VEG was there for me and my puppy when she got into something and started acting sick. They brought her inside immediately from the curbside and I was able to stay with her the whole time. The veterinarians were kind and knowledgable and kept me informed throughout the entire time they treated her. I hope I never have to return, but if I do, I know my dog will be in the best hands. read more

No one wants to think about pet emergencies, but if you do VEG is a great choice!! My senior dog was unable to bear weight on his back leg suddenly and we called our vet to only be passed along to VEG. My town has an AVETS, but they are not preferred with tons of bad reviews.... So we immediately popped open to see if VEG was the same. It wasn't... VEG is in a brand new facility and has everything to make your experience better. Yes, we still were there for 5 hours. But... the seating is cascaded around the central hub of doctors and nurses with little couches and alcoves of benches. Our dog didn't like the hard floor with his hurting leg but the nurses immediately brought over a comfy dog bed for him. The staff were all so nice! Youthful, genuinely happy, and comforting for all the animals. I will always choose to go here! read more

Techs were very unprofessional and refused to let me hold/comfort my cat during preparation for end of life services. Their website specifies that you are able to be as involved as you like, and another staff member as well as the vet told me that the techs were wrong for upsettinng my cat and not allowing me to hold him. After his passing, they sent the same tech back into the room to do his pawprints after she was scolded for the way she treated us. All this time, the shades to the windows were up so people walking down Penn Aveunue could see into our room on the sidewalk level. I will never bring my pets back here for any reason. read more

After my dog consumed rat poison from a negligent neighbor I immediately called VEG for help. They answered immediately kept me calm and gave me all the information I needed. Their location is easy to get to and has free parking in the garage when I arrived they had already known who I was from calling previously in immediately got to work and inducing my dog to throw up the poison. They kept calm demeanor that made me trust and trust between my dog and the staff. Everyone was so kind and made me feel like a safe space to get out my anger toward my neighbor for causing the situation. We were in our time I was so relieved and could not stop thanking them. I highly recommend this emergency vet for any emergency situations. read more

VEG ER for Pets - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

They were able to remove via endoscopy a large silicone object that my dog had eaten...avoiding invasive, risky surgery The entire staff was incredible! Highly recommend and I live 60 miles away! read more

I took my cat to VEG in Pittsburgh. The staff were very compassionate, warm and welcoming. I was assisted by Theodore, and Dr. Mia Cuccaro, and their technicians put me at ease immediately. Though we could not save Louie, I know that we did the most humane thing by euthanizing him. Everyone was extremely supportive and compassionate. I highly recommend VEG fir emerfency pet. Care read more

VEG ER for Pets - This is my cat Louie 04/08/2019 - 04/05/2026 - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On December 23, 2025, I was in Pittsburgh for the holidays and had to make one of the most difficult decisions in my life...I had to put my 15 year old dog son, Pepe, to sleep. I took him to VEG and was immediately met with the most caring, professional, knowledgeable, kind, thoughtful, transparent, and compassionate team of vets and technicians that I have ever encountered. They did absolutely everything to care for him and help him with his idiopathic seizures that he had been living with for over a year. They walked me through all the options, helped me with end of life care and were extremely patient and understanding. It has taken me months to make this post, but I have to let people know about the ineffable care that VEG provided. I cannot express how much gratitude I have for Dr. Barker, Theo, the Caitlins, Cara, Zoe, Chloe, Ali, Marissa and all the other doctors and techs there who treated my son like he was theirs as well. I know going to the vet can be challenging and fearful, but know that the team at VEG is world class and they will care for your babies with everything they have to give. Thank you, VEG Pittsburgh for all your kindness and compassion. You made one of the most difficult decisions easier for me and I will always be grateful to you. read more

VEG ER for Pets - Pepe and me. - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On Christmas Eve, my dog ate some Motrin, and I rushed her to VEG Pittsburgh. I've been to other local emergency vet hospitals over the years, but none compare to this place. The team quickly moved her through triage and started treatment right away. Every nurse and doctor I encountered was compassionate, professional, and clearly cared about my dog. I returned on Christmas Day and again two days later for follow‑up care and had the same positive experience each time. I'm so grateful for their excellent care and highly recommend VEG Pittsburgh to any pet owner. read more

This place based upon there written paperwork over what they did to our dog actually killed the dog. Then they sent our dog to a qualified surgeon who could not repair their error. I would suggest never trusting or stepping foot in this place. Steven S. read more

My dog ate grapes which are very toxic. I went there for emergency vet care on a Sunday. It was pay parking then walk almost a block to get to the entrance. Once inside she was admitted and triaged rather quickly. She was moved to an examination area. They allowed me to sit next to her. Each procedure was explained before performed, even the bloodwork and urinalysis. I received the invoice where each charge was explained. She checked out okay and was released from their care, after being advised for follow up bloodwork and urinalysis. The location was convenient to my house. However, I have a lower back problem and the walk to and from the entrance was tough. I didn't like paying for parking and the fee was a little pricey, but an emergency is an emergency. A follow up visit was advised. Overall it was an excellent experience. Good people working there. Should there be another emergency, (knowing this pup, there will be) I will suck it up and go there again. On my list of go to's. BTW, her follow up was performed by her regular veterinarian. read more

I've gone here twice. They charge up the butt. The first time they did an okay job, but the amount of time I spent there not getting helped when it wasn't busy was a lot. The second time, they ended up botching a purse stitch surgery on my ferret. The days that followed, she lost control of her bowels, got an infected vulva, and was in SEVERE pain. She was coated in feces, as was her cage. I called an explained I suspected the stitch was done incorrectly. I asked if I would be charged for a visit and removal if that was correct and they said "it depends on the doctor." Okay, so you won't refund me for your potential $650 mistake and causing my baby to be in MORE pain? Yikes. When we brought her into our vet that day instead of going back to VEG, she told us not only did they use the wrong type of stitching material for a purse stitch, but they sewed part of her tail to her rectum, making using the bathroom and walking extremely painful because it would pull. She also told us that the knot they did came apart with one wipe of a baby wipe while the outsides were too tight. I WILL NEVER trust these doctors here with anything that has to do with rectums. They also sedated her with ketamine which didn't work so they kept dosing her until she was mildly dosed. She was still perfectly awake and fighting it a bit, so I'm not sure why they didn't do anesthesia so she would be in less pain and freaking out. It is pretty traumatic the second time we went because next to our room, someone came and was banging and screaming aggressively on the front door to let them in from the outside because very rarely do they answer the doorbell since they're busy. The door knockers came in screaming with this dog who was seizing. They were operating on him in the main floor. As someone triggered by loud noises (especially in a dicey area), it was frightening and triggering (even for my boyfriend)! They did give us complementary blankets each time, water and snacks for free which was nice. They also run the bill by you before doing anything which is considerate which bumps them up a bit. I would go back for minor illnesses but never for anything digestive or rectum related. read more

My previous review came from frustration regarding our boxer. We took him in for a hematoma and after a very costly procedure, he was never better.. however, to update, Dr Faust called me and she is going to have us bring our boxer back in at no cost and they will strive to fix his ear for good.. we will be taking him tomorrow. read more

i will say the pricing is a bit high but in the end, i feel it's worth it! The staff are AMAZING and truly love and care for your animal, while also making you yourself feel seen and cared for. We were immediately taken care of upon arrival and was provided with a quick solution. 100% would recommend this clinic to others! read more

I would not recommend VEG. Went in because another one of our family dogs started a fight with our female pitty causing an open laceration of her neck. When we got to VEG the staff was very nice and immediately took a look at her, gave her some pain meds, wrapped her neck up and put us in a room while we waited to receive the estimate before they would proceed with the surgery. From there we sat in this room for at least 8 hours before they came in to say they were finally going to do x-rays and then prep her for surgery after our dog lay here this long bleeding and muscle hanging out of her neck. Took her home, had a follow-up appointment with our local vet 4 days later to find out her incision was infected, a drainage hole was put in by the vet at VEG above her incision versus below it so everything could drain down and out, she was having an allergic reaction to the pain meds she was given and needed to be rushed over yet to a different emergency vet to find out she was diagnosed with sepsis. The other emergency vet tried everything they could to save her but unfortunately we had to make the worst decision of our life to put our poor baby at only 3 years old to sleep. read more

*NEGATIVE STAR REVIEW* CAUTIONARY TALE/ DO NOT GO HERE VEG almost convinced me to put my cat down a year ago because they INSISTED that she was miserable and had zero quality of life, based on a pre-existing condition my cat has had her entire life... My other option? I could elect to get a $10k surgery to "save her life". They even told me that I booked the surgery that day, that I could get the surgery for $7.5k! Wowee! What a deal! Never go here unless ABSOLUTELY necessary and even then, get a second and third opinion if possible. If I was any less discerning, I may not have my cat around today. Despite that, they did drain me of $6k for a two-day stay for a Lily-leaf toxicity treatment (the reason for my initial visit, my normal vet was closed at that time in the day). This initial visit is what launched us into the previously mentioned situation. My cat of 6 years now has always had labored breathing, ever since I adopted her at 1Y. I was and am a broke college and post-college person, and while I accepted that my cat might not have the same life span, I have always been committed to giving her the best quality of life and care that I can. During this initial visit to VEG, an x-ray revealed a severe diaphragmatic hernia, answering why my cat breathes the way she does. The VEG vet at that hour, pulled me into the room and turns to me and says bluntly, without skipping a beat, "You can either elect to put her through corrective $10k surgery, or put her down today". My jaw dropped and I said WHAT?! SEE THE REST OF MY REVIEW IN THE PHOTOS OF THIS POST, TOO LONG TO ACTUALLY POST. read more

See all

They took awesome care of my dog. The staff were knowledgable and compassionate, and did a great job explaining everything. The facility was clean and well-equipped. Upon arriving, we were greeted and taken into triage like a well-oiled machine. Would definitely recommend. read more

We used their cremation service. Staff was thoughtful, caring and patient. Would absolutely return for services.

I brought my 2.2-lb Yorkie to this emergency facility expecting aggressive, lifesaving care. What we received instead felt like a veterinary version of assisted dying. Despite performing an X-ray and ultrasound, the treating veterinarian failed to diagnose or disclose congestive heart failure. While my dog was in active respiratory distress, he was never provided oxygen, never given medication to relieve fluid or pressure, and was instead administered subcutaneous fluids, a treatment widely known to be contraindicated in CHF, especially in a dog this small. He was then discharged while still struggling to breathe. The outcome was rapid deterioration and euthanasia shortly after. Another veterinary provider later confirmed CHF and advised that fluid administration likely exacerbated the condition. In hindsight, the care provided here felt less like emergency medicine and more like resignation. The treating physician's approach was disturbingly reminiscent of Dr. Kevorkian operating in a colonized K9 community, where life-saving intervention is optional and outcomes are quietly accepted. Even more troubling, the urgency of care noticeably declined once the doctor learned my dog was a senior rather than a puppy. Treatment appeared deferred, not escalated-raising serious concerns about age-based decision-making. My husband, a Black man, was the sole person present during this visit. Given the lack of urgency, disclosure, escalation of care, or even basic respiratory support, we cannot ignore the possibility that implicit bias played a role in how concerns were addressed and how treatment decisions were made. That is not an accusation, it is a question forced by the facts and the outcome. Frankly, my dog would have stood a better chance under the attentive care of Doc McStuffins than under a licensed professional who ignored clear red flags, withheld critical information, and failed to provide even the most basic supportive care. This was not an unavoidable tragedy. It was substandard, negligent veterinary care, and pet owners deserve to know exactly where not to bring the animals they love. read more

Went to the Vetinary Emergency Group for my kitty bc she kept falling when walking and was really wobbly standing up. HIGHLY recommend them!!!! I've been to my fair share of emergency vets with a 19 yr old cat and this one was top notch! First, if you fill out your paperwork ahead of time. They greet you at the door and immediately take you to triage to assess your animal if it needs critical care. The intake person was really kind and engaged me in small talk to distract me from the crisis at hand. They also brought me a hot coffee just how I liked to comfort me. Other emergency vets make you wait as soon as you get there and it's hours until you've seen someone. Dr. Sturgill could tell my cat was really stressed so she immediately put us in an isolated room for further examinations and to talk. That made a world of difference for my anxious kitty. I was very emotional and panicked bc my bff was acting very abnormal and internet searches told me it could be something life threatening like a stroke/ tumor / poison. Dr. Sturgill was empathetic, listened to my concerns, and calmed me. We then discussed diagnostics / pricing. Luckily they didn't think it was anything life altering just arthritis, but recommended I follow up with my my regular vet where it's cheaper to do additional testing to rule out cancer. The vet recommended a course of action of pain meds. They even worked with me on the final bill. If I ever go back there, I will defo donate to the fund for animals in need! They were so caring and made the experience as stress free as possible. I am so appreciative! read more

I used Moon veterinary services for cremation of my close partner Max. The staff was very helpful and understanding. I highly recommend Moon Vet for all your pet's needs. Thank You all, Terry read more

This is hands down the best emergency vet experience I've ever had. The people there have so much compassion and move with speed but care. I would recommend this vet to anybody who has a means to get there. read more

They are so caring, practical and competent. I just spent a difficult 26 hours with them and, short of going all original series Star Trek with Dr McCoy waiving a magic want to fix the unfixable, they just worked wonders for us. Thank you! read more

A fantastic band of professionals who amazed us with the dedication and compassion they show for your pet. We took our beloved Charley on Friday April 25,2025 as the meter we purchased at Walmart showed his blood sugar levels were ar 22 and 16. He wasn't eating but he was drinking plenty of water. He would get spurts of energy but mostly just layer around. He had been diagnosed previously by our veterinarian as a diabetic. After continued visits with our vet we wanted to seek a specialist. Fast forward his vet was out of town but we were advised to go to a veterinary emergency room. We knew AMVETS was completely out of question although they were only a mile from us so we came across veterinary emergency group in Shadyside. These people have a class A experience in comforting not only the pet but also the pet owners. The facility was spotless, the personnel were outstanding, and I have never met a more caring Veterinarian in my life. I just can't praise this group of dedicated professionals enough. Beside the Veterinarian I'd also like to praise Theo for his dedication to his profession. In the end we were able to hold our beloved Charley as it was necessary to euthanize Charley as he had gone to deep into Ketoacidosis from his diabetes. read more

VEG ER for Pets - Charley was a 9 year old Yorkiepoo May 15, 2015-April 25, 2025 - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

0 stars We recently visited VEG for an evaluation of our lethargic family pet. After the initial bloodwork, they suggested a four day hospitalization at a cost of $15,000 for my 15 year old pet. He was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and pancreatitis. When we decided not to undergo the hospitalization that they suggested, the veterinarian would not provide any alternate care plans. We were discharged with no medications or any form of treatment to comfort my pet. We felt like we were being extorted to force us into the hospitalization. we left VEG with no treatment, advice, or prescriptions We had him evaluated at another veterinary clinic one day later, they didn't feel that the four day hospitalization would be successful. They also said after laboratory evaluation that our pet did not have diabetic keto acidosis as his pH was normal. He was discharged with medications to provide comfort and treatment. We will never return to VEG! Be aware of their coercive practices while they toy with your emotions. read more

I would never ever recommend VEG. I am reposting what my wife posted, and adding a few comments because this group really is horrible. Went in because another one of our family dogs started a fight with our female pitty causing an open laceration of her neck. When we got to VEG the staff was very nice and immediately took a look at her, gave her some pain meds, wrapped her neck up and put us in a room while we waited to receive the estimate before they would proceed with the surgery. From there we sat in this room for at least 10 hours before they came in to say they were finally going to do x-rays and then prep her for surgery after our dog lay here this long bleeding and muscle hanging out of her neck. Took her home, had a follow-up appointment with our local vet 4 days later to find out her incision was infected, a drainage hole was put in by the vet at VEG above her incision versus below it so everything could drain down and out, she was having an allergic reaction to the pain meds she was given and needed to be rushed over yet to a different emergency vet to find out she was diagnosed with sepsis. The other emergency vet tried everything they could to save her but unfortunately we had to make the worst decision of our life to put our poor baby at only 3 years old to sleep. At least the Assholes @ VEG got paid, because that's all they care about. read more

I would give 1000 stars if I could!! Do not take stock in those low stars - they are wrong! After a bad experience with BluePearl North(I would never ever recommend them), VEG rescued Maximus and me from a bad experience with BP North. VEG's compassion went above and beyond. They paid attn to us, checked in on us, offered snacks, water, treats for Max. Awesome experience! When your vet is closed, VEG should be your go-to. A huge thank you to the ENTIRE staff, you're ALL awesome! Dr Sara, Melissa, Nathan to name a few. I cry tears of happiness just talking about the care Max and I received at VEG. Amazing! Thank you thank you again for your wonderful care and treatment of us. Kerri Kramer read more

VEG ER for Pets - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

These folks are amazing. I took my semi-feral indoor cat, who had been lost for 4 months, there for an exam to be sure he had no injuries or other issues as soon as we caught him. They did a complete work up and identified a couple of issues to be attended to by a regular vet. I am so grateful for their care and kindness! read more

This facility and the entire staff are awesome. All very professional, caring and working hard to address every concern. I have shared my experience with my boarding community to share with their clients. We as pet owners hope we do not need the service but it is very comforting knowing they exist. Kudos! read more

I took my senior dog there because of breathing issues and coughing. The staff at VEG were quick to respond as soon as we walked in the door. They got him in oxegen tank and provided meds for relief. I was able to be near him the entire time. They ran some test and sadly it was something degenerative and untreatable. He was 14 years old. The staff at VEG were so supportive and kind. They truly care about you and your pets. read more

VEG was everything as advertised and more. Our daughter's outdoor Covid pet, Zola, had significant trauma from an unknown injury and after consulting with a friend who is a retired vet, we made the 45 minute trek to VEG. Immediately, a nurse took vitals and called for assistance due to Zolas condition. Ultimately, the injuries were too much and we made a very hard decision to put him down. The staff, including the Dr. was compassionate and kind. VEG is an excellent ER vet facility that if we have to make an unplanned visit, will be our first call. read more

An absolutely outstanding experience. From the front desk/registration to the techs, nurses, and especially Dr. DiPaola! We had to bring our cat in for swallowing a wrapper/string and he ultimately needed an endoscopy. Dr. DiPaoala removed the foreign body successfully and the entire team really showed that they cared throughout the entire visit. Cannot give higher praise to this team. read more

This place deserves NEGATIVE stars and needs to be shut down. I have also sent a 5 page email to all local news stations outlining the company, it's practices and how they operate. I also would appreciate if the company didnt respond to this review. Your words mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to me except piss me off more, if thats possible. Dont give me the stupid company line you post on every post on here. "We're sorry we missed the mark" is ridiculous. You are lying, deceiving, manipulated and taken advantage of. So please, keep your mouth shut unless you want to actually call me to apologize to me and have an actual conversation. You have my number. Funny how that never happened while you held my dog for ransom all weekend. I know you won't though, you dont call anyone. Even for updates on my pet who had major surgery I had to call EVERY time! Probably because your cowards and dont want to be called out on your lies and deception. You're all cowards. I'm still waiting for the Dr. to call me Sunday night. I get it though, maybe she was too scared to because she knew she was about to send me another $6,000 bill. Maybe it's because your CEO, Dr. David Bessler, basically said he doesn't care if people can't pay their bills? Basically saying tough if you cant go and tell your pets goodbye and dig a hole. Maybe it's because the company has been sued by former employees who tried to fight against what wad called medical malpractice, potentially impacting patient care to increase profits? I have never been to a veterinary clinic ran like an auto body shop. Oh, they'll never know if the brakes are bad tell them they need replaced. Only problem is this is with actual lives. You add thousands of dollars and just laugh thinking saps will pay it without question to save their best friends. You see desperate people and rob them blind to save their loved one. Thats inhumane. No, thats downright EVIL. That's why I took my dog out and went to a real vet thay cares. My vet continuously apologized to me because of how someone in their industry treated me. They were actually shocked and appalled. Oh, they even changed the medications I was given for over $1,000 and told me all of the "unneeded" services you added. Save yourself and dont go here. Instead just have a wild, crazy fun life. When it's all over and you pass on, you'll either end up at heaven's gate or at Veterinary Emergency Group. I promise, this place is worse than hell. read more

Dr. Sturgill was so helpful in our dogs time of need! She told us exactly what to do and she got our dog fixed up in no time! 10000% recommend! read more

The is a very caring and professional group,of people. The facility is clean, and even thought they were very busy, they always let us know where we were in the process. Our older golden retriever had had an unexpected seizure while on a walk. We called while we drove the dog to the clinic. They were respectful, got all of our info and were ready for us when we arrived. Unfortunately. It was clear to them that he was not in good shape. We were presented with clear options, and they did not pressure us in any way. They were caring, helped us get thru the pain, and handled all the details. We felt the cost was appropriate and overall would recommend them to anyone in a similar situation read more

The people at this clinic are wonderful! They were extremely compassionate, concerned, and helpful! Theo was the first staff member I spoke with and he was very professional and caring! He listened to my concerns and gave me some options for care. I then met with Dana, who triaged my dog. She was helpful, concise, and very caring! Dans concluded my dog was stable and then she recommended my dog meet with our regular veterinarian for treatment. I was extremely impressed by their ability to quickly assess the situation and advise me accordingly in an ER environment! read more

Dr. Barker is both compassionate and competent. Recognized that my Son's dog was suffering from a neurological disorder not conjunctivitis as misdiagnosed by Dr. Thornton at Rivers Vet. read more

We had a wonderful experience at VEG with our newly adopted senior dog, Jax. He was coughing and gasping for air and at one point he stopped breathing so we headed to VEG. Jax was seen immediately and Dr. Summers and team were extremely compassionate and informative. Jax needed X-rays and it turned out to be a collapsed trachea. He's taking the medicine prescribed (along with some natural treatments I found online) and the coughing has been drastically reduced. I will go to VEG if any of my 3 dogs need urgent care. It was affordable and I never felt stressed out because everyone was so supportive and friendly. read more

VEG ER for Pets - Jax - the patient - Emergency Pet Hospital Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Over it was not worst experience but the tech poked around in my dogs leg for a bit and could tell i was getting upset. Went to get another tech andd she was in and done in no time. The doctor was kind of rude but all in all the got the job done. read more

I had an emergency with my cat and it was a very difficult time. In the end she needed to be put down. They were very knowledgeable, empathetic and kind. They had a lot of patience with us. I especially was happy to be able to be with my cat and comfort her through every step of the process that she went through. I do recommend this business. read more

I have heard many stories of unsympathetic, expensive, and all around stressful experiences with emergency vets in the Pittsburgh area. I took a chance on this one hoping for a better outcome and was blown away by the compassion that was shown to me and my dog at every turn. I called ahead and was seen immediately when I arrived. Although I did have to put him down, I was allowed to stay with him every step of the way through testing, and the doctor, techs, and receptionist all went above and beyond to keep me medically informed and keep me and my dog comfortable. This practice made a hard decision at a stressful time a million times less stressful by their conduct, professionalism, and streamlined payment system. The staff were beyond accommodating, compassionate and patient as well as extremely competent and transparent with my dog's tests and treatment options. There is a free coffee, tea, and snack station, lots of comfortable seating, and multiple clean bathrooms. The overall cost of tests and euthanasia options was very reasonable, all things considered. The parking garage was decently priced (nowhere near downtown prices) and it along with the clinic were easy to find. This area of East Liberty has many nearby food options and a Target across the street. These little things compounded with the incredible staff made this experience much easier. I can't recommend this clinic enough, and would even recommended driving a few extra miles if you're able to just to receive such thorough and compassionate treatment for both yourself and your pet. read more