VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Ctr.

10/23/2026

Jump scare!! We're here for you and your pet's needs all spooky season long 👻

Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/22/2026

Meet Toni. ✨ Technician Supervisor. Mentor. Lifelong learner. And the kind of colleague who makes everyone around her better. 🐾

Every day, Toni shows up to teach, inspire, and invest in the Associates around her — from dental wet labs to ultrasound training — because she knows what it feels like to have someone believe in you.

💙 We're so proud to have Toni on our team. Her dedication to mentorship is exactly what makes VCA a place where careers and people truly thrive.

Explore what a career at VCA could look like for you. 🌟

10/21/2026

Welcome back to - today we're learning about why our dogs roll around in things we'd rather them not 😅

Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/20/2026

This National Veterinary Technician Week, we're celebrating the incredible Associates who make our hospitals thrive — like Karen, who began as a CSR and never stopped growing and like Joanne, who sought mentorship and support to obtain her VTNE.

At VCA, we're proud to champion our veterinary technicians every step of the way — offering mentorship, encouragement, and the resources to help you reach your full potential.

To every vet tech in our VCA family: thank you. What you do matters deeply — to our teams, to our patients, and to the pet owners who trust us with their most beloved companions.

🌟 Ready to grow your career with a team that believes in you? Explore open roles at VCA. https://www.vcacareers.com/global/en

10/19/2026

🐾 Veterinary Team Appreciation Week 🐾

This week, we’re celebrating the incredible team members who make exceptional veterinary medicine possible every single day. While National Veterinary Technician Week puts a spotlight on our veterinary technicians, we believe every member of our team deserves to be celebrated.

From our credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants, to doctors’ assistants, CSRs, pharmacy technicians, and housekeeping, every role is essential to the way our hospital functions.

Behind every patient receiving high-quality medicine is a team working together. Behind every worried pet owner is someone offering compassion, reassurance, and support. And behind every successful case is a group of dedicated people bringing their knowledge, skill, and heart to work each day.

To every member of our team: thank you. Your contributions matter, your work makes a difference, and the care you provide helps make VCA Emergency Referral Center the special place it is.

We’re proud to celebrate ALL of you this week! 💙🐾

10/16/2026

🎃 Costumes, PSL's and scented candles... oh my! Be on the lookout for these potential pet hazards this fall. 🍂

And if you need support from your veterinary team, we're just a call away! Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/15/2026

We dare you to swipe through the puppies without saying "awww" 😍

Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/14/2026

Every surgery starts long before the first incision. It starts with a veterinary technician who has spent years mastering their skills, anticipating needs, monitoring vitals, and showing up fully prepared for every patient who comes through the door.

Vet techs are the heart of every OR team, and their skill and dedication make a difference every single day. At some VCA specialty hospitals, we take surgical collaboration even further. Some of our teams include Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) — professionals who earned specialized degrees specifically to support surgeons in the OR.

The result? Less time under anesthesia. Better outcomes. And a team that truly works as one. 💙

Because every patient is somebody's pet — and they deserve nothing less than the best.

10/13/2026

Think you know your veterinary history? Let’s put it to the test. 🩺

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re looking back at the breakthroughs that have helped shape veterinary care over the past four decades.

Take the 40 Years of Breakthroughs in Veterinary Medicine quiz from Clinician's Brief and see how you score!

👉 Take the quiz - https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/quiz-40-years-breakthroughs-vet-med

10/13/2026

What trick do you want to teach your senior dog?! Remember to have their favorite treat on hand 🍬

Curious about more ways to care for your senior pet? Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/12/2026

10/07/2026

Not every splenic mass is hemangiosarcoma.

While hemangiosarcoma is an important concern when a splenic mass is discovered, benign splenic masses can also bleed. This means pet owners may sometimes need to make decisions about surgery before knowing whether a mass is malignant or benign.

When splenic hemangiosarcoma is diagnosed, treatment commonly involves surgical removal of the spleen, called a splenectomy, often followed by chemotherapy. Every patient’s treatment plan is individualized based on their diagnosis, overall health, and their family’s goals of care. 🐶

Hemangiosarcoma also continues to be an important area of research, with ongoing studies exploring new drugs and treatment approaches with the hope of helping these patients live longer and maintain a good quality of life. 🐾

And through every step, compassionate support matters too, for both pets and their families. 💜

Because when cancer is hard to find, every clue matters.

Our oncology team is here to help navigate every step, from diagnosis and treatment to ongoing support. 💕

10/02/2026

😁 Happy World Smile Day! 🐾

Today, we’re celebrating one of our favorite things around here: pets who make us smile!

And leading the celebration is Ham, AKA Sir Hamlet, one of our team members’ pets and clearly a gentleman who knows how to make an entrance... and flash a smile. 👑🐾

Our pets have a way of brightening even the busiest days. A goofy grin, a happy tail wag, a contented purr, or just their adorable little faces can turn an ordinary moment into a reason to smile.

So today, we’re sharing Sir Hamlet’s smile and inviting you to share the smiles that make your day a little brighter!

📸 Post a photo of your smiling pet in the comments or tag us in your post. We want to see them!

Because when it comes to making us smile, pets truly rule the kingdom. 👑🐶🐱

09/30/2026

🎉 Another reason to celebrate our Oncology Team! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Dr. Kathy Andres and our Oncology Team for passing their AAHA inspection with flying colors! 👏🐾

This is a big accomplishment and a reflection of the knowledge, dedication, teamwork, and high standards they bring to our patients and their families every day. 💙

Our Oncology team now joins the rest of our hospital in being recognized through AAHA accreditation, a distinction that represents a commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and exceptional veterinary care.

We’re incredibly proud to have this talented team as part of VCA Emergency Referral Center. Congratulations, Dr. Andres and team! You earned it! 🎉🐾

09/28/2026

🌟 Team Member of the Month: Hecmar Delgado! 🌟

We are excited to recognize Hecmar for being an incredible teammate and a positive influence throughout our hospital! 💙 Hecmar is always willing to step in, help wherever needed, and support teams across Surgery, ER, ICU, and beyond.

Known for his kindness, reliability, and willingness to lend a helping hand, Hecmar consistently brings a smile to every shift, even during stressful moments. Whether setting up the OR for a late-night surgery or jumping in to support a teammate, his dedication and hard work make a lasting impact.

His teammates shared how much they appreciate his support, with one saying, “You’re always so willing to be a helping hand in Surgery, ER, ICU—you’re amazing! Couldn’t do this shift without you!”

Thank you, Hecmar, for your compassion, teamwork, and commitment to our patients and team. We appreciate you! 🐾💙

09/25/2026

🐾 Celebrating National Service Dog Month at Canine Companions DogFest Southwest! 🐾

September is National Service Dog Month, making this year’s DogFest Southwest an especially meaningful event for us to be part of.

It was an honor to support Canine Companions, an incredible organization that raises and trains service dogs and places them with people who need assistance, completely free of charge. 💙

We joined forces with our fellow San Diego specialty hospitals, VCA Animal Specialty Group, VCA Eye Clinic for Animals, and VCA CVS Carlsbad, to meet so many incredible dog lovers and their amazing canine companions. While not every pup at DogFest is a service dog, the event is open to all dogs and their families, making it a truly special day for everyone who attends!

DogFest is one of the most meaningful events we get to be part of all year. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support Canine Companions, connect with our San Diego community, and celebrate the incredible bond between people and dogs. 🐶

Thank you, Canine Companions, for all you do to help people live more independently and for the incredible work you do every day. We’re already looking forward to next year! 💙

09/23/2026

📢 ATTENTION, T CELLS:

Mission: Keep fighting osteosarcoma
Status: Ready for infusion 🧬🐾

After their T cells were collected through apheresis and prepared for treatment, these two brave patients returned to our hospital for their personalized T-cell infusions.

Infusion day marks the next important step in their personalized T-cell therapy. Their own cells are now back in action as part of their ongoing cancer treatment.

🐾 Two brave patients.
🧬 One incredible team.
🚀 One mission: Keep fighting.

The patients are ready.
Please report to the infusion room.
Mission continues… infusion complete! 🧬🐾

09/21/2026

🌺🎓 Chemo Graduate! 🎓🌺
Aloha to a new chapter! 🌴☀️

We’re celebrating a very special milestone for sweet Piper, who has officially completed her injectable treatment for a mast cell tumor (MCT)! 🐾

From treatment days to her graduation moment, Piper has been such a wonderful patient, always bringing a little extra joy to the team whenever she visits. We’re so proud of her journey!

Finishing treatment is a big deal and definitely deserves some sunshine, smiles, and extra treats. 🌺🐶

Congratulations, Piper! 🎓

Here’s to more adventures, more tail wags, and plenty of sunny days ahead! ☀️🌴

09/18/2026

🐾 We’re proud to be a sponsor of Canine Companions DogFest Southwest 2026! 🐾

Join us Saturday, September 19th, from 11 AM–2 PM at Liberty Station for a fun-filled day celebrating dogs, community, and the life-changing impact of service dogs. 💙🐶

And we won’t be there alone! Our VCA Specialty Hospitals sister teams will be joining us for this special event:
🐾 Animal Specialty Group
🐾 California Veterinary Specialists – Carlsbad
🐾 Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center
🐾 Eye Clinic for Animals

Together, we’re excited to celebrate the incredible work of Canine Companions and connect with our San Diego pet-loving community!
DogFest Southwest will feature service dog demonstrations, inspiring stories, local vendors, food, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities to meet some incredible dogs and the people whose lives they’ve transformed.

For more than 50 years, Canine Companions has provided expertly trained service dogs at no cost to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. These remarkable dogs help their partners with everyday tasks while providing greater independence, confidence, and connection. 🦮✨

As a veterinary hospital, we know just how powerful the human-animal bond can be. We’re honored to support an organization that celebrates that bond while helping people live more independently through the incredible work of service dogs.
Come celebrate with us at DogFest Southwest 2026! 💙

📅 Saturday, September 19
📍 Liberty Station
⏰ 11 AM–2 PM
Learn more, get involved, or support the Canine Companions mission through the QR or link in our post.

🐾