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Jackie Starker
via Google Update as of 1/5/26
The Medical Director personally reached out to me to discuss this case. He was very understanding and helpful, also passing my feedback onto the doctor. We talked through everything and came to a resolution. This isn't usually my experience in dealing with businesses so I really appreciate VEG's policy to take every complaint seriously and to address issues with their team so they can improve.
I brought my 1.5 year old cat Gourdie here on June 28 2025 because he was not eating and was showing signs of pain. The vet techs were absolutely wonderful and the facility was impressive, but that's where my positive experience ended.
After being there for a couple of hours and giving him supportive care and bloodwork the doctor finally came over to speak to me for the first time and the first thing she asked me was if I wanted to call my husband who was working because she "doesn't like repeating herself," not because what she was about to say to me was shocking and traumatic. She proceeded to tell me that Gourdie was in very bad shape and likely wouldn't survive and that I needed to consider euthanasia. She didn't offer me much of an explanation and the most disturbing part is she didn't offer me any other options whatsoever. She didn't say "this is going to be very expensive but you could do A,B, or C." Just that I should euthanize my barely 2 year old otherwise perfectly healthy cat.
I was in shock and beyond upset so the kind vet tech offered me a private room where I was able to call my husband to leave work to meet me to say goodbye to our beloved cat. When he arrived I explained what happened and because he was in a different state of mind he was able to look at this situation objectively and say no, we need much more information first. The doctor reluctantly came into the room and much to her displeasure had to repeat herself. She deadpan said the same thing to him that she did to me and he pressed her for more information and other options. Only then did she say that we could do an ultrasound and surgery but it was going to be expensive, so we then asked how and where. "Well he'll need a blood transfusion to stabilize him first." "Okay...how do we do that?" "Well cat blood is very hard to find." "Okay...how do we start the process of finding who has his blood type available?" "Well we have to make some calls to see if we can even find it." "Okay...can you...do that?" and that's how the conversation proceeded, having to pry information out of the doctor who proceeded to show no empathy and no willingness to help.
Thankfully PASE had his blood type and we transferred him there. Gourdie did end up needing 3 surgeries for intestinal blockages, 2 of which we had performed at Wissahickon Creek Vets who I highly recommend, and has since been diagnosed with PICA that we're managing with lifestyle changes and Gabapentin. While it was extremely expensive, our cat community came together in a huge way and we were able to fundraise to save his life. I can't believe I was in a room saying goodbye to my young cat because a vet that I trusted with his life told me to put him down without explanation or options. He's now happy and healthy and living a full life.
I've been in cat rescue for many years, and I run a non-profit cat adoption cafe, and I cannot imagine ever treating people this way. It's simply abhorrent. People deserve so much better and so do their beloved animals.
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Susan Teppervia Google Each of my four dogs has been here at one time or another over the last year - No life-threatening emergencies, but they needed to be seen that day and it was on the weekend or at night or when the regular vet did not have an appointment - and my experience each time could not have been better. They never separate you from your pet, they are so professional, there's always a veterinarian there, many of them Penn-trained vets. The support staff is all wonderful, the facility is modern, very clean, the amenities are nice, and most importantly, the care is top-notch. incredibly convenient location. Even the follow up is great. Highly recommend this emergency vet.
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alice nguyenvia Google This past Sunday, my dog Bean accidentally swallowed gum, and I immediately called VEG for help. The moment I explained the situation, they told me to bring her in as quickly as possible. When I arrived, the team assessed both of us right away. I was in such a rush that I didn’t even bring a leash, and they were kind enough to hand me one and take care of Bean while getting us settled into a private room.
The nurse and doctor were incredibly gentle with Bean and very thoughtful with me. They explained every step clearly, what they were doing, what would come next, and what I should expect. After inducing vomiting, they gave Bean IV fluids, and what really touched me was the doctor staying by her side the entire time. She literally hugged Bean from beginning to end while the fluids were being administered. That level of compassion meant so much.
They also guided me through contacting poison control, helped communicate everything clearly, and even offered me a phone charger since it was already late in the evening and my battery was dying. Every single person there went above and beyond.
Overall, I had such a positive experience during a stressful situation. I am really grateful for how well they cared for Bean and for how well they cared for me too. I highly recommend VEG.
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Jaime Plankvia Google I am so grateful that we found VEG! No one in our county would see us for an avian emergency and I wasn’t sure our Golden Conure Leo (now Stumpy) would survive the night. The relief we felt at being welcomed into the care area, kept well informed and able to be present during care…the team was kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable. Somehow it was even affordable-most shocking of all! While taking care of Leo, they took care of me too 💜 I was able to charge my phone, get a snack, and rest while waiting for him to recover from anesthesia. Even the security officers took time to chat and make sure I was taken care of! I would give them 15 stars! Thank you so much!!!!!
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M Kvia Google I found Veterinary Emergency Group on Walnut St, late last night. What a blessed difference from the previous emergency vet I had gone to!!!
The receptionist was very nice on the phone, said come right over, there was a parking garage.
They did not spirit your animal away to some back room but invited both my dog and me in. The vet tech sat on the floor next to my dog, not staring at him, and introduced herself. She explained every single thing she did and why. The vet came in and got down on my dog's level. She examined my dog, told me that the symptoms/exam did not fit with GI issues as I had thought. She said what they would check out his spine, hips, thorax and yes, just in case, his stomach (and his stomach was fine).
Excellent communication by all members of the staff!
And what was waiting like? There was a big, comfortable upholstered chair, free coffee, water, snacks. They offered a phone charger (and there were actually outlets!). There was a soft bed for my dog. They sent xrays to a radiologist and I got an official xray report in my hand before I left. I also got an email link to the actual xrays, which easily downloaded to my laptop.
It was about 3 am when I left and I had parked 2.5 blocks away. The vet security person WALKED ME TO MY CAR (and I drove her back to the vet office). And when I said that I would likely have to park my car in a lot since I wasn't expecting there to be any street parking at home, they offered an Uber voucher!
People putting people and animal safety before money. When does that ever happen!!!
My experience at Veterinary Emergency Group on Walnut St. was OUTSTANDING.
Thank you to everyone worked last night!!!
