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 referral (cardiology, internal medicine, and surgery) departments, call 570-587-7777 Monday – Friday from 7am – 5pm and a Referral Coordinator will be able to 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 you as soon as possible, however, the most critical patients need to be seen first. We appreciate your patience.
Can VREC be my primary care veterinarian?
VREC is a secondary and tertiary care facility and acts as an extension of your primary care veterinarian. We are open 24/7/365 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. We can provide recommendations of veterinary clinics in your area, if desired.
What animals are seen at VREC?
VREC focuses primarily on canines and felines. Exotic pets (guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, birds, etc.) can be seen on a doctor-by-doctor basis. We encourage you to call to ensure a doctor with experience is on duty. VREC does 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.
If you need an exotic animal veterinarian:
- Creature Comforts in Saylorsburg at 570-992-0400, open 24 hours.
- St. Francis Animal Clinic in Coal Twp. at 570-644-1006 (hours vary)
- Alpine Animal Hospital in Danville at 570-271-1828 (hours vary)
Can 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 advice over the phone in emergency situations. We also cannot provide medical advice on social media channels such as Yelp, Google Maps, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, or Instagram. If you feel the situation is critical, call us on your way to the hospital so our 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, MRI, 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 it is deemed necessary that your pet needs to be admitted to the hospital, an estimate for your pet’s care will be provided. Owners will need to 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 on your pet’s status are provided for the stay of their duration. Feel free to call with questions or concerns at any time.
Will my pet ever 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 is located in the center of the treatment floor, allowing a panoramic view of the entire area. This allows for observation of all hospitalized patients and timely changes in treatment protocols.
How can I visit my hospitalized pet?
Owners are welcome to schedule a visit calling 570-587-7777 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: All 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, however, we are not responsible if item(s) becomes lost during hospitalization. We have 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: please clearly label all bags, cans, and containers. Note: we cannot accept any 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 of day or night.
What is a discharge process?
All patients seen at VREC are provided discharges. These case summaries include important information such as diagnosis, medication and dosage, follow-up care, and more. For hospitalized patients, the discharge process takes place during normal business hours – Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. Contact us if a discharge outside these times is necessary.
Does VREC share findings with my primary care veterinarian?
In partnership with you and your primary care veterinarian, VREC strives to provide the most complete veterinary care possible. Our staff sends all medical notes, consultation findings, diagnostic test results, discharge notes, and any other pertinent information to ensure your pet’s medical records are complete. You and your primary care veterinarian are welcome to call with any questions or concerns at any time.
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 any services we offer. Those seeking a referral appointment are asked to call 570-587-7777 from Monday through Friday 7am-5pm and ask for a Referral Coordinator. Some veterinarians refer owners to VREC for care if they feel that a pet requires a level of testing or treatment beyond what they are able to provide. Other pet owners seek out VREC for a second opinion on a diagnosis or concern.
If your pet has been admitted through the emergency/critical care service and requires additional care in a referral department, they will be internally transferred to the proper service.
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 an owner’s 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 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. The only 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 to the Angel Fund, 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.
Can I bring stray animals?
If a stray animal appears to be sick and/or injured, bring it to our facility. Our staff will take necessary steps to care for the animal to the best of our ability.
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.
Can I bring injured wildlife to VREC?
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.
Wildlife centers to contact:
- 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 (particularly birds)
What pet-friendly accomodations are nearby?
We have compiled a list of pet-friendly hotels and local restaurants here.