In Pittsburgh, the Veterinary Emergency Group has unveiled its latest innovation in pet care with the opening of a new facility on Penn Avenue in East Liberty. This state-of-the-art veterinary hospital is setting new standards in the field, offering an experience that keeps pet owners and their beloved animals together throughout the entire visit — even during surgery and overnight stays if required.
Hospital manager Wei Ming Harrer emphasized the facility’s unique approach, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that from the moment you and your pet enter our doors until you leave with your pet in good health, you remain together.” This commitment to maintaining the bond between pets and their owners is evident in the hospital’s design, which features an open concept to facilitate this vision.
The hospital’s layout is strategically planned with exam rooms located around the perimeter of the triage and treatment area, allowing pet owners the option to observe their pets during medical procedures. Dr. Allison Faust, the medical director at the Pittsburgh facility, noted that this practice is already popular in other VEG hospitals, with C-sections being a procedure many owners choose to watch, even assisting in the resuscitation of puppies afterward.
Recognizing the importance of comfort for both pets and their owners, the facility offers the option for pet parents to stay overnight with their animals. “We aim to minimize anxiety for both you and your pet by creating a homelike environment complete with cozy rooms, blankets, and pillows,” the hospital staff explains.
Additionally, VEG is committed to transparency and education, offering to show and explain lab results and other records to pet owners. This open concept approach is heralded as the future of veterinary emergency medicine, promising a more inclusive and comforting experience for pets and their families.
This innovative approach to veterinary care in Pittsburgh is not just about medical treatment; it’s about nurturing the special bond between pets and their owners, ensuring they can face health challenges together, side by side.