24 Hour Emergency Vet Hospital and Urgent Pet Care in Elk Grove, California
Dr. Katey Wahlen
Medical Director
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine; University of Minnesota
Dr. Katey Wahlen came to the Sacramento area on a whim several years ago and fell in love with the culture, food and natural beauty. She is originally from New Mexico but her veterinary career has taken her on many adventures. Prior to veterinary school, she worked for the Belize Wildlife and Referral Center; she helped rehabilitate injured parrots, monkeys, large jungle cats as well as manatees injured or orphaned by boats. Her time in Central America with Dr. Isabelle, founder of the wildlife center, changed the trajectory of her life.
Dr. Wahlen is a 2017 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her clinical training at the University of Minnesota. She then completed a rotating internship at the famous VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, CO where Animal Planet filmed “Emergency Vets” and “E-Vet Interns”. For the last several years, Dr. Wahlen has been doing overnight emergency work in the Sacramento area. Dr. Wahlen’s primary focus continues to be in emergency medicine with a strong emphasis on emergency surgery.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano (poorly), sewing quilts, rock climbing and hiking. She lives locally with her husband, daughter and crazy Australian Shepherd Ember.
Open 24 hours a day, VEG emergency animal hospital in Elk Grove, California offers the highest quality of veterinary emergency care when you need it most! Whether your dog ran into trouble at Elk Grove Park or your bird is in sudden need of surgery, our care team is ready. We treat all kinds of pets; including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and exotic animals. Walk-in anytime, no appointments taken.
Parking for our 24-hour emergency vets in Elk Grove, California
Need help getting your pet inside? Give us a quick call—one of our VEGgies will meet you at the door to get you both in quickly and safely!
Your Sacramento County VEG is just minutes from Lemon Hill, Laguna, and Sacramento. We’re conveniently located across from the Laguna Gateway Mall, at the shopping center next to Mimi's Cafe – on W. Stockton Blvd off Laguna Blvd, just south of the State Capitol.
Emergency vet hospital in Elk Grove, California—always open
Count on at VEG Elk Grove veterinary clinic for:
- Expert pet health advice to help you make the best decisions
- Compassionate care from a skilled team of animal emergency experts
- Open floor plan hospital, so you can stay right by your pet’s side the whole time
- Collaboration with your family vet
- A surgery suite with a large viewing window, should your pet need surgery
- Blanket and pillow so you can stay with your pet if they’re hospitalized
- Accessible parking near the entrance
Our Elk Grove animal hospital is also a blood bank for dogs!
VEG Elk Grove is a VEG Blood Bank location, which provides blood for dogs. These donations help save the lives of dogs in need of transfusions. The blood we store can be available to a VEG hospital or shared with a local veterinarian. It’s one more way VEG can give back to the community. You can help by signing up your dog to be a blood donor. To find out more, ask one of our VEGgies about the VEG Blood Bank.
Why Choose VEG ER for Pets
customer-focused veterinary emergency care
call us 24/7
Pet emergencies shouldn’t be put on hold. Call and speak with a veterinarian 24 hours a day to get your medical questions answered.
see a vet now
No appointment needed, walk in 24/7 – VEG is always open. Emergency vet care starts the moment you walk in the door.
stay together
No waiting and wondering in a lobby. Stay with your pet the entire time and get as involved as you like in their care.
stress less
At VEG, we make a scary situation less stressful. We sit on the floor with your pet, or wherever they’re most comfortable.
Emergency Care
Exotic Pet Care
Pet Urgent Care
End-of-life Care
Vet Surgery
Endoscopy
Pet Ultrasound
and X-rays
Diagnostics
and Testing
Treatment and
Hospitalizations
open now for:
Emergency vet care, always open and ready
Learn more about VEG's 24/7 emergency vet care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the services at VEG ER for Pets
IS VEG OPEN 24 HOURS?
Yes, all VEG locations are open all the time – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – even on holidays and weekends to care for pet emergencies.
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
At VEG, we don’t take appointments, because we deal with emergencies. When the unexpected happens, call us or walk in to your nearest VEG location 24/7 for immediate care.
HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S AN EMERGENCY?
Never self-diagnose your pet. Sometimes you just can’t tell if your pet is having a true emergency. But VEG can. Call your local VEG anytime and a veterinarian will answer your medical questions and determine if you should come in.
CAN I GO TO VEG FOR URGENT CARE?
Yes, VEG offers Pet Urgent Care for injuries and illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, limping, wounds, ear infections, eye problems, and constipation! Visit your local VEG and we’ll triage urgent care for your pet immediately. Learn more about the medical services we offer.
WHERE CAN I TAKE MY PET BIRD OR EXOTIC PET IN AN EMERGENCY?
VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.
DO I HAVE TO CALL BEFORE COMING IN?
Though you can just walk into any of our 24 hour hospitals, we recommend calling first so we’re familiar with the situation when you come in.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT VEG?
When you take your pet to VEG, you’ll be seen by a veterinarian right away, even before filling out paperwork. We’ll even meet you at your car if you need help bringing in your pet. No waiting in the lobby; you stay with your pet the entire time, even if surgery is involved. And yes, we’re pet lovers, but we’re people-friendly too! We’ll openly discuss diagnosis and treatment options. And we always make sure the pet patient and pet parent are as comfortable as possible.
the reviews are in!
September 5, 2026
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