VCA Civano Animal Hospital and Emergency Center

09/28/2025

With increasing number of rabies-related incidents being reported statewide, World Rabies Day provides us with the perfect reminder to keep pets vaccinated against this terrible disease. Bats, Foxes and Skunks are the most common species testing positive for Rabies in Arizona but it also occurs in Bobcats, Coyotes and Javalinas. Dogs, cats, ferrets and livestock such as horses, should be vaccinated regularly against rabies. It is required that your dog be up-to-date on its rabies vaccine in order to get a dog license in Pima County too. We recommend rabies vaccine to ALL pets even if they don’t go outside. There was a recent example of a rabid bat that got into a house, the house owners cat wasn’t current on its rabies vaccine and sadly, had to be euthanized. If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with a rabid animal, report it immediately to animal control. We cannot stress strongly enough how important it is to keep your pet vaccinated against rabies.

09/26/2025

Could your cat be a blood donor? We are looking for healthy, indoor only, cats that weigh at least 10 pounds, are between the age of 1 and 8 years old, are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines and have never had a blood transfusion. If your cat does become a donor they will get a free annual exam, free vaccines, free annual bloodwork and a full year of free topical flea and tick prevention.
We are always on the lookout for potential feline heroes to help us save lives. If you would like to know more please call us or ask one of our staff members next time you are here.

09/26/2025

We know finding bumps on our pets can be scary... but don't worry, we're here to help! Find your local VCA so you can connect with an expert at the link in bio.

09/24/2025

Goldens, Labs and GSP's oh my! Did you know these fun facts about your sporting dog breeds?

09/23/2025

We are extremely lucky to have an excellent veterinary school at the University of Arizona and when staff who have previously worked at Civano as veterinary technicians, get to complete their veterinary training at that very school, where else would they go to serve their internship but back here at Civano? We are absolutely delighted to welcome back Dr. Karlie Kelly (pictured with her dogs) and Dr. Sydney McKarns. They are both very interested in all things ER, and we are hoping to add them to the associate roster after they complete their internship program in March.

09/22/2025

Monday mood = lifted. 📸

09/19/2025

When it comes to fascinating and unusual pets, Axolotls definitely rank pretty highly. These critically endangered amphibians are a species of salamander. They have an incredible ability to regenerate limbs, gills, eyes, and even parts of internal organs. Because of this they have been, and continue to be, the subject of significant scientific research. Whilst the wild population is somewhere between 50 and 1000 individuals, the number of axolotls kept in captivity as a result of this research is significantly higher. Pet axolotls come from this captive population.

These are not pets for beginners, Axolotls require very specific care in order to keep them healthy. Cool temperatures are key, both ambient air and water should ideally be kept in the mid 60's with a gentle water flow throughout their tank. Maintaining high water quality is also extremely important. Low lighting and a steady supply of various worms to eat are also required, ensuring no uneaten food remains to foul the water. While these pets don't need walks they do require a lot of attention to keep them happy. Should your Axolotl require veterinary care, both Dr Steinke and Dr Roth are able to see them.

09/19/2025

Know before you go! Caring for your pet's skin is important and the first dermatology appointment is just the beginning. helps you learn what the appointment will entail and more.

Schedule your first dermatology appointment at your local VCA Animal Hospital now via the link in bio!

09/18/2025

Urine marking is natural for dogs, but at what point is it too much? Thank you to Blake Gibson, DVM from our team at for educating us on behaviors to watch out for.

09/18/2025

Can you help us save lives?
Our canine blood donor program has become really successful, and we are saving numerous doggy lives. However, this means that our blood stocks are getting used up faster than we can replenish them. Can your dog become a blood donor superhero? They need to weigh at least 50 pounds, be between the ages of 1 and 7 years old, be spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines and never have had a blood transfusion. If your dog's blood test shows them to have the right blood type, and they become a donor they would get a free annual exam, free vaccines, free annual bloodwork, and a full year of heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention. Please help us to help others, and give us a call if you think your dog could fill this vital role. Thank you ❤️

09/17/2025

Our hearts melted when Gizmo came in, he was such a sweet, brave boy when he had his blood drawn. He looks quite proud of his yellow bandage doesn't he? When things get tough in ER, it's moments like this that really light up our day.

09/16/2025

Drop a 👀 if you swiped and are excited about CareClub! Head to the CareClub link in bio for more.

09/15/2025

Feel the energy for yourself… from hands-on labs to hands-on pups! We had a great time at gathering together to level-up and share expertise on the latest techniques and advancements in emergency medicine.

09/15/2025

In Arizona we have a wide range of species of wildlife that are either the stuff of nightmares or really cool, depending on your perspective. One such example is the tarantula. There are around thirty species found in Arizona and recently an entirely new species was discovered in the forests of the Chiricahua Mountains. These relatively secretive creatures often emerge from their burrows during monsoon season and unfortunately for them, sometimes prove fascinating to our pets, especially dogs and cats. Like so many creatures, they just want to be left alone, but if threatened and unable to escape, they will defend themselves as best they can. Tarantulas have 'hairs' (setae) on their underside that can embed themselves in the other animal's skin or eyes, causing physical irritation, and discomfort. When threatened the tarantula will use its hind legs to brush a cloud of these irritating hairs in the direction of its attacker. If this does not prove enough of a deterrent the tarantula can of course bite but will usually only do this as a last resort. While painful at the bite site, none of the species of tarantulas in Arizona have a venom strong enough to seriously harm your pet (unless they have a severe allergic reaction). If your pet actually eats the tarantula there will likely be digestive upset caused by both the toxin in their venom and the hairs on their body. In most instances we recommend you monitor your pet at home, the biggest concern would be if the irritant hairs get in the eyes and nostrils. If your pet is continuously pawing at their face and eyes after an encounter, give us a call.

09/14/2025

We all enjoy a party but goodbye parties are not our favourites. Sadly we said goodbye to Dr Vela this week. He is headed home to Texas, to continue his veterinary career. Dr Vela has been working overnight ER shifts for us, and we've all appreciated his calm, professionalism when things got crazy in the hospital. Good luck Dr Vela, thank you for all you've done for Civano. We're really going to miss you.

09/11/2025

September 11th is the National Day of Service and Remembrance. A day to volunteer and give back. There are so many wonderful organisations in and around Tucson that are in need of volunteers. Here are just ten of our favourite animal related organisations to give you some ideas if you are looking for a new challenge.

https://www.sonorandesert.org

https://www.trotarizona.org/

https://www.heartsthatpurr.org/

https://reidparkzoo.org/

https://skyislandalliance.org/

https://tucsonwildlife.com/

https://tucsonbirds.org/

https://pawsitivelycats.org/

https://www.pima.gov/2233/Pima-Animal-Care-Center-PACC

https://hssaz.org/

A strong voice for people and wildlife.

09/10/2025

One week left to register. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn more about numerous aspects of equine care. Our own Dr Ciara is one of the speakers.

09/08/2025

Our Employee of the Month for August is Malorie, she is one of our wonderful CSR's at the front desk. Malorie has been at Civano for just over a year, prior to that she worked in community mental health for 17 years. Malorie keeps a veritable menagerie at home - 10 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rats and 25 chickens! Four of her dogs are xoloitzcuintlies (Mexican Hairless Dogs) which is her favourite dog breed. When Malorie is not working here at the hospital she likes going to concerts with her husband and two children. She also loves fostering dogs, Malorie is a total foster hero, she has fostered approximately 300 dogs over the years! Thank you, Malorie, that is a very impressive number. When it comes to her perfect meal she is very specific, it would be Walt's chili at the Carnation Cafe in Disneyland. Malorie, you inspire us all with your great, positive approach to everything. It's a joy to work with you.

09/08/2025

What's in your [pet's 💩] bag? Your VCA veterinarian would love to know! Thank you to the team at VCA Lake Jackson for letting us know why.

Find your local VCA Animal Hospital for your pet's f***l test at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital .

09/07/2025

Every girl loves getting new shoes right? Miss Sadie came in for her appointment sporting these gorgeous pink numbers. Do you think they are Jimmy Chews?! She looks pretty happy with her outfit that's for sure, but they do have a practical use too. Shoes are a good way to protect your dog's feet when it's super hot. Be sure to select ones that have a tough sole that cannot melt. Good job Sadie, you look fabulous!

09/06/2025

Our VCA team took a break from the conference yesterday to enjoy the San Diego sun with some special pups from . They enjoyed a Dog Day Out with some exercise and lots of love from IVECCS attendees! If you’re interested in adopting, visit .

09/05/2025

🎃 Pumpkin season is here! What's your favorite way to celebrate with your pet?

09/04/2025

Want to know more about hands free radiology? Thank you for sharing this valuable info! Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at the link in bio.

09/02/2025

Not all pet toys are created equal—some could be doing more harm than good. Watch now to find out which toys to keep and which ones to toss!