Emergency Vet in Norman OK
Locally Owned & Operated Walk-In Emergency Vet Clinic
Compassionate Care Year-Round
As an Emergency Vet in Norman, OK, Veterinary Emergency Referral Center (VERC) serves south central Oklahoma as the go-to resource for emergency care when your pet needs it most. We are an accessible and reliable emergency care option for pets in need of prompt, compassionate attention outside of regular veterinary hours.
Our walk-in emergency vet clinic is here to not only provide your pet with exceptional, considerate care, but to also guide you as a pet owner through the process, every step of the way.
Our Mission
At VERC, our mission is to provide trusted, compassionate emergency care for pets and peace of mind for the people who love them. We’re here to serve our community with skill, empathy, and honesty, offering high-quality, accessible veterinary services when they matter most.
If you’re walking through our doors in a moment of panic or uncertainty, you can count on us to treat your pet like family and guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Team of
Norman Veterinarians
Our team is made up of dedicated and educated veterinarians, technicians, and support staff. They’re passionate about the work that they do and treat every pet like their own.
With this team of Norman veterinarians, you’ll walk away feeling heard and cared for.
Meet your emergency pet care team!
Andrew Diaz, DVM
Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Diaz has been immersed in emergency veterinary care since the age of 14, starting out walking dogs and cleaning kennels, and never looking back.
After earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2000, he completed a prestigious internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He practiced in Manhattan before relocating to Oklahoma City in 2004, where he focused on emergency and critical care medicine.
In 2017, Dr. Diaz became the owner of what is now the Veterinary Emergency Referral Center (VERC) in Norman. Under his leadership, VERC has become a trusted resource for local pet owners and referring veterinarians alike. In 2023, he expanded that mission by opening Urgent Pet Care Center (UPCC) in Edmond to make high-quality, compassionate urgent care more accessible across the metro.
His passion for veterinary medicine was sparked in high school after reading All Creatures Great and Small, and deepened in vet school when he discovered his love for emergency care. Today, he’s especially drawn to ultrasound, wound repair, and transfusion medicine — areas where fast decisions make a life-changing difference.
At home, Dr. Diaz shares life with his wife (also a veterinarian), three beloved mutts, and Leonard the orange cat.
Justin Plunk, DVM
Veterinarian
Helping people through helping animals is Dr. Justin Plunk’s philosophy of practice, centered around the human-animal bond. Having experience in both primary care and emergency practice, he now accomplishes this through the aid of sick and injured pets.
Dr. Plunk joined the Norman community immediately upon graduation from veterinary medical school as it is where he got his start in the field. He made the switch from plans for law school during undergrad, having found fulfillment working as a veterinary assistant at a local ER.
Outside veterinary medicine, Dr. Plunk shares his passion for astronomy with his family who often joins him for stargazing and learning about the cosmos.
Emily Redden, DVM
Veterinarian
Emily entered veterinary medicine with one clear purpose: to help homeless animals. Her passion for giving vulnerable pets a second chance has shaped her entire career, and it continues to guide the way she shows up for every patient who walks through VERC’s doors.
What she appreciates most about VERC is the genuine family feel, an environment where teamwork, trust, and compassion are always at the center. That sense of connection allows her to support both animals and their owners with steady, heartfelt care during incredibly stressful moments.
Emily knows that emergencies can be overwhelming, and she offers this reassurance to every client: “Emergencies are scary. I hope I can help you during your times of panic and pain.” Her calm presence, gentle approach, and unwavering dedication make her a comforting guide for families when they need it most.
Michael Linville, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Michael Linville has always had a deep love for animals and a desire to make their lives better, a calling that naturally led him to a career in veterinary medicine.
At VERC, he’s proud to be part of a team that holds itself to high clinical standards while maintaining a strong sense of camaraderie and support. “We’re here for you,” he says. “Our goal is to treat you and your pet as if they were part of our own family.”
Outside the clinic, Michael enjoys relaxing at home, exploring all the OKC area has to offer, and occasionally diving into a home improvement project (or two).
Alison Herod
Practice Manager/RVT
For Alison Herod, veterinary medicine has always been a natural fit. Growing up surrounded by animals, including summers spent caring for sheep on her grandparents’ farm, she knew early on she wanted a career that combined her love for animals with meaningful challenges. Along the way, she discovered a passion for mentoring others, supporting her teammates, and helping the people around her succeed.
As Practice Manager and RVT at VERC, Alison brings that same commitment to both clients and staff. She understands how frightening it can feel when a pet needs emergency care and offers this reassurance to families: “We understand how scary it can be to be in an uncertain situation, and as a team, we hope to provide you and your family with comfort and support throughout the process.” What she appreciates most about VERC is not only the culture that first drew her in, but the significant personal growth she’s experienced and the opportunity to guide others in their development.
Outside the clinic, Alison enjoys spending time with her husband and their pets, getting lost in a good book, and exploring new restaurants and local experiences.
Gabbie Morris
ER Team Lead
Gabbie’s path into veterinary medicine wasn’t planned, but it quickly became a passion. While studying marine biology at the University of Hawaii, she began volunteering at Kalihi Pet Clinic during the pandemic. That experience changed everything. “I fell in love with veterinary medicine and couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else,” she says.
Now as ER Team Lead at VERC, Gabbie is passionate about continued learning and helping others grow. Through in-house training and national conferences, she’s deepened both her technical skills and her leadership. And, after nearly four years with the team, she’s still learning something new every day.
To pet parents walking through the doors of VERC, she offers this reassurance: “We are here for you. No matter how overwhelming or scary things feel, we are on YOUR team and want the best for your pets. We love each one of them as if they were our own.”
Outside of work, you can find Gabbie bird watching or taking a Pure Barre class, her favorite way to reset and recharge.
Madison Mayo
Veterinary Technician
Madison Mayo has loved animals for as long as she can remember, so it’s no surprise she found her calling in veterinary medicine. As a technician at VERC, she brings both knowledge and heart to her work, supporting pets and their people through some of their most stressful moments.
For Madison, VERC is more than a job. It’s a place where strong relationships with coworkers and a shared mission make every shift meaningful.
To pet parents, she offers this reminder: “If you’re uncertain, we’re here to help answer your concerns. And the best thing you can do for your pet is show them love.”
Outside of work, Madison enjoys reading, spending time with her sister and niece, and getting outside whenever she can.
Samantha Lowrey
Veterinary Technician
Samantha Lowrey has always felt a deep drive to help animals, and as a veterinary technician at VERC, she gets to do just that every day. Her role allows her to combine technical skill with heart, providing hands-on care for pets in urgent and often critical situations.
What she appreciates most about VERC is the family-like environment and the opportunity to do work she truly loves. “We want what’s best for your family and your pet,” she says—and that compassion guides her through every shift.
Outside of work, Samantha lives what she loves: she spends her time with family and tending to a small farm filled with chickens, ducks, goats, dogs, and cats.
Chelsea Smith
Veterinary Assistant
Since 2005, Chelsea Smith has dedicated her career to compassionate, patient-centered veterinary care. She’s always felt a natural ease connecting with animals, and that intuition shows in the way she reads body language, builds instant trust, and adapts her approach to each pet’s unique personality. Whether it’s using a soft voice, a playful character, or simply offering a steady presence, Chelsea’s goal is always the same: to help pets feel safe and understood during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Her favorite part of the work is providing comfort when pets are scared or unsure, creating an environment where both animals and their owners feel supported, heard, and cared for. It’s this blend of empathy, intuition, and steady professionalism that makes her such an important part of the VERC team.
Outside the clinic, Chelsea’s world is wonderfully full. She shares life with her adventurous Staffordshire Terrier, Kai Kai, a proud “truck dog” and new canine blood donor. She’s also a mom of seven, balancing sports seasons, camping trips, and a lively home that’s packed with love, energy, and plenty of stories.
A Trusted Emergency Vet in Norman, OK
At VERC, we’re proud to be Norman’s go-to emergency veterinary clinic, serving not just the city we call home, but also our neighbors in Moore, South OKC, and the surrounding communities. As the first emergency facility many pet owners encounter, we don’t take that trust lightly.
We’re proudly owned, operated, and staffed by people who live and work right here in Oklahoma. That means we understand the unique needs of our community, and we care for your pets like they’re part of our own family.
Whether you’re walking in with your first pet or returning during a difficult moment, you’ll find a team that’s not only skilled, but also grounded in empathy, honesty, and hometown heart.
We’re here when you need us most.
Our Services
VERC provides emergency veterinary care in Norman and beyond. Our experienced team is equipped to manage a wide range of emergency medical and surgical situations so your pet can get help when it matters most.
Our services include:
Blood Transfusions
Diagnostics with an In-House Laboratory
Emergency Surgery
Endoscopy
Overnight Hospitalization
Oxygen Cage Therapy
Ultrasounds
& more!
Reviews
As an emergency vet in Norman, we’ve had the honor of serving our community through emergency pet care, walking hand-in-hand through even the most difficult moments.
We don’t take for granted the work that we do, and we are blessed to receive such kind reviews from our community.
Explore Our Resources
Pet care goes beyond the emergency room.
We are committed to providing educational resources and convenient tools all in one place, so you’re never in the dark when it comes to your pet’s care.
Our Sister Company
VERC is owned and operated by Dr. Diaz, who also founded Urgent Pet Care Center (UPCC) in Edmond. While VERC focuses on emergency and overnight care in Norman, UPCC provides walk-in urgent care for pets during daytime hours, helping bridge the gap between primary care and true emergencies.
Together, our clinics reflect a shared mission: to make high-quality, compassionate veterinary care more accessible across central Oklahoma. Whether your pet is facing a sudden emergency or a concerning but non-critical issue, you can count on our team to be there with honesty, empathy, and expert care.