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    Veterinary Referral Associates

    3.7 (308 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Services - Veterinary Referral Associates

    Emergency pet hospital

    Pet physical or wellness exam

    Pet vaccinations

    Veterinary Referral Associates Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Veterinary Referral Associates

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    Reviews With Photos

    Philip L.

    This review is on our Internist, Dr. Sindumani Manoharan. She is thorough and pleasant to interact with. Her team is all so kind and sweet and I can tell that they handle things with care. I felt like she was very knowledgeable and understanding as to each aspect of our cat. The prices at VRA are pricier than other vets closer to me (one is 4 mins away and another is 6 mins away and VRA is 22 mins away). However, I feel like I would definitely trust the health care of our precious cat to her and her team. Loved the nice touch on the board when I was waiting for the doctor.

    Garrison

    Dr. Lechner and Alina (his tech) are fabulous to work with for our newly diagnosed diabetic cat, Garrison. They are so warm and knowledgeable. We are also so impressed with Mij at the front desk. What a gem! She makes us feel so welcome and is very helpful. We are truly lucky to be in such great hands!

    immediately after his tragic demise

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    1 month ago

    they are wonderful people who do a difficult job dealing with hurt and sick pets as well as upset owners. would definitely use them again!!

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    19 days ago

    The staff, the doctors are all very helpful , compassionate and supportive and very professional!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Veterinary Referral Associates

    Review Highlights - Veterinary Referral Associates

    We couldn't have found a more compassionate or sensitive place to do this than this emergency animal hospital.

    Mentioned in 30 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Metropolitan Animal Emergency and Specialty Center

    Metropolitan Animal Emergency and Specialty Center

    (205 reviews)

    Best 24-hour animal hospital I've found so far…read more The front desk staff were excellent, especially when you're arriving in a panic during the middle of the night. My mom and I rushed in with her cat after she thought he might have had a stroke. The staff quickly spoke with us at check-in and explained the process: they would take him to the back exam area first to evaluate him. If he was stable, they said the wait time to see the doctor would likely be around three hours. We were taken to a room shortly after arriving and ended up waiting about three hours before seeing the doctor. Since we were waiting that long, we assumed he had been determined to be stable, which helped ease our minds a bit. The staff did offer us something to drink, and the front entrance being locked at night definitely makes the place feel safer during late hours. One small improvement I would suggest is checking in periodically with people waiting in rooms, especially during longer waits like ours. Even a quick update after an hour or two would go a long way in helping anxious pet owners feel reassured. Another tip for visitors: keep your exam room door closed if possible. We left ours open because we were seated right across from the exam area, but we could hear several emotional moments from other pet owners, which made an already stressful situation feel even heavier. While waiting, I looked up some of our cat's symptoms and saw that they could align with feline vestibular syndrome (cat vertigo), especially since he had received flea medication about a month earlier. Reading about that possibility helped calm us down while we waited. When the doctor came in after about the three-hour mark, they diagnosed him with cat vertigo, which was a huge relief compared to what we initially feared. They also mentioned hearing a possible heart murmur and recommended a dental cleaning along with follow-ups with a feline cardiologist and neurologist for additional peace of mind. They offered a head scan for about $1200, but because of the potential heart murmur they explained it might not be ideal to do under anesthesia and could produce limited results. We ultimately declined the additional treatments and paid the diagnostic exam fee for $200 something and took him home. The next day, my mom followed up with her regular vet, who didn't detect a heart murmur. They hypothesized it may have been stress from the situation. Overall, despite the long wait, we were happy with the visit and grateful they were there when we needed emergency care. Finding a reliable 24-hour animal hospital can be difficult, and this one handled a stressful situation with professionalism and compassion.

    I recently had my worst nightmare happen when BOTH of my dogs needed emergency attention at the…read moresame time. I got checked in and was in front of a vet within 20 minutes; this has never happened to me at an emergency vet before (I should've come here!). They were able to give me answers very quickly and sent me home with one dog and kept the other for two nights. During that grueling 48 hours, I called every four hours to check on Kina and each and every time I was provided with an actual solid update on her condition. Every single staff member met me with compassion and kindness while I was freaking out about my little girl. The staff here saved her life and then sent her home clean and even returned the THREE(!) blankets that I brought for her to lay with. By this time, I did not even care about the blankets, I was fully prepared to never see them again. I just wanted my dog back home with me, and boy did they deliver. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so so so much to MAEC. I hope I never have to come in again, but if I do I know I'll be in good hands.

    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.

    VEG ER for Pets - VEG veterinarians in surgery

    VEG ER for Pets

    (54 reviews)

    A few hours after receiving her rabies vaccination, we noticed that our chihuahua, Tammy, was…read morehaving 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.

    Early this Sunday morning I brought my 19-year-old cat, Mr. Gorgeous, to be euthanized. The…read moreveterinarian, 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.

    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.

    Veterinary Emergency Group - VEG veterinarians in surgery

    Veterinary Emergency Group

    (37 reviews)

    Service:5 Stars Pricing: 2 Stars…read more This past weekend, I had a very positive experience at VEG that was overshadowed by what appears to have been sheer greed. We brought our goldendoodle to VEG because he cut his paw; the laceration split one of the digits on his paw, with superficial flesh exposure. It wasn't the worst wound in the world, but bleeding persisted and it was deep enough that we needed to determine whether stitches may be needed. Dr. Forte and the technicians (I'm so sorry I did not get their names) were just amazing. And Sarah, who did our intake, was uncommonly kind and attentive. I had absolutely zero complaints with the staff. My sole complaint was with the pricing of a pain medication. I understand that emergency treatment is not inexpensive; it's just the nature of the beast. Still, when the Dr. said the total came to $400 for the exam, cleansing/bandaging of the wound and medication, I was a bit surprised so asked for a rough breakdown. The culprit, in my view, was a common, canine, pain medication, with which I was familiar. The cost was $93 for 14 pills. I asked the doctor if we could purchase it elsewhere and she said we could. When I filled the prescription at a grocery store pharmacy, I was shocked and then angered by what I learned. The prescription, for which VEG was charging $93, was $9.99 at my local Giant pharmacy. I could not believe (and still do not) a reasonable justification would exist for such an excessive medication markup. Surely, I thought, this chain hospital has access to preferred/wholesale pricing. Parasitic was the word that came to mind. I saw a business exploiting people already experiencing stress and vulnerability as the result of a beloved pet's sickness or injury. Although I was very pleased with the service we received, I am just very disappointed and troubled by this issue, to say the least. Certainly, this is not unheard of in the society in which we live. But VEG ownership/management, I feel you do a great disservice to the excellent employees who, clearly, work so hard to represent you in the best and highest light. With respect, do better...

    My name is Zero, and Dr McNabb helped me get better. She was very nice, compassionate, patient,…read morelnowledgable, and comfortable. My Human kept thanking Dr NcNabb because of how awesome she was. Also, the male nurse who was helping her (my Human did not get his name) was also cool. He checked in on me often -- which I know comforted my Human and made them much less anxioous. (Although we were both wildly exhausted in this photo, the smile/grin my Human has was genuine, and I was as at peace as I ever could be at a vet -- because the staff was so patient with my fretful Human, and I was receiving amazing care .) Thank you, VEG, for making me feel better!! (Which also made my Human feel better too, heh.)

    Wags to Whiskers

    Wags to Whiskers

    (5 reviews)

    Peace of Mind While Away: Thanks Erica!…read more My cat, Kira, can be a bit finicky and fearful, so I was nervous about leaving her for a weekend trip. I found Erica from Wags to Whiskers, through a web search, and was very excited that she serviced the Kentlands. During the meet-and-greet, Erica took the time to get to know Kira and her routine and preferences. For example, Erica asked about Kira's favorite toys, and where she might hide. When I am away, Erica sends daily text updates and pictures, which puts my mind at ease. When I return home, Kira is happy and relaxed. The litter box is clean, and her food, and water fountain are full. Erica's reliable, attentive, and loving care make my trips much more enjoyable because I don't have to worry about the care Kira is receiving. I would definitely recommend her to other pet owners as Eric cares for Kira as if she were her own! And that is hard to find!

    Erica has been a WONDERFUL dog walker for my two dogs, Bandit and Harley! I am so sad to be moving…read moreout of the area, because we will be missing her! My dogs can be leash reactive to other dogs while walking, and Erica was able to manage them both perfectly. Her way of being with them made me feel confident that they were safe and well cared for on their walks! Erica clearly is a genuine animal lover, and even sensitive, reactive dogs like mine respond so well to her. If you're looking for a caretaker for your pet(s), I couldn't recommend her enough!

    Veterinary Referral Associates - vet - Updated May 2026

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