A few hours after receiving her rabies vaccination, we noticed that our chihuahua, Tammy, was having a serious reaction. Her snout began swelling rapidly. Since our dog's primary clinic had already closed for the day, we urgently needed emergency care. We started calling around but had difficulty finding a veterinarian in Alexandria who could see us right away--until we reached the Veterinary Emergency Group at 4525 Duke Street. From the moment they answered the phone, the experience was exceptional. The staff member who took our call immediately reassured us that Tammy could be treated and calmly instructed us to bring her in right away. That reassurance alone meant a great deal during what was a very stressful moment. When we arrived, Dr. Rohan Shah saw Tammy immediately and began treating her without delay. His professionalism, calm demeanor, and clear expertise were incredibly reassuring. He and the entire staff treated Tammy with urgency, compassion, and genuine care, while also taking the time to explain what was happening and what they were doing to help her. Thanks to their quick action and outstanding care, Tammy was in the best possible hands during a frightening situation. The level of professionalism, kindness, and efficiency we experienced was truly remarkable. I cannot recommend the Veterinary Emergency Group highly enough. If your pet ever needs urgent care, this is absolutely the place you want to go. Frank K. read more

Early this Sunday morning I brought my 19-year-old cat, Mr. Gorgeous, to be euthanized. The veterinarian, nurse & technician could not have been more sensitive & comforting. I wish I could remember each of their names, but was just too upset to remember. The environment & private rooms are deeply calming. I very much appreciated being greeted immediately at the door when I arrived. My deepest thanks during an immensely painful time. I believe these people have some of the hardest jobs imaginable. I just want to salute & acknowledge their spiritual & emotional strength. You will always be remembered for the kindness & solace you gave me & my Mr. Gorgeous. read more

We took our Siamese cat, Pablo, here on Saturday to have a golf-ball size abscess removed from his cheek/mouth (it appeared all of a sudden overnight). So would we come back to VEG ER, an emergency veterinary clinic? Yes, an emphatic yes as a matter of fact. The staff, including the two doctors who examined and treated Pablo were professional, calm, reassuring and compassionate. The only exception was the one assistant who got ruffled when she tried to take Pablo's temperature rectally and he didn't like it and took a light swat at her. The assistant got pissed and dramatically tossed the thermometer back into a drawer. They gave Pablo a sedative, a pain shot, and an antibiotic. The sedative doesn't make the pet unconscious but limp like a rag doll. What I didn't know vets do is after the treatment, is to give pets a "de-sedative" to roust them. Pablito is recovering quickly and will be fine. The clinic also tries to put pet owners at ease, proving comfortable chairs, courtesy snacks and coffee. The clinic is one big room, what VEG ER calls an open concept. It was busy when we there, but we were still checked in and seen quickly. The clinic is modern with an admittance form that you can fill out and send in before you even get there. Their invoices and doctors notes are also available instantly and electronically. read more

VEG ER for Pets - VEG ER open clinic - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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My dog was stung by a bee and we went to a different ER vet that didn't offer 24 hour service, so when it seemed like my dog was having more of an allergic reaction we were transferred here. It was about 7pm on a Thursday; we were there for a few hours. My dog had her heart rate checked, ECG, ultra sound and blood work. The bloodwork was concerning and they wanted to keep her overnight. In the meantime, this is an open concept vet hospital and you see it all. These people are saints to take care of these animals! We saw everything, with dogs and cats as well as a squirrel and bird. The next day we were able to visit our dog 2x until coming back that night for another round of bloodwork where she was cleared for at home care. The Friday night animal emergencies were even more in number and seriousness. The reason I removed a star is just due to the payment options. You are texted the bill before any work is done and must pay 100% ahead of time. There was a low and high option and you are charged the high automatically upon accepting. It is just too bad they don't let you pay half up front or the lower amount or something. It's a shock to deal with that on top of your animal's emergency. However I would definitely come back here if I had another emergency with my pet. read more

VEG ER for Pets - Open concept - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Words cannot express how grateful I am that this amazing facility and these incredible people exist. Unbeknownst to us, our 16 month old tabby, Theo, was experiencing heart failure. We called ahead, immediately brought him in, and they didn't even hesitate to start treating him and start helping us. They were so accommodating to us, letting us sit with our cat while he was on oxygen, giving us thorough and timely updates as his treatment continued, took X-rays, did everything - and even had to give us the tough news that he was experiencing heart failure. We had to leave him overnight, they ran more tests, and we were able to pick him up the next day. He was as good as new. They printed out a full list of recommended animal cardiologists, helped us with medication moving forward, and even called us to follow up and ask how Theo was doing. These people truly care about your baby and will do everything they can to help, no matter what time of day or night. I can't say enough good things about VEG. They are the reason our Theo is in great shape. read more

Strongly recommend. Thank you everyone at VEG! The staff were very caring, attentive, and accommodating. It was our first time at the center and we'll definitely be back should the need arise. everyone we interacted with, from reception, to vet techs, to the doctor were fabulous. For an open emergency center it was extremely calming and quiet. read more

VEG ER for Pets - Lance and my husband checking out the action while we wait - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

The team took amazing care of my dog while I was having the worst day ever and crying a lot. They answered all of my questions, constantly checked on me, were very quick to answer the phone when I called for follow ups. I can't thank the team enough!! read more

VEG ER for Pets - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Amazing. I can say enough great things about this facility , the staff, and the customer service. The Dr was Dr.knutzen. Within 1 min of being there, my dog (Summer) in labor who wasn't able to push her pup out was getting an ultrasound and a Careplan. An employee there was asking me questions to complete my intake info while my dog was receiving care . This saved a lot of time and energy .I had just been turned down from a vet facility , filled out intake paperwork there, waited in the waiting room for 20 minutes and then told they are short staffed and I need to go somewhere else . At Veg , I was able to stay with my dog as much as I wanted , watch her get a C-section , take a nap in a bed in a private comfortable room since I was there all night. They even put a heater in the room for me at my request. There were snacks, coffee, toiletry bags available with toothpaste , toothbrushes etc. Any questions I had were addressed promptly . The staff were warm, genuinely concerned, knowledgeable, and comforting. If you have an emergency with your fur baby , this is the best place u can go. read more

Thank you for saving Bolt's life! Dr. Shah and the entire VEG ER team did everything to take care of our dog Bolt when he was in anaphylactic shock. Thankfully we got there just in time for them to stabilize him and then monitor him overnight. Dr. Shah was extremely clear and communicative about what was happening and we were able to stay with Bolt every step of the way, during procedures, x-rays and then in a private room overnight, which made a big difference because he is also blind. The entire VEG team were constantly checking on us and helped keep us as comfortable as possible during a very traumatic experience. We strongly recommend VEG to anyone with a pet in the area! read more

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I brought Ginger in for treatment for a lethal ingestion of caffeine. The incredible staff at VEG Alex definitely saved her life. Huge shoutout to nurses Angelina, Adam, and Diana, Dr. Beckford, Dr. Watson, and Dr. Knutzen and countless other staff for such excellent above and beyond care. One nurse even offered me her personal coffee so I wouldn't fall asleep during a trip home. We were there for 40+ hours and the transitions between shifts were so seamless. The staff truly care about you and your pets! I will forever be a loyal customer and refer whomever I can!! read more

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I have waited nearly a year to add this review in YELP. I wanted the possibility of any unwarranted anger to have time to dissipate before making the post. Sadly, I cannot recommend VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) in Alexandria. In fact, I was appalled at their level of incompetence. On March 8, 2025, it became necessary to help Kalley, our sweet 16 YO Yellow Tiger cross the Rainbow Bridge. As it was late evening our best option seemed to be V.E.G. at 4525 Duke Street in Alexandria. Obviously, our hopes were to give her a gentle, painless and compassionate passage. Initially, all was professional as their process and procedures were explained and they allowed us to make our choices. For Kalley, money wasn't a consideration. After the euthanasia, we wanted a private cremation and the best urn they offered. They collected our money and allowed us a bit of time to spend with Kalley before moving forward. When we signaled, we were ready, two techs entered the room and shaved one of Kalley's front legs to insert a needle. Three times the tech failed to properly insert the needle into the first leg The techs gave up and shaved the other front leg. After another failed attempt on the second leg, Kalley was enduring the pain of being stabbed multiple times and was traumatized and terrified. Her caterwauling was heart-wrenching, and she INDEED began 'fighting for her life'. As they made another attempt a new tech was called in. By this point Kalley was out of control - - they covered her with a heavy blanket and recruited Karen (my partner) and I to help subdue her. When they began yet another attempt to insert a needle Kalley fought like a REAL tiger. Despite the heavy blanket Kalley managed to give me a vicious 6 inch long, four claw laceration to my wrist and the top of my hand. At this point, a 'code' was called on another cat in the operating theater and it was 'all hands-on deck' - - Karen, Kalley and I were abandoned in our little euthanasia room. I understand that a 'code' takes precedence, but why 9 techs were required at the operating table didn't make sense. Unfortunately, the other cat didn't make it. We watched everyone stand around for 10 minutes until Karen finally called out asking if they had forgotten us. Two techs came back into the room and proceeded attempting to properly insert a needle. Of course, Kalley resumes fighting us ferociously and Karen and I felt we were unwillingly taking part in an execution rather than bringing our pet for a compassionate, painless death. After further mutilating the second front leg they decided it was necessary to move to a hind leg. They also decided to give her a sedative directly into her hip muscle to calm her down. Unfortunately, they abandoned us for another 10 minutes before returning with the sedative. Next, they called in yet another tech with 'more experience'. Yes, no surprise, she failed also. By this time Karen was totally traumatized and crying. Karen is a retired nurse with nearly 50 years of experience. As the tech tried (and failed) a 2nd time on the hind leg, Karen said, "I'm a nurse. PLEASE, just let me do it!" The techs response was to violently rip the needle back out of Kalley's leg, storming out of the room, proclaiming "You people are just so Rude - I can't work like this!" Yet, another tech came into the room and shaved Kalley remaining leg. Thankfully, she successfully inserted the needle and the hellish nightmare was over. It was NOT what we wanted, and certainly not the way we wanted to send Kalley off. In her final 'thoughts' I'm sure she couldn't understand why after 16 years of loving her, we were treating her so cruelly. After we spent a few minutes with Kalley, I informed the veterinarian in charge for the night that we expected a Full refund of all monies paid and still expected the private cremation and her ashes returned in the urn we had chosen. I will post photos of Kalley's mutilated legs and my mangled wrist and hand but I suspect may be taken down as too graphic. To their credit, VEG did give us a full refund and the manager of V.E.G. Alexandria called on her next day in the office. She acknowledged that the entire procedure had been a total fiasco. Later that week she personally delivered the urn with Kalley's ashes to our home. While I give them credit for that - It was too little, too late. After the trauma of having to assist in what felt like an execution, Karen had great difficulty sleeping for nearly two weeks . . . and of course, there is no way to make up for the unnecessary trauma and pain suffered by poor Kalley. Also, after Kalley was given the sedative and it was no longer necessary for me to assist in holding her down, I began taking videos. I must assume that fact also weighed into their after the fact cooperation. Final thoughts - - AVOID Veterinary Emergency Group!!! read more

VEG ER for Pets - To far into the process to pick her up and leave we had no choice but to help subdue her. This shows how viciously she fought the torture. - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Our Pom Homer had an eye issue that needed attention. The staff at VEG were welcoming, professional and compassionate. They worked him into the schedule during multiple other emergencies, some more serious. They doted on Homer! The facility was open concept, modern, clean and bright. I hope to never need them again, but will gladly return should I need the services of an emergency vet. read more

I just want to start by saying the care and compassion we received here was above and beyond any vet ER I've ever been to. We came in around 4 a.m. on a Monday night with our 14-year-old Yorkie after he took a fall and started acting lethargic, along with a few other symptoms. They talked us through everything, explained all of our options, and truly worked with us. They understood how worried we were and how unexpected the cost of an ER visit can be. Everyone was so personable and kind. I honestly can't thank them enough for easing my worried mind. We even ended up chatting for an extra 10 minutes after the exam. I'm so grateful we found VEG ER. Thank you again--especially to Zoey, Dr. Hilson, and the other young lady (I forgot her name) who took such great care of us and our senior baby! read more

Only care about profit and don't care about your pet at all. Almost put my dog down due to what doc and assistant were saying...dog has improved and doing better! Thank god didn't listen to these greedy people. Clearly don't have a conscious! read more

THANK YOU to VEG ER for Pets in Alexandria, VA!!! Two nights ago a tick crawled inside into Chicca's ear causing head shaking and discomfort after our evening walk. Dr. Knutzen was incredibly patient and found nothing but a bit of gunk. Better save than sorry, right? Vet Tech Angelina was the sweetest and showed me how to properly clean her ears. She even helped me carry her 97lbs into the car since I forgot the ramp home. For a dog mom who never leaves her dog's side during vet visits - specially post pandemic, I have to praise VEG for their unique amazing open concept. Their social media efforts are real. My experience was from the moment front desk took my call, the check in process, ambience of the wait space, the examination itself and the smooth check out process. Cost wise it was less than I expected. Nothing was pushed and everything was minimally considered. I even got a refund after the visit. Thank you Pender for the referral and upfront wait time honesty. For the amount of love, respect and admiration I have for the profession, it was AWESOME watching the vet heroes in action while waiting for our turn. In my mind, it demonstrated 100% transparency and team work. There was a young knowledgable male vet who was very thorough with his explanations to his patients, it was interesting to listen in (glad no HIPPA laws in pet health care) I'm still very impressed with my first experience in an emergency setting and we look forward to their successful opening in Chantilly, VA! - love from Chicca and mom read more

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Amazing staff. Open 24 hours for pet ER is great. U enter they diagnose right away no waiting no hassle. U know everything u need to know within minutes of arrival. Staff is courteous, friendly, and respectful. Highly recommended read more

Overall experience, 10/10 minus one "hiccup". Monday, 8/12/24 we brought our Diamond in to unfortunately be laid to rest. By Friday, 8/16/24 we received call her Urn was ready for pickup. Definitely way sooner than expected since we were given a two week turn around. Night of 8/12/24 all staff were extremely nice and professional. Definitely made us comfortable. I must say, we were extremely expressed with the Urn and all that we received BUT when we left Diamond at VEG we were guaranteed they'd wash and return her blanket when picking up her Urn. Yes, it was washed but "misplaced". So unfortunately pickup time wasn't so smooth. We were first brought out her Urn and not blanket and when I asked for it staff member had no clue where it was. I was immediately confused because when I spoke with staff member at 1:56PM she answered "yes" blanket was there. So how from 1:56PM to time of pickup that same day our dog's blanket end up in the "lost and found".....I had to make this team search for it. So I strongly advise not to leave any belongings with staff. I believe we only finally received blanket after I told the young lady I would wait until they located the blanket because her excuses that it wasn't placed correctly in the back room was unacceptable. Hopefully their team take this as a learning opportunity as far as communication because just like my dog is irreplaceable, that blanket that would have been also since it was a custom-made gift she received years ago that we wanted to keep in memory of our Diamond. read more

Took my pet for an injured leg and the techs and vet were fantastic. Caring, efficient, and clear treatment. Asked questions about his health and made sure not to prescribe meds that might adversely affect him given his heart murmur. read more

Kudos to the team at VEG! Unfortunately, They saw my elderly pup twice in four months. The first time, my husband had already taken Roxi, my pup, to two other emergency vets who turned her away due to capacity issues. Once he arrived at VEG, the team had no hesitation and saw Roxi immediately. They were able to give her a quick diagnosis and recommend the best course of action to take. I'm forever grateful to Dr. Adams and the team! I would highly recommend that anyone going through any type of emergency, see them! Very professional and compassionate. read more

First time going to an "open concept" vet. Very professional staff that allowed us to be with our dog during the entire time. He's an anxious boy and they dealt fantastically with him. read more

The staff are very courteous and professional. I definitely recommend for anyone who's pet needs to be seen.

You hope to never have to need an urgent vet clinic, but if you, I highly recommend this one. I brought my senior kitty, Cleo, here at the recommendation of her regular vet who couldn't fit her in. She was declining in a number of relatively small ways. The staff was incredibly kind from start to finish. They were compassionate and patient, and gave me options. They did not sugarcoat that the expensive diagnostic testing may be inconclusive and that some of the treatment options that my regular vet had advocated for were more of bandaids than true quality of life savers. I'm so grateful for the vet dr who helped my sweet Cleo pass; I wish I could recall her name but the day is blurry. I'm deeply thankful for Olivia, who went above and beyond. Olivia explained my options for keepsakes and also generally kept me sane in my grief in a myriad of ways. read more

I called ahead of time just to make sure if they can treat my cat and her symptoms. They answered very quick and I got a callback from one of the vets! When I came around 10pm, the place was nice and clean and they set us in a private room to make my cat more comfortable. The downside is that i did wait over 1hr because it was super busy. (I had time to spare and my cat is my daughter I'd do anything) overall i give the visit a 7/10. read more

VEG ER for Pets - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I had a great experience with the vets, they were willing to triage on the phone to determine if I needed to go in. Overall a nice space and fantastic service for an sad turn of events. read more

My elderly cat was in respiratory distress and accumulating fluid in her abdomen--a sure sign of heart failure. I took her to Veg ER on a Saturday evening and was seen right away. They immediately gave my darling cat oxygen to ease her distress. After the vet examined her, he said she had a heart murmur and heart failure. I asked about intervention, but draining the fluid would just be a bandaid and would not solve her discomfort. I took her home, but returned the next morning with a broken heart for my kitty. I decided to not let her suffer and I must say that the staff at VEG ER was incredibly kind and solicitous. They understood how distressed I was and gave me the support and the privacy I needed to let my darling Carmen leave me. I cannot recommend this facility more highly and will never forget their kindness. I received a sympathy card signed by the staff a few days later, which just reinforced my good opinion. read more

My dog was on a walk with me and found spilled trail mix, so we brought him to urgent care in case he swallowed a raisin. The staff and doctors at this location are excellent from their quick response to my phone call before driving over to the clear discharge instructions and check out experience. They made this all so much easier and allowed us to know what was going on every step of the way while being with our dog. Parking is easy and they are always open, so it is great knowing they are both fantastic and convenient should we need 24/7 urgent/emergency pet medical care (hopefully not!). I highly recommend anyone in the area in need of urgent or emergency pet medical care to use VEG! read more

I hope I never have to come here again for an emergency, but VEG made our experience as good as possible. Our dog had a bowel obstruction. The vet did an ultrasound, reviewed X-rays and provided two options. I liked that she didn't automatically recommend surgery. We had the option to give her fluids and see if the object progressed. We opted for surgery immediately instead after looking at the ultrasound. The vets were great about giving periodic updates and everyone was very professional. We left with medication and clear instructions. read more

The kindest and most compassionate vet office I've been to. I called ahead and they told me to come down right away, I was greeted at the door and every single person I interacted with was so kind during the most difficult experience that every pet owner dreads. They really prioritize the dignity of your pet and I really appreciated my experience with them. read more

My husband and I came in to the ER stressed and worried for our dog, but the staff quickly put us at ease. The open concept is amazing. Not having to sit alone in a room helped relax us. The staff is extremely kind and friendly. If we are in need of a vet ER again then we will defiantly come back. read more

A very positive experience after our pup got into something he shouldn't have. From the moment we called, the process was smooth and reassuring. It was great to be able to fill out forms on the way there so everything was ready upon arrival. The space feels like an emergency room--but for pets--and everything is out in the open. You never leave your pet's side, which really helped ease our anxiety. The staff was kind, caring, and professional. Pricing felt fair for an emergency visit. We left feeling truly grateful for their help. Highly recommend. read more

What an amazing facility! I learned my dog was not feeling well and called ahead to explain the situation. They sent a link to my phone to check in before arriving, and I was greeted at the door with a smile by the kind technician I spoke to over the phone initially. My dog and I were then taken to a private room. The doctor checked her over and offered recommendations. Tests were done, almost immediately, and results came quickly thereafter. I was given options of how to treat her and once I selected one, my dog was given medicine, and we were sent home with instructions. I cannot overstate how incredible this animal ER is -- VEG is exactly what you want when you're worried about your furbaby. I'm so grateful! read more

An amazing staff that bought us just a little more time. Thank you Dr Adams and the rest of the staff from the evening of 15 Mar who took what, in retrospect, were likely life saving measures for our girl Keeva. You were compassionate but matter of fact, helped us assess the risk, and made the right call given the unfortunate circumstances. Alas, Keeva crossed the Rainbow Bridge only days later, but you allowed us to say our good-byes and gave her a few more days. Thank you. read more

VEG ER for Pets - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I can't say enough good things about VEG Alexandria! I brought my cat in after a concern about toxic ingestion, and over the course of a few days of follow-ups, I had a consistently positive experience. Every single staff member was unbelievably kind, compassionate, and professional. They took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions, and treated both me and my cat with so much care. Emergency vet work is incredibly difficult, and I hope that everyone who comes here understands just how hard this team works and how much care they give to every pet and pet parent. A little kindness and patience go a long way, and this team absolutely deserves it. I'm beyond grateful for their expertise and compassion--highly recommend them to anyone in need of urgent pet care! read more

Sadly, we had to visit VEG for our sick cat. They were so attentive and so compassionate. They guided us through a difficult decision and were amazing. Afterwards, we received a beautiful note from the Doctor who attended to our sweet girl and the operations manager. It meant so much to us. This was a contrast to our 6 year relationship with our vet who did not even acknowledge our loss. I can highly recommend VEG. They have amazing people who work there. read more

Have taken both my dogs here on emergency situations. Staff is caring and they will see your pet quickly. Pet care is provided in the open. There are no doors. This allows your pet to have less fear about closed doors and what is behind them. It's an amazing concept and a new way to look at pet care. I don't use them as my primary vet, but in an emergency situation, they are there 24/7. I've seen all pets taken there. read more

This place is amazing. Every time I've been there they've seen my pet within minutes, are always kind and compassionate, and have resolved my pet's problem. read more

Highly recommend. We were referred to VEG ER by our regular vet when our cat, Abby, became sick. We had to make the decision to put her to sleep. Dr. Griffin and the staff could not have been more compassionate with us and our baby during a difficult time. We are so grateful. They helped us arrange cremation for Abby and we received her urn and paw print and a personal note from them. Thank you all. read more

The entire team did an amazing job helping us deal with our puppy's potential obstruction and helped us avoid surgery. We were able to stay with our pup the whole time and there was even a place for us to sleep if we wanted. The team made both her and us so comfortable. We are so grateful to them! read more

I've never had to do an emergency vet visit and while my fur baby Frankie is with his sitter he started peeing blood and she took him here. They made sure he was taken care of promptly and even though I wasn't able to be there in person Dr. Hilson and the rest of the team answered all my questions and concerns. It was already such a stressful time with moving across the country and being out of work, so when this happened I thought it would be even more overwhelming but they really were so kind and helpful. Thank you so much read more

I had to bring my Rooty in for what most people would consider a minor thing but the staff quickly treated him and did not minimize his symptoms. We're new to this area and I'm glad VEG is 15 minutes away of our house in case we ever need them again. Thank you! read more