For many pet owners, getting veterinary care can be stressful- especially when the patient is a rabbit, reptile or other exotic animal. Pasadena Veterinary Urgent Care is offering a new sense of relief by opening its doors to walk-in patients and expanding access to cats, dogs, and exotic pets.
Located on East Colorado Boulevard in the Amazon Fresh Shopping Center, the clinic was designed to meet pets and their families where they are. The urgent care model provides timely treatment for animals who can’t wait weeks for an appointment but don’t require emergency hospitalization.
Hospital Manager Lainie Barajas said the goal is simple: make care accessible when it’s needed most, while still encouraging long-term relationships with primary veterinarians. In addition to supporting pet owners, the hospital serves as a resource for primary care veterinarians, viewing urgent care as a way to support-not replace- ongoing relationships between pets, their families and their regular doctors.
The hospital uses a triage system to ensure that the most urgent cases are treated first, while still welcoming stable patients throughout the day.
What makes the clinic especially unique is its approach to exotic pets. While dogs and cats are seen for urgent care, exotic animals are accepted for both routine wellness visits and urgent needs-an option that is often hard to find. Barajas noted that many exotic specialty hospitals are booked far in advance, leaving owners with limited choices.
Staff members have embraced the opportunity to work with exotic species, she said, and that enthusiasm is reflected in the experience clients receive.
“We want people to feel welcome here,” Barajas said. “If someone needs help, we want them to know they can come to us.”
Pasadena Vet Urgent Care is located at 3415 East Colorado Blvd., Unit 103, Pasadena, CA 91107. The clinic accepts walk-in visits for exotic pets including rabbits and reptiles; dogs and cats are seen for urgent issues. For more information, call (626) 654-4027 or visit pasadenaveturgentcare.com.
