Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital Opens as San Luis Obispo County’s First 24/7 Specialty and Emergency Care Facility
For the first time in San Luis Obispo County, pet owners no longer need to drive hours away in search of advanced, around-the-clock veterinary specialty and emergency services. The grand opening of Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital marks a historic milestone for the region, delivering comprehensive specialty medicine, cutting-edge diagnostics, and 24/7 emergency care for pets in crisis.
The hospital, located in San Luis Obispo, is the county’s first and only facility dedicated exclusively to specialty and emergency veterinary services. It was founded by Joseph Raleigh, DVM, DACVS-SA, a board-certified small animal surgeon, and Ethan McEnroe, DVM, an emergency veterinarian with years of frontline experience. Their vision was to create a hospital that would serve as both a medical lifeline for pets and a trusted partner for families and primary care veterinarians.
A Vision to Fill a Critical Gap
Until now, San Luis Obispo pet owners often had to drive long distances—sometimes two to three hours—to reach veterinary specialty hospitals in larger metropolitan areas like Santa Barbara, the Bay Area, or Los Angeles. For pets experiencing trauma, sudden illness, or complex medical conditions, this delay in care was not only stressful for families but potentially life-threatening for their animals.
Dr. Raleigh, who has performed thousands of specialized surgeries throughout his career, recognized the urgent need for a local solution. “Finally, pet owners in San Luis Obispo and the surrounding areas don’t need to travel hours away for advanced care,” he explained. “We’re proud to provide the highest level of emergency and specialty services, right here in our community.”
Dr. McEnroe added that the inspiration behind the hospital was simple: to create a place where compassionate support meets state-of-the-art veterinary medicine. “Pets are family, and in moments of crisis, families deserve access to the very best care without delay,” he said. “We built this hospital to be that place.”
Comprehensive Specialty Services
Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital is more than an emergency clinic—it is a multi-disciplinary specialty hospital designed to tackle the most complex and challenging cases. Its specialty departments include:
- Surgery – Led by Dr. Raleigh, the surgical team offers advanced procedures for orthopedic injuries, soft tissue repair, cancer-related surgeries, and minimally invasive techniques.
- Internal Medicine – Focused on diagnosing and treating complicated diseases affecting the gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal, and respiratory systems.
- Radiology – Equipped with advanced imaging modalities, including digital radiography, ultrasound, and CT, enabling accurate and rapid diagnoses.
- Cardiology – Providing diagnostic and interventional care for pets with heart disease, murmurs, or cardiac emergencies.
In addition to these initial specialties, the hospital has announced that oncology and critical care services will soon be available, expanding its ability to provide lifesaving treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted cancer therapies, and intensive care support.
This comprehensive approach allows Cerro Alto to operate much like a human hospital, where different specialties collaborate to deliver individualized, multidisciplinary care.
24/7 Emergency Care
At the heart of Cerro Alto’s mission is its 24/7 emergency department. Whether it’s a late-night trauma, poisoning, or sudden illness, the hospital is staffed by emergency veterinarians and critical care technicians around the clock. This means local families no longer have to wait until morning—or travel out of town—when urgent care is needed.
“Every minute counts in an emergency,” said Dr. McEnroe. “Having a fully equipped hospital right here in San Luis Obispo means we can stabilize, diagnose, and treat patients immediately, often making the difference between life and death.”
A Philosophy of Progressive, Personal, and Passionate Care
Beyond medical expertise, Cerro Alto has grounded its culture in three core values:
- Progressive – The hospital is committed to innovation, continuous professional education, and community outreach. Its team actively pursues the latest advancements in veterinary medicine to ensure pets receive cutting-edge care.
- Personal – Each pet is treated with empathy and respect. Families are included as integral members of the care team, receiving clear, candid communication throughout their pet’s treatment journey.
- Passionate – The hospital fosters a deep commitment not only to healing animals but also to teaching, advancing veterinary knowledge, and serving as a supportive resource for the community.
These principles shape every interaction, from emergency stabilization to long-term specialty care, creating a standard of service that goes beyond traditional veterinary practice.
Community Impact: Jobs, Growth, and Peace of Mind
Cerro Alto’s opening carries broader significance for San Luis Obispo County beyond medical care. The hospital is set to employ more than 50 veterinary and animal health professionals, offering meaningful career opportunities in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment. Positions range from veterinarians and technicians to administrative and support staff, creating a new hub for veterinary talent on the Central Coast.
For pet owners, the hospital’s presence provides more than just convenience—it offers peace of mind. Families who previously worried about what might happen if their pet faced a health emergency now know expert help is close by.
The hospital is also building strong relationships with local primary care veterinarians, serving as a referral center for cases requiring advanced expertise. This partnership ensures that family veterinarians can continue to provide general care while knowing they have a trusted resource for complex conditions or urgent emergencies.
Meeting a Growing Regional Need
San Luis Obispo County has seen steady population growth, with more families adopting pets and considering them integral members of the household. Nationally, the pet care industry continues to expand, reflecting a cultural shift in how people value their animals. According to industry data, more than two-thirds of U.S. households own a pet, and spending on veterinary services has reached record highs.
Against this backdrop, the arrival of Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital is timely. It responds directly to the region’s growing demand for accessible, high-quality veterinary care while alleviating the strain on local general practice clinics, which often struggle to meet after-hours emergency demand.
