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For Lancaster, CA pets

Lancaster, CA pet parents: make the drive to our vet team worth it.

Encino Pet Hospital & Emergency offers same-day diagnostics, CT imaging, ultrasound and surgery consultations for dogs and cats, about an hour to an hour and a quarter from Lancaster. A few minutes of preparation turns a long drive into one productive visit, so call us before you leave.

Book a visit Call (818) 922-2209
Free parking
Right behind our building
Before you leave

A simple checklist for the trip down Highway 14.

Whether you are coming from West Lancaster, East Lancaster or Quartz Hill, these steps help us use every minute of your visit.

The drive runs south on Highway 14 toward I-5 and I-405. Allow about an hour to an hour and a quarter, and more at rush hour.

  • ✓Call ahead at (818) 922-2209 so we know what is going on and can plan the visit
  • ✓Send or bring records: past lab work, X-ray or ultrasound reports and vaccine history
  • ✓Ask about food: sedation and some imaging go better on an empty stomach, so check with us before breakfast
  • ✓Pack medications in their original bottles, plus any special diet
  • ✓Bring a urine or stool sample if we ask for one
  • ✓Use a secure carrier or leash, and a towel for the car
What to expect

How a same-day visit usually unfolds.

We start with a conversation and a thorough exam, then decide together which tests will actually answer your question.

Many blood and urine results are ready in under an hour. If imaging is needed, digital X-rays and ultrasound are read by a board-certified veterinary radiologist. For problems that need a closer look, we offer a pet CT scan, and we can arrange endoscopy when a foreign object or stomach issue is suspected.

Before you head home, we go over the findings, the treatment plan and what to watch for. If your pet needs to stay during the day for fluids or monitoring, our hospitalization team explains how it works and what happens after we close at 7:30 PM. Surgery questions start with a specialty surgery consultation.

Know the limits

When a long drive is not the right choice.

Some signs mean your pet needs help right now, and the closest open hospital should come first.

A cat straining in the litter box with little or no urine (see blocked cat), breathing problems, collapse, seizures or a dog that suddenly can’t walk all need care fast. Call us for guidance, and read our emergency page and symptoms guide.

We are open 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, 7 days a week. Late in the day or at night, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital if it cannot wait. For planned diagnostics and second opinions, a morning arrival works best. Palmdale neighbors can see our Palmdale page as well.

Common Questions

Lancaster, CA Vet Visit FAQ.

How far is Encino Pet Hospital from Lancaster, CA?
Plan on about an hour to an hour and a quarter by car, traffic permitting. The usual route is Highway 14 south to I-5 and I-405, then to Ventura Blvd in Encino, with free parking behind the building.
Should I call before driving from Lancaster?
Yes, please call (818) 922-2209 before you leave. We can tell you what to bring, whether to hold food, and make sure the right team members are ready so the visit moves quickly.
Should my pet eat before an imaging appointment?
Ask us first. Sedation and some imaging, like abdominal ultrasound, can go better on an empty stomach, but the right instructions depend on your pet. Do not stop any medication unless our team tells you to.
What happens during a same-day visit?
Your pet gets a full exam, then lab tests and imaging as needed, with many lab results back in under an hour. Before you go home, we explain the findings and the plan, and schedule any follow-up.
Is Encino Pet Hospital open 24 hours for Lancaster emergencies?
No. We are open 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day, including holidays. After 7:30 PM, take your pet to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital if it cannot wait, or call us first thing when we open.

Coming down from Lancaster?

Call before you leave and we’ll have everything ready.

Book a visit(818) 922-2209