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VEG ER for Pets

4.6 (54 reviews)
Open Open 24 hours

Services - VEG ER for Pets

Emergency pet hospital

VEG ER for Pets Photos

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Open concept
Brigette K.

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.

Lance and my husband checking out the action while we wait
Suzanne C.

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.

Kailee P.

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!!

Megan W.

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!

Ginger in our private room
Nina B.

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!!

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.
Keith W.

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!!!

Dr. Knutzen and team

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

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9 months ago

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

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Ask the Community - VEG ER for Pets

Review Highlights - VEG ER for Pets

Griffin and the staff could not have been more compassionate with us and our baby during a difficult time.

Mentioned in 9 reviews

Read more highlights

Veterinary Emergency Group - VEG veterinarians in surgery

Veterinary Emergency Group

(74 reviews)

Man it's so difficult to have to take your pet to an ER but if you're able to stay with your pet…read moreduring the entire experience, it's well worth it. I unfortunately had to take two pets to the ER on two separate occasions and the staff is compassionate and very very accommodating. If you have the need to go between South paws and veterinary emergency group I would pick the ladder. Still expensive, but it puts you at ease being with your pet during whatever procedure they have to have

10 stars! I'm a helicopter dog mom, and when my dog started having an issue with her backside, I…read morepanicked a little. I called this practice and they immediately connected me with a vet to talk through her symptoms. They suggested I bring her in just to be safe. When I arrived, I was checked in right away and even offered a drink or snack. A doctor quickly came out to make sure nothing was urgent, and after about a 20-30 minute wait we did a full exam. The team was so patient and kind--consulting with each other, keeping me with my dog the whole time, and making sure she was comfortable throughout. Thankfully it ended up being full anal glands and some irritation. They took care of it and gave me guidance on meds (which I already had on hand). Checkout was the biggest surprise: only $205, which feels incredibly reasonable for Northern Virginia. The clinic was clean, organized, and calm, and it was obvious the pets there were genuinely cared for (even the ones in cones having a rough day). For a stressful night, this place made it a really good experience.

Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center

Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center

(424 reviews)

I developed a relationship with Columbia Pike Animal Hospital a couple years ago. My fur baby was…read moreattacked by a much larger Akita. Needless to say he lost the fight and needed emergency care. I called 4 nearby hospitals and they were booked solid. I called this facility and they promised to be ready to help upon arrival. I drove over an hour to utilize this animal hospital, staff met us at the door as promised, then quickly proceeded to treat him. They showed so much care & compassion! A few days ago, I noticed my pup refusing to walk even during nice weather days. His genitalia was dark red & inflamed. I took the voyage back to the hospital and received the same level of care that I remembered. They have an onsite pharmacy, so we went home with 3 Rx & an e-collar. He's healing slowly but surely. We have pet insurance and a wellness plan elsewhere, but I will pay out of pocket for the top tier service & 24/7 coverage that I receive here.

As a veterinary assistant with over three years of experience working in animal hospitals, I can…read moreconfidently say that Dr. Oleg Khomutets demonstrated a concerning lack of competence and professionalism. It felt as though profit was prioritized over patient care, particularly when dealing with elderly clients who may not fully understand medical decisions. While I was out of town, my mother-in-law brought in our family dog, Walter, after he fell and became paralyzed from the waist down. He was diagnosed with IVDD, yet no one at this hospital knew what stage he was in. After returning home and doing my own research, I determined that Walter was already at Stage 5 IVDD. I then contacted the veterinarian I work with at a different hospital. Based solely on the information I provided, she was able to conclude that Walter would most likely never walk again due to not receiving surgery in a timely manner. At no point did anyone at Columbia Pike explain the urgency of immediate surgery or that delaying it would drastically reduce his chances of recovery. Instead, we were told that three weeks of medication and strict crate rest would be sufficient. When I later called seeking clarification and guidance, the only recommendation given was to pay for an MRI to obtain more information. Additionally, despite knowing that my mother-in-law would have difficulty administering medications, no one offered basic suggestions such as using pill pockets. As a result, she resorted to giving Walter chicken nuggets to get him to take his medication--something that could have negatively impacted his health. This experience was deeply upsetting and highlights serious issues with communication, medical guidance, and patient advocacy at this clinic. If you truly love your pets and want the best for them, avoid this place at all costs. EDIT : I called 3 times today in the span of 11 hours asking for medical records and still have not received any.

VEG ER for Pets - VEG veterinarians in surgery

VEG ER for Pets

(67 reviews)

Sadly, we required end of life services for our dog. The staff were absolutely amazing. I called…read morebefore coming in, which wasn't a requirement, but the front desk sent an online registration form so that we didn't need to wait long when we arrived. Upon arrival, the staff greeted us at the door and escorted us back to a comfy room with a couch so we could sit comfortably with our fur baby. Since this was our first time going through the procedure, the entire process was explained in detail. They also gave us all the time we needed to say our goodbyes. Finally, we received a beautiful card in the mail signed by the staff which was so thoughtful and meant a lot to our family. Our hearts are still heavy but the staff at VEG ER made the process bearable. We are so thankful for their big hearts.

I never would I have thought that I would have the experience I did at VEG when I had to bring my…read moreother dog in who had unexpectedly passed at home after his primary vet had closed for the day (Thursday 4/23/26). I regret not taking him to any other emergency animal hospital for his end of life purposes. I called the Georgetown location initially as I was in a state of panic (he was ten plus years old, I adopted him in December 2025 knowing he had a heart murmur and was also deaf. He was brought to DC by who saved him from a kill shelter and he was very loved) as he had simply collapsed on the dining room floor and passed away immediately - traumatizing to say the least. The woman who answered my call at the Georgetown location was helpful and she gave me the phone number to the closer location to me - H Street. Once we arrived, I called the phone number to let them know we were there as we needed assistance getting him inside (they were aware of this and instructed me to call upon arrival). I was outside of the door watching my phone call go unanswered as my mother, a retired vet tech, and brother-in-law waited at the car with my deceased boy. After a dozen rings, my call was answered and they informed me they would get a stretcher and meet us outside. They were prompt in getting him from the car without any further communication. I followed them into the building and they took him into a room and immediately left. I sat there with his body wrapped in a blanket on the table/stretcher until another person came in. I was handed a clipboard and told to fill out the paperwork and once complete, to ring the bell and they would come back in. There was NO introduction. No asking of his name or what had happened. No care whatsoever about who he was or how he passed. I, devastated and distraught, offered a bit of his story up and it was dismissed rather quickly. The paperwork was taken and I was told to go up front and pay. My dog was left there in a blanket on the table like a heap of garbage. Nobody, not one person, introduced themselves to us. Not a single person took the time to show any sympathy or interest in us or my dog. They never uncovered him to take a look, they never touched him, nothing. Not a single person took the time to explain anything or offer any kind of condolences. It was the most ingenuine, harsh, impersonal and downright disturbing experience I have ever been a part of. The hospital had doctors on the floor and no other animals were in sight. I am not saying that there weren't any present or that there weren't vets and/or vet techs tending to other patients - but I am saying that there was absolutely no reason whatsoever that my dog and I received little to no attention or interest. The entire thing from the moment we walked in to the minute we left was no more than 10 or so minutes. It was disgusting. Furthermore, in ALL of the times I have had to take my past dogs in for their end of life moments to various other emergency vets, I have always received, at the very least, an email or automated text offering condolences on the passing of my animals. All were always followed by a card or note of some sort. I chose the communal cremation, as I always have, and am extremely disappointed in the lack of follow up after trusting VEG with my boy at the end of his life - which was not much to expect given the horrible and disturbing experience I had when choosing VEG for my dogs end of life cremation and carry. This is not the place to go if you want someone to care. It was nothing more than a monetary gain for them and it was truly disheartening and extremely upsetting in every way. I will never recommend VEG to anyone - not for primary care nor end of life services and I can certainly guarantee that I will be in touch about my experience with the right people and organizations in an effort to prevent anyone else from having to say goodbye to their beloved pets the way I had to at VEG. I am unwell over the entire experience and I will be very vocal about it to the right people. I discourage anyone from choosing VEG.

MedVet Northern Virginia

MedVet Northern Virginia

(222 reviews)

My kitty had a seizure for the first time and we had to rush her to Medvet because it was after…read morehours, as always they took great care of her.

You want to spend thousands of dollars and have your dog die in the end? This is the place for you…read more You will bring your 19 month old puppy to the internal medicine department with chronic diarrhea and vomiting because her normal vet referred her to a specialist. The specialist will say "Change her diet" even though you will have told him that you've already done that multiple times. You'll follow his instructions and see no changes in your dog. She begins to lose weight even though she is eating. You will go back, your dog will still have diarrhea and vomiting, and he'll suggest doing an ultrasound. You get the ultrasound done, and he'll say he's found "abnormalities" and then suggest "changing her diet" instead of trying to treat the abnormalities, and if we really want to find out wrong, she'll need an endoscopy procedure. So, you'll change her diet again, see no changes other than increasingly concerning weight loss, and spend multiple thousands of dollars for the specialist to perform the procedure. Your dog will be under anesthesia for several hours while he obtains 20-30 biopsy samples. The results come back a week later and the specialist will point out further abnormalities and stomach ulcers, and suggest you "change her diet" instead of treating the problems. Three months will go by and your once vibrant, healthy 50 pound dog will now be a walking skeleton, losing roughly 20-25 lbs. You've done everything in your power to save her life. She will stop eating and drinking water altogether for 4 straight days and become unresponsive at times, spending her days laying helplessly on a bed, with no energy do move at all. Her body temperature will noticeably drop, even though the room is at 75* and she's under a blanket. She will struggle to climb stairs or hop down from the couch, when she does decide to move. You see her suffering and on CHRISTMAS MORNING you will make the painful decision to end that suffering. You will bring her to MedVet, where she has already been seen for 3 months, including an ER visit, where they suggested hospitalization and an estimate for services which she has already recently had done, instead of an IV or any real treatment, and the vet tech will come in with a cone, because she is scared a dog with no energy will bite her. That vet tech will then, with all the compassion and empathy in the world, pull your dog by her neck, trying to drag her to the back, so, apparently, the doctor can look at her. 10-15 minutes will go by and nothing will be discussed with you as to what's going on. Then, the American Hero, who was an Army vet will come into the room and tell you you have have beautiful Belgian Malinois and say that she used to treat them while she was in the Army, and even though yours is severely emaciated, and has IBD, she will not euthanize her. If we want, however, we can surrender her. No one will ask why you are there with your beloved family member on Christmas morning, trying to end her suffering. They will just assume you are a piece of garbage who does not want to take care of a sick dog. You will leave and endure watching your dog suffer another two days before her normal vet clinic reopens. So, after nearly $7000 of credit card debt from procedures performed by the specialist, and visits to the ER and clinic, and prescription medications with very little instructions, in order to try and save my dog's life, all I have to show from it is a lifetime of pain, many years of payments, and a little cedar box that contains the ashes of my beloved dog. This place does not care about you, or your dog. They care about your wallet, and trying to obtain every dollar that's in it, at all cost. I love you, Coraline, and I'm sorry I took you here.

VEG ER for Pets - emergencypethospital - Updated May 2026

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