If your pet needs to stay overnight for medical care, there is a place where you can find accommodations to be with your furry friend right there in the hospital — for no additional charge.
“Pet parents are welcome to stay,” said Allison Faust, medical director for Veterinary Emergency Group Pittsburgh, which opened Thursday in East Liberty. “We believe we are revolutionizing the experience of helping pets and their parents.”
Veterinary Emergency Group has more than 70 locations nationwide, including two in Philadelphia. This is the first in the region.
The process begins at the door. Patients are immediately taken to a treatment area. There is a large open space to accommodate several animals at once with four exam tables, two wet tables, an operating room and five additional exam rooms. Humans can stay with their pet through all stages of treatment, including surgery and the aforementioned overnight hospitalization.
The hospital is open 24 hours, seven days a week, including holidays. It provides veterinary care including surgeries, ultrasounds and x-rays.
Faust said she is happy to be leading the team in Pittsburgh. The Hershey native is a University of Pittsburgh graduate and veterinarian.
There are six full-time veterinarians and two who travel to various locations.
The plan is to hire more, Faust said.
“We feel there will be a lot of interest in this,” Faust said. “There are other pet hospitals in the area, but this is in the heart of Pittsburgh.”
Faust said the costs align with other emergency rooms and that they will find a way to care for an animal and not let money be a roadblock.
They will care for dogs and cats, as well as exotic pets, rabbits and others. If it fits through the door, they will see it, Faust said.
“Our mission is to help yinzers and their pets when they need it most,” Faust said.
The hospital has a drop-off area for emergencies. A parking garage is below and there is metered street parking.
Faust said waiting in an emergency room while a furry friend is being cared for in another area of the hospital can be stressful — for both the patient and the pet family member. The overnight exam rooms have pull-out couches.
“When a pet parent walks into VEG Pittsburgh, they will immediately feel they have finally found a place that will provide their family and pet the best emergency veterinary experience that exists,” said Dr. David Bessler, founder and CEO in a statement. “Upon entering VEG Pittsburgh, pet parents will feel a sigh of relief and comfort, as they are greeted with a friendly smile, empathetic attitude, and luxury comforts for them, and their pet.”
Even before they arrive, a pet parent can call and speak immediately with a licensed veterinarian to get medical questions answered.
Veterinary Emergency Group Pittsburgh is located at 6244 Penn Ave., East Liberty.
Details: 412-690-0511 or veterinaryemergencygroup.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.