 230-5034 allows us to prepare for your arrival and prioritize based on severity. If your pet is in critical condition, tell us when you call so we can have the team ready.