Veterinary Specialty Hospital: Vet Care & Contact

by
San Diego · Specialty & 24/7 Emergency Veterinary Guide · Updated September 2026

Veterinary Specialty Hospital contact, 24/7 emergency care, specialty departments, referrals, map, portal, and visit help

Veterinary Specialty Hospital, also known as VSH San Diego or Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Sorrento Valley, is located at 10435 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. The main phone number is 858-875-7500.

This guide is built for pet owners who need more than a basic listing. It explains when to call, how emergency arrival works, what to bring for specialty appointments, how referrals are handled, which departments are listed, what payment options are posted, and how to use official forms and portal links.

Call 858-875-7500 Emergency & Appointment Instructions Client Portal Submit Referral
Emergency warning: If your pet has breathing trouble, collapse, seizures, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning, trauma, bloat signs, pale gums, heatstroke, inability to urinate, paralysis, or extreme pain, call 858-875-7500 and go directly to emergency care. Do not wait for a routine specialty appointment.
Hospital name Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Also listed as VSH San Diego and Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Sorrento Valley.

Address 10435 Sorrento Valley Rd

San Diego, CA 92121. Use this exact address for GPS, rideshare, referrals, and records.

Main phone 858-875-7500

Use for 24/7 emergency care, specialty appointments, referrals, patient updates, and payment questions.

Main hours Open 24/7

The hospital lists 24-hour main hours every day, including weekends.

Care model Emergency + Specialty

Emergency, critical care, internal medicine, surgery, neurology, oncology, diagnostic imaging, dermatology, ophthalmology, social work, and blood bank services are listed.

Quality signal AAHA Accredited

The hospital describes itself as AAHA accredited and equipped for advanced specialty and emergency care.

Start here: choose emergency, specialty appointment, recheck, or referral

VSH is not a routine wellness clinic. Most pet owners use it for 24/7 emergency care, specialty referral, advanced diagnostics, surgery, cancer care, neurology, internal medicine, or critical care.

Situation Best action What to prepare
Life-threatening emergency Call 858-875-7500, briefly describe symptoms, and go to the main door on arrival. Timing and frequency of symptoms, toxin packaging if relevant, leash/collar or carrier, medication list, and key medical records.
Specialty appointment Call VSH to schedule and ask whether your family veterinarian should send a referral first. Referral form, X-rays, blood test results, diet information, medication list, and completed client registration form.
Drop-off or recheck Head to the main door and check in with the client care team. Discharge notes, medication bottles, current symptoms, appetite updates, and any new concerns since the last visit.
Primary vet referral Ask your primary veterinarian to submit records through the VSH referral portal or call VSH before transfer. Reason for referral, labwork, imaging, current treatments, suspected diagnosis, and whether immediate stabilization is needed.
Prescription refill Use the official prescription refill form or call if the pet is actively sick. Medication name, strength, dose, remaining supply, last prescribing doctor, and pharmacy preference.
Payment planning Ask for the detailed estimate before services are rendered. Payment method, CareCredit status, pet insurance policy details, and budget questions before authorizing care.

Veterinary Specialty Hospital contact information and 24/7 hours

Use this contact table for emergency arrival, appointment scheduling, referral coordination, patient updates, portal help, and payment planning.

Contact item Current detail Use it for
Hospital name Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Sorrento Valley Emergency care, specialty appointments, referrals, records, and GPS search.
Address 10435 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121 Directions, rideshare, transfer records, insurance claims, and emergency arrival.
Phone 858-875-7500 24/7 emergency care, specialty scheduling, referral questions, patient updates, and financial estimate questions.
Main hours Open 24 hours every day Emergency care access. Specialty department appointments may still have service-specific scheduling limits.
Official website vshsd.com Official services, forms, emergency instructions, referral portal, payment options, and client resources.
Important timing note: The hospital is listed as open 24/7, but specialty departments such as internal medicine, oncology, imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, neurology, or surgery may require appointment scheduling, doctor availability, referral review, or emergency-team stabilization first.

Google map, directions, and safe arrival checklist

For emergencies, call while you are on the way if it is safe to do so. For scheduled appointments, arrive early with records and forms ready.

Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Sorrento Valley
10435 Sorrento Valley Rd
San Diego, CA 92121
Main: 858-875-7500

Use this embedded Google map for directions only. Emergency traffic, parking, and intake timing can vary, so call the hospital for live arrival guidance.

Emergency arrival

Call ahead, briefly describe symptoms, and walk directly to the main door when you arrive. Keep your pet controlled on a leash or safely inside a carrier.

Scheduled appointment

Arrive about 20 minutes early for the first visit so the team can complete the medical record, registration, and intake process.

Drop-off or recheck

Check in with the client care team. A technician may meet you outside or at your car to obtain details and explain next steps.

Bring records

Bring referral paperwork, X-rays, blood test results, medication bottles, diet information, discharge notes, and insurance information if available.

24/7 emergency and critical care process

VSH provides emergency and critical care. The official arrival instructions emphasize calling ahead, tracking symptoms, bringing toxin packaging when relevant, and keeping pets safely restrained.

Before you arrive
Call 858-875-7500 and explain what you are seeing. Track when symptoms started and how often they occur, such as vomiting frequency, seizure duration, bleeding amount, or breathing changes.
If toxin exposure is possible
Bring the package, label, remaining item, plant, medication bottle, chemical container, or photo of what your pet ate or contacted.
When you arrive
Head straight to the main door and check in with the client care team. The technician who evaluates your pet helps determine whether immediate treatment is needed.
What not to do
Do not give human medications, induce vomiting, feed the pet, or delay transport unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional instructs you.
Emergency sign Why it matters Action
Breathing trouble or blue/pale gums May indicate oxygen, heart, lung, shock, or airway problems. Call and go now.
Seizures, collapse, paralysis, or severe weakness May require emergency stabilization, neurology evaluation, imaging, or intensive monitoring. Track time and frequency, then go now.
Suspected poisoning or medication overdose Treatment depends on substance, dose, timing, and symptoms. Bring packaging and call while traveling.
Major trauma, hit by car, fall, bite wounds, or severe bleeding Internal injury, shock, pain, and blood loss can worsen quickly. Use safe transport and seek emergency care.
Unable to urinate or bloated abdomen Urinary blockage and bloat can become life-threatening. Do not wait for a routine appointment.

Specialty appointments: what to expect when your pet is a patient

Patients are normally referred by a family veterinarian. The referral helps VSH route the case to the correct specialty department and prepare the medical team.

Confirm whether referral records are needed. Ask your family veterinarian to send the referral form, exam notes, labwork, imaging, current treatments, and the reason your pet needs specialty care.
Call VSH to schedule the initial visit. Call 858-875-7500. For appointment-only questions, use the official contact route, but call directly for any medical concern.
Complete the client registration form. Use the official online form or download/complete it before arrival when available. This reduces delay during intake.
Bring all relevant information. Bring referral form, X-rays, blood test results, diet details, medication list, current medication bottles, discharge papers, and prior diagnoses.
Arrive early and restrain pets safely. For the initial visit, arrive about 20 minutes early. Dogs should be leashed, and cats or small pets should be secured in carriers.
Follow fasting instructions for procedures. If surgery or a major procedure is expected, follow the hospital’s fasting instructions. Do not change instructions for very young pets, diabetic pets, or special medical cases without veterinary direction.
Useful appointment script: “My primary vet is referring my pet to VSH. The concern is __. Records and labwork are available. My pet is currently taking __. Is this a scheduled specialty appointment, or should we come through emergency first?”

Specialty departments and what each one helps with

VSH lists multiple specialty services. Use this table to understand which department may fit your pet’s problem before calling or asking your primary veterinarian for referral help.

Department What it commonly covers What to ask before scheduling
Emergency / Critical Care Emergency stabilization, serious illness, trauma, shock, breathing issues, toxin exposure, intensive monitoring, and critical-care support. Should we go through emergency now, or can this wait for a specialty appointment?
Internal Medicine Chronic and complex medical conditions, ultrasound, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, blood pressure, CT, fluoroscopy, joint aspirates, and senior-pet medical management. Is same-day transfer available, or should emergency stabilize first and transfer later?
Diagnostic Imaging Digital radiography, ultrasound, MRI, CT, fluoroscopy, orthopedic positioning, teleradiology, ultrasound-guided aspirate, biopsy, and special contrast procedures. Does my pet need fasting, sedation, emergency intake, or referral records before imaging?
Surgery Orthopedic surgery, fracture repair, TPLO, neurologic surgery, oncologic surgery, soft tissue surgery, abdominal, thoracic, urinary, reconstructive, and wound procedures. What diagnostics, estimate, fasting, medications, recovery restrictions, and recheck schedule are expected?
Neurology Brain, spinal cord, and neuromuscular disorders, seizures, disc disease, spinal cord injury, head trauma, brain tumors, MRI, CT, myelography, spinal fluid analysis, EMG, and biopsies. Is the pet stable enough for appointment, or are paralysis, seizures, or pain emergency-level today?
Oncology Cancer diagnosis, staging, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, palliative care, pain management, minimally invasive biopsy, clinical trials, and nutrition support. Should records include biopsy results, imaging, bloodwork, prior surgery reports, and medication history?
Ophthalmology Eye disease diagnosis, eye infections, cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, cherry eye, dry eye, uveitis, traumatic eye injuries, eyelid disorders, retinal issues, and ocular tumors. Is sudden vision loss, eye trauma, or severe eye pain urgent enough for emergency intake?
Dermatology Skin, ear, nail, allergy, infection, autoimmune, fungal, parasitic, hair loss, chronic ear disease, skin biopsy, cytology, cultures, and allergy testing. Should medications be paused before allergy testing or dermatology diagnostics?
Blood Bank Blood products and donor program for dogs and cats, including screening, typing, and donor participation. Does my pet qualify as a donor, or does my sick pet need transfusion support?
Social Work Support for pet-owner stress, grief, difficult decisions, and human-animal bond concerns during specialty or emergency care. Is social work available for care planning, grief support, or quality-of-life discussions?

Advanced care resources and hospital capabilities

VSH describes a large specialty hospital with advanced equipment and multiple care areas. This helps explain why primary veterinarians refer complex cases there.

Hospital scale

The hospital describes a three-story, 26,500-square-foot facility with treatment wards, exam rooms, radiography suites, operating rooms, and an ICU.

Imaging and procedures

Advanced imaging and procedure options listed include MRI, CT scan, fluoroscopy, digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, echocardiogram, ECG, and spinal tap.

Surgery and oncology

VSH lists advanced surgical suites, orthopedic and joint-replacement support, neurosurgery, medical oncology, radiation therapy, linear accelerator, and CyberKnife therapy.

Critical support

Emergency and specialty cases may involve ICU support, blood products, ventilator support, transfusion medicine, advanced monitoring, and specialist collaboration.

Practical point: Advanced equipment does not mean every pet receives every test. Ask which test changes the treatment plan, what the cost estimate includes, whether sedation is needed, and what results are expected the same day.

Referral process for family veterinarians and pet owners

VSH works closely with primary veterinarians. For complex or acute cases, the referring veterinarian may call ahead and send records through the online portal.

Normal referral
Your family veterinarian sends a referral form describing the medical problem and identifying the specialty department your pet should see.
Acute condition
If the patient has an ongoing or urgent medical problem, VSH asks referring veterinarians to call and speak with a doctor before arrival when possible.
Internal medicine changes
VSH states that internal medicine no longer accepts same-day emergency transfers. Urgent cases may be managed through emergency first, then transferred to internal medicine later if appropriate.
Records and updates
VSH indicates medical records can be available in real time through its online portal, and the team can also fax records daily if preferred.

Submit referrals

Open the official referral page

  1. Veterinary teams can submit referrals online.
  2. Include relevant records, labwork, radiographs, and diagnostic results.
  3. Use the portal to receive referral letters, diagnostics, radiograph results, and patient updates.

Referral process

Read the referral process

  1. Call VSH before acute transfers when possible.
  2. Ask whether emergency intake or scheduled consultation is best.
  3. Clarify whether a verbal estimate is available before transfer.

Official forms, client portal, refills, and online food ordering

VSH uses online forms and portal tools to reduce friction for appointments, refills, referrals, records, and communication.

Client registration form

Open client registration

  1. Complete before a new appointment when possible.
  2. Bring a printed copy if you downloaded it.
  3. Arrive early if you need to complete it at the hospital.

Spanish registration form

Open Spanish client registration

  1. Use this if Spanish-language registration is easier.
  2. Confirm the pet owner and patient details match records.
  3. Bring medication, diet, and prior care information.

Prescription refill form

Open refill form

  1. Enter medication name, dose, and patient details carefully.
  2. Submit before you run out.
  3. Call instead if symptoms are changing or the pet is unstable.

Client portal

Open client portal

  1. Use the email connected to your VSH account.
  2. Check available records, forms, invoices, and communication tools.
  3. Ask VSH for access help if the portal does not recognize your account.

Online food ordering

Open online store information

  1. Use for food ordering when available.
  2. Confirm prescription diet approval if needed.
  3. Ask whether the diet is part of a specialty treatment plan.

Blood donor consent

Open blood donor consent

  1. Use only for eligible blood donor program participation.
  2. Confirm donor requirements before scheduling.
  3. Follow fasting instructions before donation drop-off.

Medical records, patient updates, and what to bring

Specialty and emergency care depends heavily on accurate records. Missing X-rays, lab results, medications, or referral notes can slow down the plan.

Record or update need Best route What to include
New specialty consultation Have your primary veterinarian send the referral and records before the appointment. Referral form, exam notes, X-rays, bloodwork, ultrasound reports, biopsy results, medication list, and current diet.
Emergency arrival Bring available paperwork, but do not delay emergency transport to collect nonessential files. Medication bottles, toxin packaging, rabies certificate, important records, and recent discharge notes.
Inpatient updates Ask which doctor, department, or client-care route will provide updates. Best phone number, backup contact, preferred update window, and decision-maker information.
Referral updates to primary vet Use VSH’s referral portal or fax process through the veterinary team. Receiving clinic details, doctor name, fax number, and required diagnostic attachments.
Insurance claim Ask for an itemized invoice and medical notes after treatment. Diagnosis, procedure names, medications, dates of service, invoice, and payment confirmation.

Payment options, estimates, CareCredit, and pet insurance

Emergency and specialty care can be expensive. VSH states that a detailed estimate is prepared for review and that the estimate is paid in full before services are rendered.

Payment methods listed

The payment page lists cash, personal checks accepted through TeleCheck with ID required, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit.

Detailed estimates

Ask what the estimate includes, whether it covers hospitalization, diagnostics, imaging, medications, surgery, anesthesia, overnight care, and recheck needs.

CareCredit

CareCredit is listed as a line-of-credit option. Apply before authorizing care when possible so you know the approved amount and terms.

Pet insurance

VSH encourages pet insurance, but most plans reimburse the owner after the invoice and medical records are submitted. Ask your insurer about pre-authorization for major care.

Estimate question: “Can you separate the stabilization cost, diagnostics, specialist consult, hospitalization range, medication costs, and possible surgery range so I know what is required now?”

Blood bank and donor program details

VSH lists a dog and cat blood donor program. This matters for both owners of eligible healthy pets and owners whose pets may need transfusion support.

Blood bank topic Officially listed detail Practical note
Program purpose Blood component therapy is used for traumatic injuries, parasitic and immune-related disease, surgical procedures, and other life-threatening problems. Ask whether your hospitalized pet may need whole blood, packed red cells, plasma, albumin, or other blood products.
Dog donor basics Donors must be healthy, have good temperament, be 1–7 years old for initial enrollment, over 36 pounds, vaccinated, and on monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Call before assuming your dog qualifies.
Cat donor basics Cats must be healthy, indoor only, over 10 pounds, 1–7 years old for initial enrollment, vaccinated, and on monthly flea prevention. Indoor-only status and temperament are important.
Donation day fasting The donor page asks owners to fast pets for 8–12 hours before donation drop-off, with water allowed. Follow VSH instructions, especially for young, diabetic, or medically sensitive pets.

What basic map listings and review pages often miss

Third-party listings can show a phone number, address, or rating, but they usually do not explain the real process for emergency intake, specialty referral, procedure prep, or cost planning.

Common listing detail Why it is not enough What this guide adds
Address and phone Pet owners still need to know whether to walk in, call ahead, or ask their primary vet for a referral. Emergency call-ahead process, appointment checklist, referral steps, and arrival instructions.
Open 24 hours 24/7 emergency access does not mean every specialty service is available instantly. Clear explanation of emergency intake versus scheduled specialty appointments.
Specialty services list A service list does not tell owners what symptoms, records, diagnostics, or questions to prepare. Department-by-department table with practical “what to ask” guidance.
Payment accepted Payment labels do not explain estimates, deposits, financing, or pet insurance reimbursement. Estimate planning, CareCredit note, insurance claim preparation, and cost-control questions.
Reviews Reviews do not replace official medical instructions, referral rules, or emergency triage. Official links, forms, emergency steps, source checklist, and safety disclaimer.

Official source checklist for this guide

Use these official pages for final confirmation before a visit, transfer, emergency arrival, payment decision, or form submission.

Official page What it helps verify When to open it
Contact page Address, phone number, 24/7 hours, and main location. Open before driving, calling, or confirming the correct VSH location.
Emergencies + appointments Emergency call-ahead process, arrival instructions, new appointment steps, drop-off, pickup, and recheck process. Open before emergency arrival or scheduled specialty appointment.
Services page Listed departments including blood bank, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, social work, and surgery. Open when deciding which specialty department may fit your pet’s condition.
About VSH AAHA accreditation, advanced equipment, referral model, and hospital capabilities. Open when learning why a primary veterinarian may refer complex cases to VSH.
Referral process How veterinary teams refer patients, how records are shared, and how emergency-to-specialty transfer may work. Open when your primary vet is sending a referral or transferring a patient.
Payment options Detailed estimate policy, payment methods, and CareCredit link. Open before approving diagnostics, hospitalization, surgery, or specialty treatment.
When your pet is a patient What to bring, initial visit process, arrival timing, fasting note, medication instructions, and cancellation notice. Open before the first specialty appointment or major procedure.
Independent guide notice: USHospitalGuides.com is not Veterinary Specialty Hospital, not VSH San Diego, not Ethos Veterinary Health, not an emergency dispatch service, and not a government agency. Use the official hospital phone number and official links for final decisions, live triage, appointments, estimates, and medical instructions.

Important pet health and safety notice

This guide helps with contact, location, emergency arrival, specialty appointment preparation, records, payment, and referral navigation. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Do not rely on online information for emergency triage. Breathing difficulty, poisoning, trauma, seizures, urinary blockage, heatstroke, severe pain, sudden collapse, paralysis, or suspected toxin exposure needs immediate veterinary help.

Veterinary Specialty Hospital FAQs

These questions focus on the VSH San Diego address, phone number, 24/7 hours, emergency care, specialty departments, appointments, referrals, forms, records, payment, and insurance.

1. What is the address for Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego?
Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Sorrento Valley is located at 10435 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. Use this exact address for GPS, emergency arrival, referrals, and records.
2. What is the phone number for Veterinary Specialty Hospital?
The main phone number is 858-875-7500. Use it for 24/7 emergency care, specialty appointments, referral questions, patient updates, and payment estimate questions.
3. Is Veterinary Specialty Hospital open 24 hours?
Yes. The hospital lists main hours as open 24 hours every day. Emergency care is available 24/7, but specialty departments may have appointment scheduling, referral review, or service-specific availability.
4. Should I call before going to VSH for an emergency?
Yes. Call 858-875-7500 if it is safe to do so. Briefly describe symptoms, track timing and frequency, bring toxin packaging if relevant, and keep your pet safely leashed or in a carrier.
5. Do pets need a referral for Veterinary Specialty Hospital?
Patients are normally referred by a family veterinarian. Your primary veterinarian typically sends a referral form describing the problem and identifying the appropriate specialty department. Emergency cases can still be routed through emergency care.
6. What specialty departments are listed at VSH San Diego?
Listed services include emergency and critical care, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, surgery, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology, blood bank, and social work support.
7. What should I bring to a first specialty appointment?
Bring the client registration form if completed, referral form, X-rays, blood test results, diet information, current medications, medication bottles, prior diagnoses, discharge notes, and pet insurance information if available.
8. How early should I arrive for an initial appointment?
For an initial visit, VSH advises arriving about 20 minutes early so the team can complete information for your pet’s medical record and check-in process.
9. What payment options are listed by Veterinary Specialty Hospital?
The payment page lists cash, personal checks accepted through TeleCheck with ID required, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit. VSH prepares a detailed estimate for review and asks for payment before services are rendered.
10. Does pet insurance work at VSH?
Pet insurance can be used for emergency or specialty care depending on your policy. Most plans reimburse the owner after payment, so ask for an itemized invoice and medical notes to submit with your claim.