Veterinary & Emergency Info
How do I know if I have a pet emergency?
Nobody knows your pet better than you. If you are concerned about how your pet is acting, do not hesitate to bring them in for an evaluation. The peace of mind knowing your pet has been examined by a trained professional is invaluable.
What are your hours of operation?
For emergency care we are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. For referrals (cardiology, internal medicine, rehabilitation, exotic care, and surgery,) call 570-587-7777 Monday – Friday from 7am – 5pm and a Referral Coordinator can schedule an appointment.
How long will my pet wait to be seen for emergency care?
Just like a human emergency room, wait times fluctuate based on the number of patients and the severity of the conditions. We do our best to serve everyone promptly, however, the most critical patients are seen first. We appreciate your patience and understanding!
Can VREC be my primary care veterinarian?
For dogs and cats: VREC acts as an extension of your primary care veterinarian. We are open for emergencies or for care when your primary care veterinarian’s office is unable to do so. Our services do not include routine veterinary care such as wellness appointments or vaccinations. If you do not have a primary care vet, please contact us and a staff member can provide recommendations in your area.
For exotic (reptilian & amphibious) pets: Yes, VREC can be your primary care vet. Please call us at 570-587-7777 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Breaux. Scheduled visits are $65 and are booked in 45-minute increments. If an exotic pet needs emergency care, contact the facility to see if Dr. Breaux is working.
What animals are seen at VREC?
VREC focuses primarily on canines and felines. Exotic pets (specifically reptiles and amphibians) are seen by one clinician. We encourage you to call ahead to ensure she is on duty. We do not have the ability to provide care for large animals or livestock.
If you need an equine veterinarian:
• Abington Equine Hospital at 570-904-8800, open 24 hours. Coverage available for central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
Other exotic animal veterinarians in the area:
• Creature Comforts in Saylorsburg at 570-992-0400, open 24 hours.
• Trucksville Dog & Cat Hospital in Shavertown at 570-696-1146 (hours vary)
• St. Francis Animal Clinic in Coal Twp. at 570-644-1006 (hours vary)
• Alpine Animal Hospital in Danville at 570-271-1828 (hours vary)
Do you offer remote assistance?
Every emergency is unique and a pet needs to be thoroughly examined by our staff to obtain the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. VREC cannot give remote advice, including (but not limited to:) phone, Yelp, Google Maps, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, or Instagram. If you feel the situation is critical, call on your way to the hospital so staff is prepared for your arrival.
Why are emergency services more expensive than my primary care veterinarian?
The cost of keeping a facility up and running 24/7 is beyond that of a primary care veterinarian clinic. In addition to being fully staffed 24-hours per day, VREC houses specialized equipment and diagnostic tools not commonly found at primary care facilities. Emergency care is almost always an unforeseen expense and our staff will do everything possible to provide care while adhering to your financial budget. Financial concerns can be brought up with client service representatives and/or the veterinarian responsible for the care of your pet.
Payment Info
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check (Pennsylvania checks only), Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Care Credit®.
Payment polices & payment plans:
Payment in full is required upon discharge. Owners of pets requiring hospitalization will be expected to put down 50% of the quoted high-end estimate. We accept payments via Care Credit®, a third-party credit line used specifically for human and veterinary medical needs. Contact us with questions or visit their website.
Hospitalization Info
What happens if my pet is hospitalized?
If your pet is admitted to the hospital, an estimate for their care will be provided. Owners must make an initial deposit based off the high-end estimate. The remainder of the balance will be due at discharge. Your pet will be monitored around-the-clock and regular updates provided for the duration of their stay. Pet owners can call with questions or concerns at any time.
Will my pet be left unattended?
VREC operates 24 hours a day so your pet will never be alone. Our facility is fully staffed at all hours and pets are constantly monitored. The staff’s workstation (nicknamed “The Bridge”) is located in the center of the treatment floor and allows a panoramic view. This allows for observation of all hospitalized patients and timely changes in treatment protocols.
Can I visit my hospitalized pet?
Owners are welcome to schedule a visit calling to arrange a time with the staff. The amount of time in a visitation may vary based on treatment protocols or the pet’s condition. Please contact us if a scheduled visitation needs to be re-scheduled.
Note: I-131 therapy patients cannot have visitation access as per state health guidelines. For safety reasons, visitation is also not permitted for pets quarantined in isolation units. Thank you for your understanding.
Personal belongings when hospitalized:
Toys and stuffed animals are permitted if adequately labeled. Our staff does their best to ensure items stay with your pet, but we are not responsible if item(s) becomes lost during hospitalization. We stock plenty of blankets, towels, and beds for your pet’s comfort.
Owners who wish to provide their pet’s food, or those who require a special diet must clearly label all bags, cans, and containers. Note: we cannot accept raw food diets.
How do I obtain updates?
To provide efficient patient care and to prevent miscommunication, one individual will be be designated as the contact person. The contact person will be the one to receive updates. A doctor or technician will regularly reach out to the contact person to relay regular updates. If there are any changes in a pet’s condition, they will be relayed regardless of the time.
What is a discharge?
All patients seen at VREC are provided discharges. These case summaries include important information such as diagnosis, medication and dosage, follow-up care, recommendations, and more. For hospitalized patients, the discharge process takes place during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm.) Please let us know if a discharge outside these times is necessary.
Does VREC share findings with my primary care veterinarian?
VREC sends all medical notes, consultation findings, diagnostic test results, discharge notes, and any other pertinent information to your pet’s primary care veterinarian. This is to ensure your pet’s medical records are complete. You or your primary care veterinarian are welcome to call with any questions or concerns.
Referral Info
What is a referral clinician?
Both your primary care veterinarian and a referral clinician have earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree. This typically requires four years of undergraduate training and four years of veterinary school. A referral clinician completes an additional one-year internship and an extra three to five years of residency training in their specialty field.
How do I get a referral?
VREC does not require referrals for surgery, internal medicine, or cardiology. To schedule a consultation with these referral departments, call 570-587-7777 from Monday through Friday 7am-5pm and ask for a Referral Coordinator. Pet owners seeking rehabilitation services must obtain a referral from their primary care veterinarian before an evaluation is scheduled. Pets admitted through the emergency/critical care service who require care in a referral department will be internally transferred.
What should I expect on a referral visit?
At a referral consultation pet owners need to fill out information forms and provide contact information. Once in an exam room, a technician will obtain a brief history and record your pet’s vital signs. The referral clinician will review the prior diagnostics, perform a physical exam, and explain diagnostic and treatment options available. We require owner consent before performing any diagnostic tests or treatments.
The initial consultation runs between one and two hours. Recheck appointments are approximately 30 minutes. Read more about appointments here. Please provide at least a 24-hour notice for cancellations or you may be charged.
Misc. Info
What is the Angel Fund?
VREC’s Angel Fund was developed shortly after opening in 2010 as a way to provide assistance when financial burdens prevented pet owners from obtaining veterinary care. If a pet and owner qualify for the Angel Fund, doctors donate 100% of their abilities and the facility donates any/all hospitalization and procedural fees. Charges to the Angel Fund are associated with supplies and medications to aid in recovery. Since inception the Fund has provided essential (and oftentimes life-saving) care for over 175 animals. For more information (or if you wish to make a donation,) please click here.
Translation services:
Those who require a translator are asked to notify us at your earliest convenience so that we may work to accommodate you. We ask for at least one week’s notice for any sign language translators.
I found a stray animal! What do I do?
If a stray animal appears to be sick and/or injured, bring it to our facility. Our staff will take necessary steps to provide care. VREC does not have adequate space to take in healthy strays. If a stray cat or dog appears to be healthy, please contact Griffin Pond Animal Shelter at 570-586-3700 or local police in the area where the animal was found. VREC can provide additional animal rescues and shelters that may be able to assist.
I found injured wildlife! What do I do?
If injured wildlife is spotted, handle it as little as possible. Should the animal need to be moved to a safer location, wear protective clothing and gloves when handling. It is recommended to contact a wildlife center:
• Pocono Wildlife Rehab in Stroudsburg at 570-402-0223
• Second Chance Wildlife in Tunkhannock at 570-836-1851
• Carbon County Environmental Education Center in Summit Hill at 570-645-8597 (bird-focused)
What pet-friendly accommodations are nearby?
We have compiled a list of pet-friendly hotels and local restaurants here.