What to Expect at Our After-Hours Vet
The Veterinary Emergency Referral Center Experience
Highly Experienced, Compassionate Care
We know that looking for an emergency, after-hours vet is a stressful experience.
Whether your pet is suddenly ill, injured, or just not acting like themselves, it’s hard to know what’s an emergency, and even harder to know what pet hospital to trust.
At VERC, we’re here to make those moments a little less overwhelming. Our experienced team is trained to respond quickly, communicate clearly, and treat every pet like our own. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be met with empathy, honesty, and a commitment to doing what’s best for your pet and your family.
Call us now to learn how we can help!
Our Process
What to Expect When You Arrive
Emergencies can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. Here’s how we care for you and your pet from the moment you walk through our doors:
Step 1: Check-In & Triage
As soon as you arrive, a member of our staff will greet you and collect your information to check your pet into the hospital. A member of our nursing care team will then assess your pet’s condition through a triage process, which helps us determine the urgency of each case. Pets in critical condition are taken immediately for stabilization, and our team will discuss the necessary steps with you. If your pet is stable, they will be placed in the queue based on medical priority rather than arrival time.
Step 2: Veterinary Evaluation & Treatment Plan
Once your pet is stable and ready to be seen, a veterinarian will perform a thorough exam and review treatment options. We’ll walk you through what is going on, what your options are, and a member of the nursing care team will provide a treatment plan with transparent pricing so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Step 3: Treatment & Ongoing Care
With your approval, we’ll begin treatment right away. Whether your pet needs emergency surgery, overnight hospitalization, or supportive care, our team will guide you throughout the process. If your pet is staying with us, we’ll provide regular updates and send full records to your primary veterinarian for seamless follow-up care. If your pet requires continued care elsewhere, we’ll walk you through your transfer options. For pets needing specialty care, we will initiate contact with the referring hospital prior to transfer. (Note: We do not provide transport.)
What to Expect During a Pet Hospital Stay
Leaving your pet in someone else’s care, especially during an emergency, is never easy. At VERC, we want you to feel informed, supported, and confident in the care your pet is receiving.
If your pet needs to be hospitalized with us, here’s what you can expect:
We’ll Contact You When It Matters Most: We understand how emotional and exhausting emergencies can be. Unless something urgent arises, we give you space to rest while we care for your pet.
Routine Updates: You’ll receive a mid-morning update and another update in the evening. These updates are designed to keep you informed without overwhelming you.
You’re Always Welcome to Reach Out: While we keep updates minimal to reduce stress, you’re never in the dark. If you have questions or just need to check in, please call — we’re always happy to speak with you!
Our team is here not just for your pet, but for you too.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you an after-hours vet?
Yes! VERC is open evenings, weekends, and holidays to provide emergency and urgent care when your regular vet may be closed. If your pet needs immediate attention outside of normal business hours, we’re here to help.
Is VERC a pet hospital or just an urgent care clinic?
VERC functions as a full-service emergency pet hospital. We offer hospitalization, radiography, ultrasound, emergency surgery, blood transfusions, and more so that your pet can get the care they need, right when they need it.
Are you a vet open on Saturdays?
Yes, we’re open 24 hours on Saturdays and throughout the weekend. We begin our extended hours at 6 PM on Thursdays and remain open continuously until 8 AM on Tuesday morning.
What should I do if I think my pet needs an after-hours vet?
If you’re concerned about your pet and it’s outside of normal veterinary hours, don’t wait. Bring them in or call us. Our team is trained to assess and treat emergency conditions quickly, compassionately, and without the need for an appointment.