As pet owners, we can plan a lot for our loved pets and make sure they have everything they need – but sometimes unexpected issues arise. Maybe it is late at night, on a weekend or a public holiday and your family pet becomes injured or ill. Maybe they have a pre-existing health condition and it suddenly got worse or your regular veterinarian determines they require specialty or needs critical care. Who takes care of your pet in situations like these? Where do you go? The Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre (VEC) has been serving its community members since 1974. Working in conjunction with your pet’s primary care veterinarian, the VEC provides emergency and critical care services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week , 365 days a year – in short they never close.
What services do they provide?
In addition to emergency and critical care the VEC provides specialty medical services. The Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre staffs a variety of specialty trained veterinarians in various clinical disciplines, including Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Neurology, Anesthesia, Critical Care, Dentistry, Dermatology, Ophthalmology and Cardiology.
VEC is not a traditional clinic where you can get your pet spayed, neutered, or vaccinated. It is a specialized facility available in emergency situations and by referral from your regular vet. For that reason, the VEC staff maintains a high level of communication with the referring veterinarian as well as the client. As a pet parent your dog’s safety or cat’s health is extremely important to you and you want to know everything about the situation. The staff at VEC makes sure you are kept informed. Upon discharge from the hospital all medical records and recommendations associated with the case are promptly forwarded to your primary care veterinarian enabling effective and accurate follow-up patient care.
How can you prepare?
It is very important to keep VEC’s number in a place that is easily accessible by all members of the family. As a pet parent, you must also familiarize yourself with the location of the clinic for emergency purposes. The VEC is located at 920 Yonge Street (entrance at the rear on McMurrich) and can be reached at (416) 920-2002.
How is the VEC operating during COVID-19:
The VEC is deemed an essential service so they are fully operational during COVID-19 but with restricted access. Upon arrival at the VEC a telephone triage will be performed, s a pet owner you will need to provide them with your name, your pet’s name and the details of your pet’s condition and the reason for your visit.
We would like to share a story:
Paws en route is proud to serve its clients in times of need. In early April, one of our regular clients received one of the most heart wrenching diagnoses a pet parent can receive. Luna was diagnosed with cancer and required a leg amputation, chemotherapy, and regular visits to the VEC. For two months now, Paws en route has driven Luna to and from the clinic for her appointments. Thankfully, Luna has responded well to the treatment and has even mastered running again! We wish Luna a speedy recovery!
In these uncertain times, Paws en route, a Toronto pet taxi service, is providing safe and timely pet transportation animal hospitals across the GTA, including the VEC – so your beloved pets can get access to the care and treatment they deserve.
Let us know if you have any questions. We are here for you. Book a ride with us today!
