VCA Highlands Ranch Animal Specialty & Emergency Center

05/28/2025

Spring has finally sprung, and we’re all basking in the warm sunshine and vibrant flowers that are bursting with color all around the valley! Most of us know the basics on how to keep our furry friends calm, cool, and collected during the hotter months, but we’ve compiled a list of 10 tips to make sure you can soak up all the joys of spring without any worries. So let’s get ready to enjoy this wonderful time of year to the fullest!

Check the screens…. There’s nothing like opening the windows and letting that fresh spring air in! But before you do, make sure all window screens are properly fitted. Both cats and dogs have been known to fall out through unsecured screens.

Think twice before planning your spring garden. Make sure you’ve looked into which plants can be toxic to pets before planting. If your pets have access to your garden, you may want to stay away from common varietals such as birds-of-paradise, irises, or buttercups.

Hot cars = Hurt pets. Don’t leave your pets in the car during warm weather. Even with the windows down, temperatures inside your car can shoot up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit within just a few minutes! If you’re going to be out and about, just leave your buddies at home where it’s cool.

Water duty. This goes without saying, but we’re saying it anyway: Don’t let that water bowl dry up! Make sure your pet has access to fresh water 24/7.

Lock up the gardening supplies. Many fertilizers and pesticides that are helpful to your garden are harmful to your pet…so if you use them, be sure to stow them away out of pets’ reach.

Watch out for bees and wasps. If your pet gets stung by a bee, carefully remove the stinger and apply an ice pack. If the sting is around the head, mouth, or nose keep a close look to make sure there aren’t issues with breathing or swallowing. As always, contact your veterinarian with any concerns.

Protect the paws! On hotter days, take the temperature by putting your palm on the ground before you head out for a walk with your pet. If it burns your hand, it will likely burn a paw!

Get serious with fleas. Flea and tick populations are at their peak during warmer seasons, so make sure your pet is protected! We recommend flea and tick control year-round, but spring and summer coverage should be the absolute minimum.

Brush off the winter coat. Warmer temperatures typically translate to shedding, and sometimes our pets need a little help ditching that winter coat. Groom your pets at home, or use a professional groomer to lighten the load!

Check the chip. Great spring weather means many pets are spending more time outdoors – which means a higher risk of them getting loose or running away. Make sure your pets are microchipped and that the microchip information is up to date. A microchip and collar identification are your pet’s best chance at being returned to you.

WALK INS WELCOME!

If your Pets are having an Emergency, remember, we are open 24 hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year.

5640 County Line Pl. #1
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

303-740-9595

05/19/2025

Warm weather is almost upon us! Let's keep our Pet's Healthy & Safe.

To keep pets safe in warm weather, ensure they have access to fresh water, shade, and avoid overexertion. It's also crucial to prevent heat stroke by avoiding leaving pets in cars, exercising them during cooler hours, and using caution on hot surfaces like asphalt.

If your pet should be exhibiting any abnormal symptoms please bring them in IMMEDIATELY.

VCA Highlands Ranch
5640 County Line Pl. #1
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
[Right off I-470]

05/06/2025

WE'RE HIRING!

We are seeking a Part-Time Certified Veterinary Technician to join our busy Emergency Department for Saturday and Sunday Day Shifts. 1-2 years’ experience in general practice or 1 year in a fast-paced emergency experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate.

As a member of the Emergency Department at VCA Highlands Ranch, you will assist the Doctor and technician team in providing the maximum level of care 24/7 to both incoming critical and non-critical emergencies, transfers from both our referring veterinarians, internal specialty services, and post-operative patients from our surgery department. We work on a wide variety of cases on canine and feline patients, and in our ICU ward the most critical patients receive top-notch intensive care using advanced techniques and specialized equipment.

If you are interested, follow the link below that will take you to our website and application.

Over the past 40 years AAHA-Accredited, VCA Highlands Ranch Animal Specialty and Emergency Center, has been providing professional and compassionate care to pets in the Denver, Littleton, Centennial, Englewood, Castle Pines, Parker, and Castle Rock areas. We are a well-supported, 24-hour Emergency a...

04/22/2025

NEW*, LOWER TRANSFER FEES!

Referring Vets and Clients alike:

VCA Highlands Ranch has restructured its transfer fees. Making it easier and more affordable for you to transfer your Patients & Pets over to VCA Highlands Ranch Animal Emergency & Specialty Center for 24 hr a day, 7 day a week Emergency Care and Hospitalization.

For When your Pets Need Around The Clock Care,

You Want the Best!

VCA Emergency Transfer : $109.50
Non-VCA Emergency Transfer: $123.30

5640 County Line Pl. #1
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
(Intersection of County Line & Holly)

303-740-9595

24/7/365

04/09/2025

Does your dog bark non-stop? It's time for an attitude check! We're sharing some must-knows to see if your dog is experiencing medical or behavioral issues.

04/08/2025

Spring Safety Tips for Your Pets!

Play it safe with plants
One of the first steps of ensuring spring safety for pets is knowing which plants are pet-friendly. Most pet owners know certain plants are poisonous to pets but even your pet-safe blossoms can be troublesome if ingested by dogs and cats. Large leaves and stems (especially those with thorns!) can lead to choking and damage along the intestinal tract.

Bone meal is often used as a fertilizer or supplement when planting bulbs, all of which can be attractive to canines. Eating both the bulb and the bone meal can make for a very sick dog. If you dilute most fertilizers with plenty of dirt or water, it’s often safe to use around pets (unless you have a small dog). Cat lovers, remember that lilies can cause kidney failure in felines if ingested.

If you think that your Pet is having an Emergency, please don't hesitate! We are OPEN 24/7/365, to include all Major Holiday's. Bring them in immediately! Walk-In's are always welcome!

VCA Highlands Ranch
5640 County Line Pl. #1
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

303-740-9595

04/07/2025

Medical emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning, so it's best to be prepared. A Pet First Aid Kit allows you to have important items available to care for your pet in one area. No one can be prepared for all emergencies, but it's still important to have the basics.

If the emergency is severe, get your pet to your local hospital as soon as possible.

04/04/2025

Meowzart...Bark Twain...Mary Puppins? We love meeting pets with names just as special as they are.

Is your pet's name unique? Let us know in the comments!

04/03/2025

This Heartworm Awareness Month, make sure that your pet has the proper protection against heartworms. Year-round parasite prevention is always the best form of protection.

04/01/2025

It's not every day that you hear the wildest pet stories, but at VCA, it's a daily occurrence!

03/31/2025

Colorado Rattlesnake Season is UPON us!

To keep your dog safe from rattlesnakes in Colorado, keep them on a leash, avoid areas with tall grass or rock piles,
and consider snake avoidance training.

Leash Up:
Keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas where rattlesnakes are common.

Avoid Risky Areas:
Snakes often bask in sunny areas like rock piles or trails, so avoid these areas.

Snake Avoidance Training:
Consider enrolling your dog in a snake avoidance training program, which can teach them to recognize and avoid snakes.

Rattlesnake Vaccine:
While there is a rattlesnake vaccine available, it's not a complete immunization and doesn't guarantee protection.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially during the warmer months when rattlesnakes are most active.

Eliminate Potential Habitats:
If possible, try to eliminate rock piles or grassy areas on your property that could harbor snakes.

Patrol the Area:
Before letting your dog roam free, do a quick patrol of the area to check for snakes.

03/31/2025

What is anesthesia, and why is it so important?

Anesthesia can seem intimidating, but it can help your pet be treated without pain, stress, or discomfort. We're sharing the importance of anesthesia and how it may be necessary to make sure your pet is cared for.

03/28/2025

Pup quiz time! How did you score? Comment below and tell us how many you got right!

03/26/2025

Blood work is an important step in helping your pet get better. It can help diagnose hidden ailments, expose parasites, or uncover what's affecting your pet.

We're sharing a few reasons on how a little bit of blood can make a difference in their care plan.

03/25/2025

While it can cause severe illness in pets, leptospirosis is preventable through routine vaccination for all dogs.

Contact your local VCA to schedule your vaccine now.

03/24/2025

Watch out for this hidden outdoor danger! 🌾🐾 Foxtails may look harmless, but these pesky grass seeds can cause serious harm to your pet on your next hike. Learn more about the risks and how to avoid them!

03/23/2025

There's no greater love than puppy love! Celebrate National Puppy Day with the best gift for your new furry friend—a FREE first exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals!

📍 Find a hospital & book today. New clients only. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit Now: vca.mobi/NationalPuppyDay

03/21/2025

Safety first! Whether you're out for a walk or relaxing at home, the right pet safety gear is a must. We've rounded up our top picks to keep our pets protected. Watch to see our favorites!

03/20/2025

Spring is in the air 🌼 Next time you stop and smell the flowers, make sure they're safe for your pet to sniff too!

What's your favorite Spring activity with your pet? Let us know in the comments.

03/18/2025

Meeting your pet is one of the easiest hellos, but it's also one of the hardest goodbyes.

Jennifer Scanlon, VCA South Shore (Weymouth) Animal Hospital, spoke with Newsweek about pet grief and how important it is to help pet owners navigate these difficult times.

Read More:

An X-ray revealed my 12-year-old dog had hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer known as the "silent killer."

03/17/2025

MEET DR. WINBORNE !
Dr. Lori Winborne has been with the VCA Highlands Ranch Emergency department since 2022 and grew up in Ruston, Louisiana. Dr. Winborne completed her bachelor's in Animal Science at Louisiana Tech University and then her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University.
Through her work Dr. Winborne enjoys connecting with coworkers, clients, and patients. The Emergency environment allows for her to continue learning in a challenging and energetic setting.
Dr. Winbourne is one of our ER/ICU DVM's who help us operate 24/7.

If your pet is having an emergency, call us immediately or just come in!
303-740-9595
5640 County Line Pl. #1, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

WALK-IN's WELCOME!

03/17/2025

We're feline lucky cause it's St. Cat-ricks Day 🍀!

03/14/2025

When it comes to pet health, make sure you're in the know. We're debunking a few common myths that can put your pet's health at risk.

03/13/2025

March 13th is

Today is dedicated to the incredible canines out there whose service and sacrifice help to keep us safe.

03/12/2025

Raise your hand if your timeline is just photos of the cutest pets! 😹🤚

03/03/2025

We’re Partnering with CSU Oncology!
Cancer treatment is constantly evolving for dogs and cats, and we want to make sure your pet is getting the best care possible! We are currently a site involved in one of CSU’s clinical trials for dogs with bone cancer, “Expediated Carboplatin for Treatment of Osteosarcoma in Dogs.” That means your pet can get cutting edge care closer to home. Please see the link below on this exciting study for more information.
Please help us spread the word! If you or someone you know has a dog recently diagnosed with bone cancer, our Oncology service is happy to see them for a consultation to discuss this as well as other options. We are committed to providing your pet the best care possible and helping advancing cancer research.

This study for osteosarcoma in dogs is designed to study if there is a survival benefit when adjuvant chemotherapy is started earlier.

02/21/2025

The Doctor is IN!

Meet Dr. Jennifer McGill DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Dr. Jennifer McGill completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University in 2016. Upon graduation, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to complete a one-year small animal rotating internship at Louisiana State University. Dr. McGill then moved to Davis, California where she completed a three-year small animal internal medicine residency at the University of California, Davis.

Dr. McGill has been trained in all areas of internal medicine, but her primary interests include endocrinology, gastroenterology, and infectious diseases. She is proficient in all endoscopic procedures as well as a wide range of minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. McGill and her team stand ready and able to address all your pets Internal Medicine needs!

They have hours Monday - Thursday 8a - 6p

Call today with questions or to have your furry family members scheduled for an appointment today!

VCA Highlands Ranch Animal Specialty and Emergency Center
5640 County Line Pl. #1
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

24/7/365 Full Emergency Department

303-740-9595

02/18/2025

Kitty Bling!

Dr. MacLellan our VCA Veterinary Dental Specialist, just placed a gold alloy full metal crown on this delightful cat patient. This kitty has some interesting chewing habits! She likes to chew on wood, and her owner's laptop, so a crown was essential to protect her root canal treated canine tooth! This type of crown is hypoallergenic, and is necessary to easily adapt to the delicate tooth structure, so not just for looks!
If your pet needs Dental Surgery, or even something as simple as an evaluation or cleaning, look no further than Dr. MacLellan and her team of Dental Specialists.

You want the best, we have the best!

Call today and schedule an appointment.

303-740-9595

02/07/2025

WHAT IS VETERINARY DENTISTRY?

Veterinary dentistry, like human dentistry, includes preventive care, cleaning, extraction, and repair of teeth. Pets can receive similar dental care to people, including root canals and other advanced procedures. Dental procedures are performed by Dr. Roxane MacLellan, a board-certified veterinary dentist and a certified acupuncturist. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Dr. MacLellan will examine the pet’s entire mouth to look for any abnormalities in the teeth, gums, tongue, or other tissues. Radiographs (X-rays) may be needed to evaluate the health of the jaw bone and tooth roots below the gum line. Dental cleaning under anesthesia includes scaling that will remove dental plaque and tartar, followed by polishing.

WHY DOES PET DENTISTRY REQUIRE ANESTHESIA? Unlike people, your pet doesn’t understand the importance of dental care and the need to remain still, and might react by moving, trying to escape or even biting. Anesthesia makes it possible to perform the dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet. It also allows for a more thorough cleaning because your pet isn’t moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment. If X-rays are needed, better quality images are obtained when your pet is still.

Dr. MacLellan and her team have hours Monday through Thursday from 8am to 6pm. Call today and get your furry family member in for a check up and cleaning as soon as possible!

303-740-9595 5640 County Line Pl. #1, Highlands Ranch, CO 80108

01/31/2025

THE DOG FLU

The dog flu, as it’s commonly known, is thankfully not known to spread to people, but can cause severe disease in some dogs.
The disease is caused by Type A influenza strains known to infect dogs, not humans. Two distinct strains exist, H3N8 virus and the other is an H3N2 virus. Influenza viruses do commonly mutate, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors canine influenza to assess if there is any species jump from dogs to people.
As with human influenza, canine influenza is rapidly spread between individuals. Dogs are most contagious for two to four days during the incubation period, before any significant signs of illness are evident. It is highly contagious, with an estimate of 80% of infected dogs displaying flu-like signs. Thankfully the percentage of dogs who succumb to the virus is low.
Prevention consists of vaccination, hygiene, quarantine, and common sense. If your dog is coughing, keep them away from other dogs or cats until the coughing has resolved. Should there be suspicion or confirmation of influenza, that period of isolation should be extended to two or three weeks. Wash hands frequently and keep all kennels and shared spaces clean. The virus usually does not survive more than two days on surfaces and is readily deactivated by commonly used disinfectants. Stay away from dog parks, daycare, and social situations until clear of the isolation period.
If you suspect that your dog may have the flu, don't hesitate to bring them in! We are here to help 24/7/365 to include EVERY major holiday.

5640 County Line Pl. #1, Highlands Ranch, CO 80108 303-740-9595