- VEG
- Jul 15
- 8 min read
You can never plan for a pet emergency, but you can count on VEG ER for Pets for immediate vet care that's heads and tails above expectations. During an emergency, it's a relief to know where to go and that once you get there, your pet will be seen right away by a highly skilled veterinary doctor who shows real compassion.
That’s exactly what you can expect at VEG ER for Pets; all we do is emergency, so we do it best. It's not just bragging rights, it's our sole focus!
Many pet parents have never been to an emergency vet before, so we've created this guide so you know what expect when you go to any VEG ER for Pets animal hospital. All VEG hospitals are open 24/7 for pet emergencies.
24/7 expert emergency vet care
VEG provides expert emergency medical vet care 24/7, while making a stressful situation less scary. You'll have transparency throughout your visit, immediate access to an ER vet, and support for your entire family, because we get it—it's not just the pets who are scared.
How do you know if your pet needs emergency care?
It's okay to call VEG anytime if you're unsure if your pet is having an emergency. Our vet can determine if it's something that can wait or if your pet should be seen right away. It gives you peace of mind to know that you've got a skilled ER veterinarian ready to take your call and answer your medical questions. Consider VEG a lifeline for you and your pet!
You can speak at ease with a VEG vet. No concern with your pet is too scary, silly, or awkward. We've seen it all, from pets with mild to severe symptoms, to unexpected injuries. Some, like the cat who got stuck in a clothes dryer and the dog impaled by a branch during a hike, are truly incredible medical cases that VEG has handled. But we're also here for the more common emergencies that pet's encounter.
Common pet emergencies
Toxicities (e.g., medications, plants)
Foreign body ingestion (e.g., plastic, corn cob, toys, chicken bones, socks)
Highly trained vets and vet nurses
Our ER veterinarians and veterinarian nurses go through intense ER training to handle any pet emergency that comes through our doors. Literally. From a dog with dehydration to a bunny with a bite wound to a ferret with a fracture, our veterinary professionals spring into action with medical excellence and an elevated level of care like no other.
What sets VEG apart from other veterinary hospitals
The vet staff at VEG is not only trained for medical excellence; we deliver an elevated level of emergency-only care. Our staff (VEGgies!) really have a passion for what we do and it shows. We’re real lovers of the animals, birds, reptiles, and rodents.
Our hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology for surgery, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), radiology, and sonography (at most locations). In most cases, pet parents receive same-day test results.
Additional features at VEG ER for Pets
Surgery suites
X-ray rooms
Avian rooms, including covered air vents
Enclosed infectious area
Oxygen tanks
Oversized cages for large pets
Blood bank (in some locations)
VEG vets are here for all pets, including reptiles, birds, ferrets, sugar gliders, and other exotics!
Your ER visit: the VEG experience step-by-step
With pets, you can always expect the unexpected. It's kind of the same at VEG, but in a good way! Let's walk you through what the VEG care experience is like.
Before you arrive, you can call and speak with a vet
Whether your pet becomes suddenly ill or injured, you're unsure if it's an emergency, or simply worried because their behavior has been "off," call us anytime, 24/7. You'll speak with an emergency veterinarian who has the answers to your medical questions.
Helpful information for the vet
Provide details like:
name, breed, and age of pet
symptoms and unusual behavior
time the situation occurred
for toxic ingestions, how much you suspect was consumed
any medications your pet is currently taking
your primary care veterinarian's name
While our emergency vet cannot diagnose your pet over the phone, they might tell you to come right in for treatment or that your pet's problem can wait until your primary care vet is available.
What to bring to the ER
your general veterinarian’s name and contact info; we’ll share your pet’s medical record
your pet's medication bottles
resent test or routine exam results
for toxic ingestions, the packaging if applicable
consider bringing a favorite toy to help soothe pet
No appointments are needed or taken at VEG. You can come right in and if you have a companion, have them call us to let us know you're on the way.
What happens when you arrive at the ER vet
Care within an open floor plan
Being emergency-ready for any pet in crisis requires not only top-quality veterinary skills, but hospital designed to handle it all. Care at VEG happens within an open floor plan hospital. It's not glamorous but you see all the ER vet heroics up close and have a deeper appreciation of emergency services for pets!
We know emergencies are scary for pets and pet pet parents. That's why VEG has created an emergency experience that makes it all less stressful. From the time you walk through our hospital doors, we've got you and your pet.
No waiting for emergency care
When you get to the hospital, you'll be met by a Customer Experience Coordinator (CEC), whose job it is to make sure your pet is seen right away and that you and any family members' needs and concerns are met.
Immediate triage
When you come in, the most important thing is for a vet to see your pet; paperwork can wait. The CEC will immediately alert an emergency vet, who will triage your pet right away. This means they'll examine your pet's condition, assess the situation, and prioritize their care.
Meeting the vet asap helps alleviate the stress, as they can answer questions you may have and reassure you that your pet is in good hands. And perhaps the biggest relief is that you can stay with your pet the entire time.
Understand that your pet will be prioritized at times with other emergency cases. Some pets are in critical need of life-saving care, as you may see due to our open-concept hospital design. Everything is transparent at VEG and when we're super busy, you'll see it. There may be a slight wait, for example, you may have brought your pet in because they have diarrhea, but you see that another pet parent is holding their dog that is severely injured by a car. We may need to focus on saving that dog's life, but we'll be in constant communication with you because we take your pet's condition seriously as well.
You can stay with your pet throughout the visit
Our hospitals are designed with enough room for pet parents to stay alongside their pet. From the initial exam to treatment, you and your pet can be together. Knowing that you're there can help calm your pet...and you! We're glad to have you there and you can even participate in your pet's care, as appropriate. This might mean holding their paw while we apply a bandage, or petting their back if we need to induce vomiting.
We also have quiet rooms for pets that require a more calming environment. And if your pet requires surgery, you can even watch the procedure through the large window of our surgery suite.
If you need to leave your pet at any time, you have peace of mind that they’re in good hands—actually the best for your pet!
Overnight hospitalization
We make sure our customers are as comfortable as possible, and you're welcome to stay even if your pet is hospitalized overnight. In fact, it's not unusual to see pet parents sitting or laying outside of their pet's cage at VEG, day or night. We may have a room available in our hospital, where a couch can be your bed, or a chair and blanket can provide a comforting rest, or you might want to stay next to your pet outside of their cage. We'll provide a freshly-washed blanket, pillow, complementary snacks, beverages, and wifi service.
Transparent consultation and treatment planning for your pet
Your VEG emergency vet will discuss the situation in full, including any unexpected findings. Sometimes there are different ways to proceed when it comes to providing emergency care. Timing, outcome, and finances may come into consideration. You can discuss treatment options directly with our vet.
Consulting with your primary care vet
Additionally, we can call in your primary care vet for a second opinion if requested. VEG hospitals have a sound reputation with your local primary care vet practices and it's not unusual for a customer to listen in on doctor-to-doctor phone consultations.
At discharge, care beyond the stay
During the discharge process, you'll receive after-care instructions. Your VEG vet, veterinary nurse, or nursing assistant will show you how to change a bandage or dispense medicine so you’re prepared when you get home.
How much does emergency vet care cost at VEG?
At every VEG animal hospital, we’re 100% transparent when it comes to the cost of care. We’ll have an open conversation with you about treatment options and what they cost.
Rest assured, we’ll only perform treatment and testing that’s needed and agreed upon with you because no one likes surprises when it comes to their bill.
At VEG, your pet is seen by highly trained emergency teams, who have undergone intense training in emergency medicine. What you pay for emergency care tends to run higher than a primary care vet practice, due to this training and the equipment needed to perform life-saving measures.
Financing options for emergency vet care
We believe the joy of owning a pet shouldn’t break the bank, that’s why our hospitals also accept payment options like CareCredit and Scratchpay. Our Customer Experience Coordinator can assist in walking you through the application process.
Additionally, when discussing treatment options, we pride ourselves in being open and honest about the pricing of medical care. If finances are a concern, your VEG doctor can discuss other options for care. Shared decision making between you, your family, and your vet helps you make the best choices for your pet's emergency care.
In certain unique cases, a pet's emergency situation may qualify for VEG Cares, our philanthropy in partnership with the non-profit Veterinary Care Foundation. In cases of financial distress, natural disasters, and other causes, VEG Cares can provide funds for a pet's life-saving care. Learn more about VEG Cares.
What types of pets does VEG see?
While most of the emergencies we treat are on common household pets, VEG handles all pet emergencies for all types of pets, including:
Cats
Dogs
Rabbits
Potbelly pigs
Birds
Reptiles
Rodents
We've even treated the occasional farm animal. As we like to say, if it fits through the door, we'll treat it!
Learn more about the pets we see, find your nearest VEG, or call to speak with a doctor if you’re unsure whether your pet should be seen.
Find a VEG ER for Pets emergency vet hospital near you and save us to your contacts!
