Founded on the belief that every pet deserves access to expert emergency care -- any time of day or night.
In 2010, Dr. Amanda Reyes was working late-night emergency shifts at a general practice when she realized something that kept her up at night: Austin didn't have a dedicated emergency veterinary hospital with the specialized equipment and staffing these cases demanded.
Too many pets were being stabilized and transferred to facilities outside the city. Too many owners were making impossible drives in the middle of the night. Too many critical minutes were being lost.
Dr. Reyes spent three years planning, fundraising, and building a team of like-minded veterinarians and nurses who shared her vision: a purpose-built emergency hospital in Austin, staffed 24/7 by specialists who live and breathe critical care.
VetAlert Emergency Hospital opened its doors in 2011 and hasn't closed them since. Not for a single holiday, storm, or pandemic. Over 15 years and more than 20,000 emergencies later, our mission remains the same: be here when Austin's pets need us most.
Our team is made up of emergency medicine specialists, experienced veterinarians, and certified veterinary technicians who chose this work because they're passionate about saving lives.
DVM, DACVECC - Medical Director
Board-certified in emergency and critical care with over 18 years of experience. Dr. Reyes founded VetAlert to give Austin a world-class emergency facility. She specializes in trauma, sepsis, and complex multi-organ cases.
DVM - Emergency Veterinarian
Dr. Park joined VetAlert in 2014 after completing his emergency medicine residency. He has a particular interest in toxicology and cardiopulmonary emergencies. Known for his calm demeanor and clear communication with owners.
DVM - Emergency Veterinarian
Dr. Martinez brings 10 years of emergency experience and a background in emergency surgery. She is passionate about pain management and ensuring patients are as comfortable as possible during treatment and recovery.
CVT - Nurse Manager
Beth has been with VetAlert since day one. As a Certified Veterinary Technician and our Nurse Manager, she oversees the nursing team and ensures every patient receives attentive, skilled care around the clock.
Our hospital was designed from the ground up for emergency and critical care. Every room, every piece of equipment, every workflow is optimized for speed and precision.
Equipped with multi-parameter monitors, IV fluid pumps, and oxygen support. Staffed by dedicated ICU nurses around the clock for continuous patient observation.
A fully equipped surgical theater with advanced anesthesia monitoring, electrosurgery, and all instruments needed for emergency soft tissue and orthopedic procedures.
High-resolution digital radiography provides instant images so our doctors can diagnose fractures, foreign bodies, and internal conditions within minutes.
Advanced diagnostic ultrasound allows us to evaluate internal organs, detect fluid accumulation, and guide procedures without surgery.
Complete blood counts, chemistry panels, electrolytes, blood gas analysis, and coagulation testing -- all done on-site with results in minutes, not days.
Oxygen cages and nasal cannula setups for patients in respiratory distress. Immediate oxygen support is available in every treatment area of the hospital.
Our approach to emergency veterinary medicine is guided by four core principles that inform every decision we make.
We treat every animal that comes through our doors with the same care and urgency we would give our own pets. There are no "just a cat" or "just a dog" cases here.
We explain what's happening, what options are available, and what costs to expect. You'll never be left guessing about your pet's condition or your financial obligations.
We believe no animal should suffer unnecessarily. Pain assessment and management begin at triage and continue throughout every stage of treatment and recovery.
We work closely with your regular veterinarian, providing detailed records and follow-up recommendations so your pet receives seamless, coordinated care.
We know arriving at an emergency vet is stressful. Here's what happens so there are no surprises.
As soon as you arrive, a triage nurse assesses your pet's condition and assigns a priority level. Life-threatening cases are taken back immediately. Less critical cases are seen in order of medical urgency, not arrival time.
A veterinarian performs a thorough examination and recommends any necessary diagnostics. We'll explain what tests are needed and why before proceeding, along with estimated costs.
Once we have a diagnosis, we'll present a clear treatment plan with a written estimate. We discuss all options -- including conservative approaches and financial alternatives -- so you can make an informed decision.
Throughout your pet's stay, we provide regular updates by phone or text. You'll know what's happening at every stage. When your pet is ready for discharge, we'll review medications, home care instructions, and follow-up plans in detail.
We itemize all charges and review them with you before checkout. No surprise fees. We accept CareCredit, Scratchpay, and most pet insurance, and we can help you apply for financing on the spot if needed.
We send a full report to your regular veterinarian within 24 hours and are available for follow-up questions. Our goal is a smooth handoff back to your primary vet once your pet is stable.
Our team is ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call us now.
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