I will only give them 1 star for the simple fact that they missed one very vital thing which after spending well over $6,000, my pet still died. The Doc was very nice but still think it was just a ploy to get more money. They spent over an hour fixing a shattered hip but missed a ruptured, leaking intestine. I have SEVERE issues about ever taking any animal there again. I don’t trust them. In my opinion, they nicked his intestines during surgery which is why they were ssooooo willing to let my pet go home A day after surgery after stating that “he has a poor appetite and throws everything up”. He was acting perfectly normal when I took him in and the doc even stated “everything internally is fine”. I may sound a little hurt and bias but as far as I am concerned, I have VERY good reason to be. Keep in mind that he was acting normal when I took him in and that the surgery was on his hip, in the exact same area that the leek in his intestine was found. Sounds a little odd. Hhhmmmm. Read Less

Because back in 2012, my 11 yr old golden retriever, BRANDY already had a malignant mast cell tumor excised with care and with his best of his knowledge with mast cell tumors, I felt and still feel this way about our veterinarian at the VCA Kaneohe, bringing black memories as til this day, I never did know if he did or did not know about benadryl, being vital whenever mast cell tumors, are even messed with, less a fine needle aspirate on any suspected mast cell tumors, being removed during a critical surgery done with wide margin, or aspiration of another that came back or was that of a recurrence, 3 weeks after that huge surgery and as said, I really feel he tried his best, still I had mixed feelings as they're medical veterinary professionals. And I am referring to Dr. Dan S. that's probably one of our best orthopedic veterinary surgeons here on Oahu, just that if i hadn't taken BRANDY as advised by an experienced technician at where I had been driving to Wahiawa for BRANDY as Dr. Carole Fukiokà did acupuncture, for my BRANDY as I do anything positive for her, like for all my goldens, and with my current BRANDY 2...I do anything for her, too. Fortunately I was told about VERC, Veterinary Emergency Referral Center, that at the time, didn't know they even existed, as they're the most advanced with specialists with just about every area of veterinary expertise, being board certified everything. At the time, they hadn't any oncology specialties but one of the owners there, a very young but intelligent veterinarian, with Internal Medicine, as she also, a board certified Internal Medicine Specialist, had said after tests were done, that BRANDY was inoperable, and she didn't have to go through another suffering and unnecessary surgery that was already planned and scheduled. Like she said, and it's amazing the exact words I still recall, "we just have fancy equipment here," but it's fancy equipment being operated by doctors who definitely knows how to use, interpret them.. Thank you.. Read Less

The one star is for the very polite vet tech. The doctor was not people nor animal friendly. They seem to be more about the money. She only had three options one was to humanely euthanize my dog because I could not afford the other 2 treatments. Euthanize for allergy symptoms. Read Less

First of all, I want to thank Dr. Edward Maher and his staff for helping my puppy, Charlie, with a serious health problem. They saved my puppy's life. I wasn't even aware how serious his condition was until he was brought in by friend William. Just a little back story regarding my fur baby Charlie. A friend of mine, Jeff, had a litter of six puppies and he could only keep one. He already had four dogs in his family and so he could not keep more than one. I had no plans on having another dog due to my experience of our last dog being put to sleep due to his cancer. He lived a relatively long life and during that time I was very attached to him. I shared a lot of good times with that dog and even was my subject for my photography class for which I am grateful as I now have a lot of photos of him through a project I had. I recall clearly having bathed him for the very last time and it broke my heart completely when he never came back home from the vet. There was an empty space that forever would never be filled. I vowed never to go through that again as I gave away all of his bowls, food and other things save for a brush still filled with his fur and his leash. I kept those in a small little area above my book shelf as a remembrance.My friend Jeff and I looked for new owners for the remaining puppies and he was able to find one. I tried my best reaching out to friends but everyone already had a pet or were just not pet owners. I even sought out the assistance of my chaplain friend who might find a congregant seeking a pet but that never panned out. So that time came when I had to make a decision to keep one of the puppies who had taken a liking to me. I finally decided to take him with a sad heart knowing that the rest were going to be sent to the Hawaiian Humane Society. If I could, I would have taken them all but I just did not have the facility for all of them nor the funds to feed and give them all the things they need such as veterinary care for the rest of their lives. I know that owning a dog can be very expensive especially with the cost of veterinary care.So when a staff member at VERC said that that is the peril of a "free" dog, I was hurt but I did not take it personally. Charlie was not a "free" pet when one considers that one has to feed and care for him for the rest of his life. Add to that the cost of the veterinary care that he will need throughout his life. I was not seeking a "free" pet as I know full well that dogs are not "free" for the rest of their life. I am now have to forget about getting the dental procedure that I had been saving for and now will be using that to ensure that Charlie gets to live a healthy, happy life. Charlie's surgery will cost from $4,188. That is just below the dental procedure that I am cancelling. So if there is anyone that is questioning my love and commitment to Charlie, you are wrong.Do I regret taking Charlie? No. Not by a mile! As a client waiting with me at VERC mentioned to me it was meant to be. Had Charlie gone to the Hawaiian Humane Society he may likely have been put to sleep due to the costly procedure to help him. I agree with that kindly woman who went out of her way to point that out to me. As I sat there I looked at Charlie lovingly and realized that there was a reason he went to me. Yes, I am currently a self employed business person that has been hit by the economy and caring for my two aging parents and taking care of their needs. I would rather lose all my teeth in order to give Charlie a long, healthy and happy life. I know that hardships are part of life and that it is part of our mission in this life to experience certain things. But it is part of our learning process spiritually. Why God gave me this dog is not the question. It is how much love can I give this dog so that he, too, can have a life that I can give to him. I believe that things happen for a reason and that Charlie is no exception. I believe that we all come here with plans with those who will join us in this life.VERC is one of the few emergency hospitals on Oahu. And they have one of the few surgeons that can do Charlie's procedure. And so I wait for that time when I have to take Charlie in for his surgery. Part of me is worried that he might not come through. But I feel that VERC will take good care of my puppy. Yes, it is very expensive here but aren't all hospitals costly? If it means saving my puppy's life then that is what I will do. So far I am satisfied with the care that Charlie is receiving here. Some of the staff members are really friendly and you can tell that they care about your pet as if he were their own. I just feel one of them needs to think about making a statement about "free" dogs because that is simply an absurd thing to say. Whether you get your pet at a pet store or from a friend, you better be committed financially for the care of the dog or you will not be a good pet owner. One thing for sure, your pet is in good hands at VERC. Read Less

I had a non-emergency ultrasound.  My oldest has been dealing with stomach/GI upset for years and we have worked with our vet for years, changing food, doing labs, doing lifestyle changes, etc. and I wish we got the ultrasound earlier.  The staff was quick, I was able to get in within a week, and because it wasn't urgent I just took what was most accommodating to my schedule.  Danae was really nice and helped to make sure that I knew about no food 12 hours before the exam, what to expect and we were in and out within the hour of our scheduled appointment.  I did have to wait beyond my appointment time but it was nice and clean; they have tea, coffee, water  the staff was really nice to my dog while we were waiting. The techs took me in the back, and we met Dr. Burns.  He did the ultrasound and he was nice and able to explain what he was doing.  I didn't have any real questions b/c I know he can only tell me so much but he did ask whatever popped into my brain.  The staff was efficient and so was Dr. Burns.  I was able to follow up within 48 hours b/c he report was available.  We are still trying to deal with the diagnosis but it helps to know there is an answer.  I wish I just coughed up the money and demanded this earlier from my primary vet. Vet ER is no joke.  It makes me sad just to know there are real pet emergencies because my fur babies are my kids and they can't talk!  I am glad someone takes this so seriously and they were so nice.  I have friends that have gone there for real emergencies and the treatment has been good, especially for what you are going in for. Read Less

This place is the worst; the most uncaring and insensitive animal people I've ever met. I flew over to have these "experts" take care of my dog and it was a true waste of time and money. They misquoted what the estimate of service by over $1000. They take your animal back without you- talk to you in a separate room without your animal then have you wait in front for them to release them. You never interact with a doctor/tech and your animal at the same time. I would never trust them. Cold and uncaring - not worth it. If you need scans, or something the remote vets can't provide do more research and find another vet. Read Less

Our beloved cat was mangled. She vanished for a few days and when she returned her left forelimb was hanging by a thread. She was full of maggots. The doctors took her in early in the morning, and spent a week removing the maggots, debreding her dead flesh, amputating her dead limb and bringing her back to health. She is now back with us with only three legs, but she's getting around quite well and is doing well in general. All the surgury was expensive - more than we could afford - but we can pay our loan off and we have our kitty back in good health. Thank you to the doctors, nurses, technicians and attendants at the Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center for saving our baby, Persephone. Read Less

The staff is so pleasant and very kind to the animals there. From the person checking us in, the tech's who walked the pups and we saw many walked out.. one who really didn't want to walk and gent gently carried her out side sat down and gave her loves then tried to get her to walk .. he surrendered when the pup just wouldn't . It warmed my heart to see how gentle he was with the animal. The doctor who came out to talk to us asked what we thought was wrong what our concerns were and explained what he found and let us know treatment. It was a good experience even if it was traumatic on our part that we had to be there the staff made us feel that our baby was safe and well cared for and that was very important to us. Read Less

In my time of hurt and despair. The staff here was amazing. The gentle hands and hearts took care of my KAYAH in a timely manner. And eased my worries and my babies pain. From the bottom of my heart. Kayah and I thank you.Read Less

Every member of the staff is very professional and reassuring. The technicians and the doctors are always kind and gentle to the animals and I believe the doctors are just excellent . We've been bringing our senior dog to them for about three years now and not once that we went home dissatisfied . Read Less

I have been to VERC many, many times as I foster little kittens that are found on the streets. Needless to say, many are not in good health. But with the experts at VERC so many of the kittens live to experience great, long lives. I just had one operated on last week, and another today (eye taken out) and the doctors are just WONDERFUL as well as most of the staff. You can tell that they really care about your child (pet)! I really love them and highly recommend them. As for prices, I sometimes pay more at my regular vet (VCA) so the pricing isn't bad, especially considering it's an Emergency Vet. Read Less

Amazing staff! We had to get our fur baby looked at late last night and they were wonderful too us! Very thorough and we really appreciated the way they communicated with our regular vet as well! We will certainly be referring! Read Less

Last year our dog got hit by a car and just last week, she was diagnosed with pyometra which needed an emergency surgery. On both occasions, ALL of the staff were amazing. Very knowledgable, caring, considerate, and professional. None of the doctors/nurses/receptionists let me down. We were able to be relaxed knowing that she was in the best hands. Dr. Coleman is awesome, he worked on Nala on both occasions and far exceeded our expectations as a veterinarian in all aspects. We wish that they were able to be our primary vet. Read Less

It is hard to put into words how grateful I am for the extraordinary care that was provided for Peanut at the Veterinary Emergency & Referral Clinic. Dr. Maher and our main vet tech Amanda, and even the receptionists at the front desk are amazing. Everyone was so friendly, knowledgeable and patient over the past four months that he has been treated for his anemia. I am confident that the best veterinarians on the island all work at the VERC. We are forever grateful for the team at the VERC! Read Less

We were referred here with our dog from Waikele Waipahu Pet Hospital for Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. It's a difficult illness with a poor prognosis from the outset and even though we ended up losing our dog after a six month fight, we could not have asked for a better vet. Dr. Maher was consistently looking for other treatment options when what we were trying wasn't working, reaching out to other vets and veterinary schools on the mainland. Dr. Maher's tech, Amanda, was wonderful as well. The front desk staff was compassionate and always remembered us when we came in.Read Less

Much mahalos go out to Doctor Edward Maher and staff of Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center of Hawai'i for helping us give Kolo the very best care and for sending us this beautiful sympathy card with the wonderful and heartfelt message! I simply cannot express how grateful we were to have had such excellent service and care for Kolo during his treatment and final days. They are truly the best in the business! We would also like to thank the Dr. Harada brothers of The Pet Clinic for making sure Kolo was always in the best of health, that he was able to be with us for 12 wonderful and memorable years! Read Less

I totally agree with Leiana on her review. I feel we got robbed from this place. We got over charged for basically nothing... All they did was a check up, an x-ray and IV. Which came out to well over 500. As soon as I asked them to release my dog I could sense they didn't give a crap about my pet. The receptionist brought my dog out and the doctor on site didn't even come out to talk or gave further advice for me. They should feel ashamed for charging so much for nothing. I will not ever come back to this place. Even if we have an emergency, I will stick it out an extra day just to see our regular vet. Read Less

Although the nurses were nice. I wasn't too happy to just hand my cat over to a complete stranger to do his vitals. They should have let me go with him. My other doctor in Mililani did. The doctor was all about showing off all the different diseases that could be the cause of the seizure as though no matter what I said didnt matter. Talked to my sister and she figured it out instantly. It really was about money there. Got a call from them when he had another and they insisted on the huge payout for tests. I told them how important he was to me and scared of loosing him. The receptionist or doctor I talked to in the phone had the nerve to bring up that if it comes to him not getting out of seizure that they will put him to sleep for no charge and burial. Wtf?!! I don't want to hear that! Where is your sense of compassion?? Ugh will travel back to Mililani because they cared like our animals are our children. Go if you want but only if you don't truly love your pet but feel its being cordial to take him to the vet.Read Less

If you ever need emergency care for your loved animal THIS IS THE PLACE to go. They are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Dear DVM, & staff of VERC Thank you for your love and care with our dog Niho. Our ohana was comforted by you all in our time of emegency. We also want to make mention of the following that impressed us; The environment is clean, the air quality is almost like a hospital. The operations run almost like a people hospital. The staff and Doctors are very attentive and real. You did not go beyond our consent for treatment. I was amazed at the friendly service, I felt like family. Your heartfelt care was felt from everyone who worked there and your knowledgable Doctors of Veterinarian Medicine who had the most amazing bed side manners. Thank you for sending us a card signed by all the staff and doctors who cared for my dog. I am still amazed at the treatment and service we received here. I was very satisfied with your caring friendly excellent proffessional service. Thank You to all the staff and doctors who cared for my dog Niho. Read Less

We flew our doggy (Kea) from Molokai after he got run over :(. They took him in immediately. The staff were so super nice. Dr. Tarin Ortiz was our vet and she explained everything that we wanted to know, was full of compassion & didn't rush. I can't thank them enough for making my dog feel better. He stayed overnight twice. The facilities appeared and smelled very clean. The kennel that my 18 lbs JRT mix was in, was big enough for me (5'7", 130 lbs) to sit inside. When Kea was strong enough, they brought him into the examining rooms (instead of us visiting him in the back, where the kennels are). They gave us a clicker so when we were done with the visit, we would let them know. The staff appeared to love on all the animals in there. Everyone seemed to enjoy their job, making our experience manageable considering the circumstances. There are 3 (maybe more?) dedicated parking spots, which is nice, since ala moana is kinda nuts. Big shout out to Kaleo who works up front - her presence, attitude & helpfulness lightened the whole ordeal. Edit: a vet just called us about 1.5 weeks after kea's accident and asked how he was doing!! Definitely awesome health providers here!!Read Less

The best vets on the island. Caring, experienced, wonderful staff and great facilities (overnight kennels were clean with solid floors and always staff around) so my puppy actually looks forward to coming to the vet. They remember him by name and kept me updated constantly throughout his treatment.Read Less

These guys rock! This is the best of the best on Oahu. All board certified vets, all caring with a mission to bring the highest level of vet care to Oahu. They are a true emergency hospital with 24/7 care. My cat was dying and the vets here on Maui were stumped (and they are the best here on Maui to be fair and they tried everything). They recommended this place. I immediately flew over with my very sick kitty and within 2 days they had him back from the dead. They had the right equipment and the expertise. Turns out he had a rare resistant infection of the trachea. My BoBo is alive and happy today because of this hospital. If you care about your pets go here. Also, considering how intense his treatment was (he spent about 3 weeks there requiring a lot of attention) they were actually quite reasonable. Also, they all fell in love with my Bobo so it was comforting when I called knowing everyone including the receptionist cared about Bo (he is quite the lovebug and charmer). Read Less