For pet parents, there’s nothing more stressful than watching a beloved furry family member suddenly become injured or falling ill. In those moments, knowing where to turn and what to expect can make a difficult situation a little easier to navigate. That’s where emergency veterinary care comes in.
An emergency veterinarian specializes in providing urgent medical care for pets experiencing sudden illnesses, injuries, or other immediate health concerns, often outside regular veterinary office hours. VEG ER for Pets has taken that model to another level by centering the connection between pets and the people that love and care for them. The mission at VEG ER for Pets is simple: help people and their pets when they need it most. Founded in 2014, VEG has grown to more than 130 hospitals across the United States and has recently expanded into Canada, opening its first Ontario location in Etobicoke last February, with a second location set to open in Whitby in December.
For Dr. Annie Kwok, a veterinarian whose work focuses exclusively on small animal emergency medicine and critical care, providing compassionate support to pets and their families is at the heart of what she does. After completing her Master of Public Health and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at the University of Georgia, Dr. Kwok began her career in private practice before joining the VEG family three years ago.
Passionate about serving her community and its animals, Dr. Kwok understands that emergency situations can be overwhelming for pet parents. We spoke with her about the difference between emergency and routine veterinary care, what to expect when visiting VEG, and how pet parents can be better prepared to care for their four-legged family members.
What’s the difference between an emergency vet and the vet most pet parents are probably familiar with?
Your regular veterinarian is typically who you see for routine and preventative care, like annual exams, vaccinations and ongoing health concerns. An emergency vet is there when something unexpected or urgent happens and your pet needs immediate care, whether that’s an injury, sudden illness or another potentially serious situation.
What type of care do you provide at VEG?
At VEG ER for Pets, we’re completely focused on emergency veterinary care and are open 24/7, including holidays. Our Etobicoke hospital is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, with services including surgery, ultrasounds, x-rays, overnight hospitalization, medication, and much more. You can always call ahead to make sure we are equipped to handle your emergency.
What is something that makes VEG special that you want pet parents to be aware of?
One of the things that sets VEG ER for Pets apart is that pet parents are able to stay with their pet throughout their care, including during surgery and overnight hospitalization. We know how stressful an emergency can be, so we’ve designed the entire experience to keep families together and involved every step of the way.
What do you think is something important for pet parents to know about veterinary care in general?
I think it’s important for pet parents to trust their instincts when something doesn’t seem right. You know your pet and their normal behaviour better than anyone, and if you’re concerned, it’s always worth reaching out to a veterinary professional and asking questions.
What is your number one piece of advice for new or veteran pet parents to help them give their furry loved ones the best care?
Be proactive and get to know what’s normal for your pet, from their eating habits to their energy levels and behaviour. That makes it much easier to recognize when something has changed and know when it might be time to seek veterinary care.
For Dr. Kwok, providing emergency veterinary care is about more than treating an injury or illness. It’s also about supporting the people who love their pets and helping families navigate some of their most stressful moments with greater confidence and peace of mind.
While no pet parent wants to find themselves facing a veterinary emergency, knowing the difference between routine and emergency care, paying attention to changes in a pet’s behaviour, and trusting those instincts can make a meaningful difference. And when the unexpected happens, having access to a team that prioritizes both the animal’s well-being and the family’s experience can offer much-needed reassurance.
Because our pets are family, and when they need help, every moment matters. To learn more about VEG ER, check out their website below.
*header image by Tima Miroshnichenko
Nadia Elkharadly