Valley Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center

09/02/2024

We are open 24 hours even on holidays. We hope you are enjoying your Labor Day. Most clinics close their doors during holidays, but when it comes to emergency hospitals (both human and veterinary), we remain open. Please remain patient with our staff and doctors who are working this holiday. Your kindness means everything to us. If you feel your pet might be experiencing a medical emergency, we are here! If you have a pet who needs emergency medical care, call our hospital to let us know you’re on your way in: 540-662-7811

08/23/2024

Today was a wonderful turnout for our first k-9 blood donor program as we partnered with Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank! Some of the dogs from today donated blood that will save the life of another family’s heart and soul during a very critical time while other dogs from today had their first official meet and greet where a small sample of blood was pulled in order to properly determine their blood type among a series of other tests as mentioned in one of our video clips below. If you have been considering the idea of seeing if your k-9 is a good candidate for this life saving blood donor program, but you aren’t sure what to expect, we hope some of our short video clips and photos will answer a few of your questions! Every pet parent has the opportunity to choose if he or she would like to remain present for the entire process from start to finish. The process is also not rushed, but instead the team patiently and lovingly works at your pet’s personal pace. In addition to taking things very slow and easy, restraint is not part of the equation… restraint is 100% replaced with a fear free method of nothing but hugs and cuddles with Chris while Dr. Latchford performs a blood draw. Today was full of so many doggy smiles, tail wags, hugs, snuggles, plenty of cheese wiz or peanut butter (depending on your preference for your pet), and lots of positivity in the air! Before a k-9 becomes an official donor, the team assesses your pet to be certain it’s not going to be a process that stresses your pet out. Your pup’s comfort level is the highest priority to the team when choosing donor candidates. If you have been considering enrolling your k-9 into this blood bank program, please review the flyer in this post and send any questions you might have directly to the email provided there. We cannot be more grateful for the wonderful pet owners and most importantly the k-9 blood donors. Right now, at this very moment, there are many families or pet owners across the county sitting at a veterinary clinic praying their beloved fur baby can be saved with the help of a transfusion and a solution to easing that heartache would not be possible if it weren’t for dogs and families like the ones you see in this post. The faces of the dogs you see below are the faces of heroes.

Please remain patient as our video clips upload.

08/12/2024

We are now recruiting healthy K9 blood donors! We are beyond excited to announce this new opportunity to save even more lives through the new blood donor program now open to the public! Please email any questions to the email provided on the flyer below:

08/12/2024

Dr. Anna Katogiritis is one of our beloved relief veterinarians. She founded a wonderful international program designed to help make a difference in the lives of many animals all over the world. We hope you’ll take a moment to share this info to help support her incredible cause:

Veterinary Global Aid, Inc (VGA), is a 501c3 registered non profit based in Washington DC. VGA was founded by Dr. Anna Katogiritis with the goal of providing pro-bono veterinary care to animals in need internationally, while also empowering kids and youth to take positive action for the animals within their communities. Dr. Anna's volunteer work has been featured in numerous media outlets over the years, including CNN Travel and has awarded her the "40 under 40" philanthropic award by the Greek America Foundation. Having worked closely with Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, UN Messenger of Peace), Dr. Anna believes that if we want to achieve a long lasting positive impact for the animals we must include youth in the process and inspire and empower them to take action as well. For this reason, VGA invests heavily its time and resources to educate youth during each of its international campaigns.

In addition, VGA provides training opportunities for veterinarians and consultations for complex veterinary cases, as the organization recognizes that not all veterinarians across the globe have access to specialty care. VGA strives to provide excellence of care to domestic and wild animals and for this reason all veterinarians and nurses who participate as volunteers are required to have a minimum 2 years experience and undergo interviews to assess their knowledge and comfort level.

All donations are tax deductible and any help is appreciated and needed!

donation page:
www.VeterinaryGlobalAid.org/donate

CNN Travel article:
https://www.cnn.com/travel/vet-returns-to-greece-to-help-the-stray-cats/index.html

Facebook/ Instagram:
Veterinary Global Aid
Anna Katogiritis:

07/14/2024

It is SO important to keep your pets indoors as much as possible during these hot weather days. Short potty breaks are the way to go.

We know we’ve posted a lot about heat and hot weather over the last week but that is because heat stroke is one of the most common emergencies we see at this time of year. Almost every heat stroke patient who comes through our doors, is in critical condition by the time he or she arrives to us.

Please, we ask that you share this information. Taking a moment to share our posts with your friends and family you could save a pet’s life.

07/14/2024

‼️ IMPORTANT‼️

Some of the hottest days are among us.

This is an urgent reminder to all pet owners: Please keep your pets indoors as much as possible during the next few days as the heat index in most areas is expected to be over 100 degrees.

If you care for a cat colony or own barn cats it is CRUCIAL that they have access to fresh water and shaded shelter at all times!

It is best to please keep your pets indoors!

You can keep your pet’s paws safe by avoiding walks on hot pavement. If possible, avoid walks altogether and choose short bathroom breaks as an alternative. During extreme hot weather, it is likely to still be too hot for regular walks even in early evenings. Unfortunately, heat stroke is one of the most common emergencies we treat on these hot days. Almost every heat stroke patient arrives to us in critical condition.

ALSO, IT IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE TO LEAVE YOUR PET INSIDE A HOT VEHICLE DURING THESE HOT SUMMER MONTHS!

Stay safe and stay cool! Our doors are always open and we are always here for your pets should you have an emergency.

You can save a life just by sharing this post with your friends and family. Share away!

Valley Veterinary Emergency Hospital

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July!! Stay safe tonight! We are open 24/7 and always here for your pets! If you suspect your pet might be experiencing a medical emergency please contact our hospital directly: 540-662-7811

07/04/2024

We know we have already shared many posts about safety tips during this time of year but you can never go wrong with extra precautionary measures! Being proactive is the best way to prevent an emergency or crisis situation. Be the first to start spreading the word and raising pet safety awareness in your community! Share this post! You could be saving a life with just the click of a share!

06/19/2024

If you see heat stroke signs in your pet, don’t wait! “By the time heat stroke signs are visible, it’s often too late.” We are open 24/7 and always here for you and your pets. If you suspect your pet might be experiencing a medical emergency call us immediately to let us know you are on your way at 540-662-7811 We hope you will share this post with your friends and family on Facebook. Sharing this chart could save a life!

06/19/2024

The hot weather is approaching! It is never okay to leave your pet in a vehicle during warm or hot weather. We sincerely appreciate the officers in our community who take “dog in hot car” calls seriously. If you see something, say something.

06/17/2024

We know there are many pet parents out there just trying to be good parents by keeping their fur babies on a walk schedule, but it is important to be aware of these facts as we approach summer.

We urge you to share this visual reference with your friends and family in hopes that it will protect some precious toe beans and pets from the heat!

06/17/2024

Be PREPARED! If your pet requires medication to aid with issues he or she experiences during fireworks, contact your primary veterinarian’s office to make an appointment before the holiday. For your pet’s sake, don’t wait until the last second. The 4th of July is right around the corner, so don’t wait any longer! Call your local veterinarian.

The 4th of July will be here in no time! We will remain open 24/7 per usual for the holiday.

We wish for you to be safe and keep your pets safe as well! We urge you to keep your pets indoors during fireworks for their safety. This is the time of year when many pets go missing due to a flight reaction to fireworks. Leash walks on a harness or slip leash for bathroom breaks is a smart idea.

If you suspect your pet might be experiencing a medical emergency please call our hospital directly: 540-662-7811

05/27/2024

Memorial Day. Honoring all who gave the ultimate sacrifice. ♥️ 🤍💙

05/27/2024

There is also the less obvious soldier, one who also risks and gives their life for our freedom. A soldier that can’t speak for themselves. A brave soldier who too, is remembered this Memorial Day: the war dog.

This Memorial Day, Strut the Pup wants to take a moment to remember and memorialize not only human soldiers, but canine soldiers too.

05/17/2024

It is important all year to protect your pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Tick season has official started!! It doesn’t matter how beautifully mowed your lawn is or if your pet only goes outside for short potty breaks.

TICKS ARE THERE!! Trust us!!

Often times, emergency hospitals tend to see a lot of cases in the spring and summer involving dogs who are in the critical/end stages of Lyme disease. In many cases, the clinical symptoms of Lyme disease don’t usually begin to show up until about 2-5 months after the pet has been infected. The saddest part of those cases is that they could have been prevented by administering monthly tick preventative. Please don’t allow your pet to become a statistic.

Please talk with your primary veterinarian about monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention. You can also discuss annual Lyme disease checks as well.

05/17/2024

🐾 We love a good rescue story!! 🐾

If you adopted your pet from an animal shelter or rescue organization we would love to read your rescue story in the comments with a photo of your pet included!! There are so many animals sitting in the shelters at this time of year and we know the rescues and shelters across the country are overwhelmed.

Sharing your rescue story might encourage someone who sees this post to go adopt a pet who is desperately waiting for their forever family to find him or her!

How did you know you found the one? Did your pet choose you? Who rescued who?! What are some of your favorite things about your rescued fur baby? Does he or she have a favorite toy or treat? Are car rides a “go” or a “no” for your pup? Is your kitty all about the chicken or the tuna? We would love to read all about your rescued family member in the comments section below!

05/17/2024

Memorial Day is 10 days away but we believe it’s never too soon to be proactive! We hope these safety tips will help keep you and your pet away from your local veterinary ER hospitals! We are open per usual 24/7 including on Memorial Day if you should need us. Please call our hospital directly: 540-662-7811

04/27/2024

Tis the season! The Parvo virus can infect your pet anytime of the year, but as the weather begins to warm up, the number of Parvo cases we see tend to increase dramatically at this time of year. The first step you can take to prevent your dog from becoming infected with this dangerous and highly contagious virus is properly vaccinate your fur baby. This article from AVMA is full of excellent information about Parvo. You could save a life simply by sharing this post. Please share with your friends and family!

Learn about canine parvovirus, including clinical signs and prevention methods.

04/24/2024

It is veterinary receptionist week! This is one of our favorite weeks to celebrate here at Valley Veterinary Emergency Hospital!

Receptionists are usually the first face a client and patient see when they walk into a veterinary clinic, and they are the first voice a client hears on the other end of the phone during a pet crisis. In emergency medicine, they are often the ones helping a pet parent to remain as calm as possible while on the way to us. It is the receptionist’s job to be certain all the pet’s information as well as the owner’s information is collected as quickly and efficiently as possible so that the veterinarian and technicians can begin treatment. Veterinary receptionists are the multitaskers of all multitaskers!

“The ability to really “make a difference” in the life of a pet is astounding for those who hold this position. Families often confide things in veterinary receptionists that they do not feel comfortable sharing with other medical staff. Being on the “front lines” also gives veterinary receptionists a unique stage from which to advocate for good pet health and well-being.” (https://www.veterinaryreceptionistweek.com)

It is very common to see our receptionists giving out hugs to families during difficult situations, offering a cup of coffee, or sharing a friendly conversation with a pet parent who is waiting in our lobby. Even under the highest levels of stress our veterinary receptionists are always able to compassionately shine a smile and use a kind voice with all they do. We sincerely appreciate our veterinary receptionists for all their patience and dedication!

Be sure to thank a veterinary receptionist today!

04/04/2024

Today is World Stray Animal Day. How can you help? Well, after much though… we have compiled three simple tips and ways you can make a difference this year in hopes that maybe next year there will be less stray animals in need of love and medical attention.

1. Spay/neuter/microchip your animals. If your personal pets are already spayed/neutered, you can join in by raising awareness on the importance of spaying/neutering and microchipping. Always remember, if you find a stray animal in need of help, take him or her to your nearest vet clinic or animal control office! When a veterinary clinic or animal control officer scans for a microchip, it is FREE!

2. Support a local rescue or shelter of your choice. Without rescues and shelters, stray animals would be just that. Reach out to your local rescue or shelter and find out how you can make a difference in the life of a stray animal whether it’s by offering to foster or making a food or monetary donation. Don’t look away. If you see an animal in need of help, use your heart. Help. There are so many feral cat colonies within this county and the surrounding counties. You can do your part by building shelters and donating them to your local TNR groups!

3. Educate! Educate others and educate yourself. Raising awareness about the ongoing crisis involving stray animals is the best way to get more people on board!

Thank you to all of the human angels in our community who dedicate their lives to stray animals. This world is a better place thanks to those of you who truly care.

03/30/2024

We will be open 24/7 all weekend including tomorrow on Easter just as we are for all other holidays! If you feel your pet might experiencing a medical emergency, please call our hospital directly: 540-662-7811

03/30/2024

02/25/2024

We really appreciate this person’s understanding and perspective of wait times when it comes to emergency medicine (this can apply to both veterinary and human emergency rooms). We understand wait times can be frustrating, time consuming, boring, and they throw a wrench in your day. We absolutely get it. We speak for all emergency rooms everywhere when we say, we are doing our absolute best. Sometimes, the lobby can look quiet or empty and other times there might not be a single open seat to sit in, but regardless of how a lobby appears, it’s not to be judged like the cover of a book. Behind the walls that separate the lobby from treatment rooms, there is more than meets the eye. Every single emergency case that walks through our doors matters to us just as much as the one before and the one after. Each case is given its own unique and undivided attention by our doctors and nurses. Your pet is NOT just a number and a longer wait time doesn’t mean we don’t care about your precious baby. We thank our clients for understanding what it means to wait with your pet in the lobby and for having empathy for the families who aren’t given the option to do so. Your kindness during a stressful time in your life and pet’s life means the entire world to us.

https://www.facebook.com/share/feMrBZLucpG7MMV5/?mibextid=WC7FNe

I'm at the emergency vet with Sky tonight after I gave her a bath and discovered a gash that she must've gotten while I was doing barn chores. She's fine, just needs a few stitches.

We've been here for three hours, and we've got at least another hour before we get to go home.

But I'm absolutely happy to wait.

There are two families here in the waiting room that seem to have lost their pets tonight.

Waiting means it's not critical. Waiting means that I get to keep my heart whole and take my dog home tonight. Waiting is a privilege.

01/06/2024

We will remain open 24/7 no matter what the weather is. Although we are essentially a walk-in facility, it is recommended that you call ahead. We ask that you please remain patient with our doctors and staff.

If you suspect your pet might be experiencing a medical emergency please contact our hospital directly: 540-662-7811

01/06/2024

For all of you pet parents out there who will be forced to endure the indoor poops tomorrow, we see you! You’re not alone! Oh, things we pet parents do in the name of unconditional love!

01/06/2024

Accurate! 🐾

01/06/2024

😁 This one made us laugh!

12/31/2023

New Year’s resolutions are not just for humans! This article lists some wonderful ideas for you and your pets to consider in the new year!!

As we embark on a new year, it is the perfect time for pet parents to reflect on how they can enhance the well-being of their furry companions.

12/31/2023

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy New Year! We are open 24/7 per usual even through the holiday. If you suspect your pet might be experiencing a medical emergency, please contact our hospital directly: 540-662-7811

12/25/2023

We just want to take a moment to send a shout out to our incredible hospital administrator!! She lives an hour away from the hospital and spent the early hours of the morning cooking Christmas dinner for all of the staff who are working and then transported it all. How lucky we are for our Karen!! There are not many people working this holiday who can say they were hand delivered an ENTIRE Christmas dinner spread all made with love by one person!! Thank you so much, Karen!!!! We appreciate you!!