Our History
VREC founder Dr. Nichole Danova was working as a referral surgeon in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area and saw the need for a surgical referral service. She and a small staff formed Veterinary Surgical Center (VSC) in December 2009 to provide the area’s pets a dedicated veterinary surgical service. The support of the community and referring veterinarians was overwhelming, and VSC quickly outgrew its space at Johnson College. Plans were drawn for VSC to move into a larger space, allowing for a full-service veterinary facility. Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center (VREC) was formed, and the 24/7/365 referral and emergency center opened in May, 2010 in South Abington Township, PA.
VREC is proud to provide distinctive and comprehensive veterinary services to the region’s pets. Currently, VREC offers 24/7 emergency and critical care services, along with surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, and physical rehabilitation departments. VREC also has an on-site MRI, the only in the region.
We are one of the largest and most inclusive veterinary facilities in Northeast PA — and the only facility in Lackawanna County. Our staff has expanded to over 50 members, all focused on surpassing the needs of patients, clients, and referring veterinary community.
Our Staff
From the moment you walk through the doors, the clinicians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and client services staff at VREC are committed to delivering compassionate and professional care. VREC is proud to boast extensively trained clinicians, a vast referring veterinarian network, and exceptional client communication. As fellow pet parents, we deeply respect the unique bond between people and their pets and utilize our expertise to uphold that special relationship.
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A Veterinary Team You Can Count On 24/7
VREC is available all day and night for your “pet peace of mind.” Our emergency and critical care staff routinely assess and treat a wide variety of critical and trauma patients.
VREC is focused is on your pet, and our veterinary teams work together to form a seamless network assuring unsurpassed continuity of care. Pets seen through emergency who need referral services can quickly internally transfer to ensure continuity of care – even outside regular referral hours. If a pet should be hospitalized, they will be monitored 24/7 by experienced and compassionate staff. Pet owners should expect regular updates on their pets status while in hospital. Upon discharge, any instructions, test results or other pertinent information are explained to owners as well as sent to the primary care veterinarian.