South Metro Animal Emergency Care

We were so impressed by the care our 15 year old dog received when we brought him at the end of his life. Everyone we dealt with was so kind and caring, providing a place for our whole family to come and say goodbye, giving our dog loving and compassionate care, and then giving us a way to have fun with him before we had to put him to sleep. They gave us a big bowl of vanilla ice cream with peanut butter to give to him, which he loved! In addition, a few days later, we received the kindest card in the mail with our dog's footprints. We were so incredibly touched by their kindness. They went above and beyond! Thank you so much for help us to make a horrible time as good as it could be. We appreciate all of you!! Read Less

Very impressed with my visit here. Brought my dog in after she ate a large amount of chocolate candies. Staff worked quickly to treat her as soon as we were in the door. We were kept informed of the treatment status with updates from the vet and staff throughout the visit. The vet made sure to inform us of all options on the table, along with the cost of each. I was impressed with the quick action, knowledge, and kindness of everyone working. Considering it was an after hours visit, the cost was reasonable for emergency care. Read Less

So far I’ve visited this place three times. And each time has been a very positive experience. They have seen my Doberman twice and most recently my mother’s cat. The first time my Doberman was seen was because she was bitten by a bat when she was a puppy and her eye had swollen up. They were very professional and very calm which is pretty important to a then 10 and 11 year old with their parents. The next time she was seen was because both of her rear legs weren’t working right. This time she was not seen right away as they had a critical case already but they laid down yoga mats making it more comfortable for her to walk. They also all came by her and she made sure to thank them with lots of kisses. When she was seen the vet said that her Lyme disease pills that her regular vet had given her weren’t quite taking affect so they wanted to up the dosage. That visit took about six hours but I don’t mind one but because they were taking care of a serious case while still making sure my dog was comfortable. This last visit was more somber as we brought in my mother’s cat who wasn’t eating or drinking and had no body heat whatsoever. They got her hooked up to keep her from going into cardiac arrest but that was all they really could do without going over our limit. We decided to let her go on her next journey pain free. They were very caring and nurturing to my mother. She was afraid of moving her cat off of the table so she could hold her and they did it for her. They were very respectful and gave us the time that we needed with her before and after. And just today my mother received a card in the mail with three decorative papers with her cats paw prints on them. I saw her face get sad but then light up that they thought of her and cared enough to do that. Thank you for that. I will always bring my pets or recommend others to this clinic because they truly do care about the wellbeing of your animal. Read Less

Thank you so much to all who help and support me on 10/14/17. We said goodbye to our beloved kitty cat Smokey he was our baby for 15.2 years! So sad! But he is in the pet rainbow now and not in pain anymore... Good service! Read Less

My little sweetheart fox terrier had knee surgery with the day crew. What a wonderful, professional crew! Came off without a hitch and she's home recuperating. Prices.......what can I say, medical costs for an animal will make you choke. They didn't have to do all the cutting they thought they might so the bill was less then expected! Whoo hoooo! They were kind and thoughtful to both me and the dog. Thanks to all of you. Read Less

My husband brought my French Bulldog, Jacob in to AEC 5/26/17 for pain with breathing and shortness of breath as our primary concern. This was our second experience with the emergency vet. The first time we were there, my dog had a seizure, and I felt that he ordered a bunch of unnecessary test which inflated our bill. To any non medical person, this could be passed off but I've been in healthcare for the past 25 years. I also was Pre Vet Med for the first 5 years of college. I am no expert but I am more educated then most people who walk through their door. The vet met with my husband, left and sent in the vet tech with a care plan that included a bunch of tests for pancreatitis. My husband asked for the vet to just do the chest xray at least and we would go to our regular vet the next day. The Vet at AEC refused to do that. His excuse was, the tests need to be all done at the same facility. So he sent us away with pain medicine. We brought Jacob in to our regular vet on 5/27/17. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. Something the vet at AEC could have caught and treated at AEC if only he would have done a chest x-ray. Most medical people know, the faster you can treat pneumonia, the better the outcome. Our Jacob died last night. He might still be here if your vet could have put his arrogant ego aside and do what we asked him to do. He is not God and shouldn't pretend he is. This place will rip you off. They will order unnecessary tests to make money off you and they will take advantage of your situation and lack of medical knowledge. GO ELSEWHERE!!!! Read Less

Never really had a good experience there. F there was another emergency vet service closer within 25 miles I would go..730 to keep a 3 week old puppy over night. They have no idea what's wrong they think he is in re Spotify distress but the puppy is breathing. Barks once in a while. We thought it was constipated. Took the puppy home and will bring him into IGH clinic. The best around as far as I'm concerned. Read Less

While I'm grateful that such a place exists to help with emergencies, I wasn't impressed with the service I got. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I only saw 1 other animal there but we were still made to wait in the lobby for some time instead of at least getting us to a room (plenty of which were open). My dog had gotten an infection from a recent surgery and was he seemed to be in pain. It was the middle of the night and he couldn't relax enough to sleep at the time. He's a Husky so he makes growling noises but he'd not aggressive. The vet treated him like he was going to bite his hand off despite the fact that he didn't display any aggressive signs and we had already told him that's just what he does to communicate, even with us. They said they could treat him but it was expensive and it would take several hours since they were short-handed that night. I asked for a general ETA but they couldn't give me that much. FYI - it's almost $200 for the overnight emergency fee alone without any tests. Just something to consider as its expected to be paid that visit in full. Read Less

They were awesome last night... my Shih-tzu ended up needing to have her eye removed after a tussle with her doggie brother. It was traumatic for all of us, but they were very kind an professional and did great work with Lucy. She's recovering nicely. Expensive? Yeah... but we paid the low-end estimate last night, and expected to shell out a lot more this morning for the high-end estimate. $5.98 due. They kept costs down. I'm so thankful for this place!!! Read Less

Today, February 4, 2017, my daughter and I watched a dog get hit by a car. The person who hit the poor dog, did not do anything to assist. My daughter picked up the animal, we called the Farming PD and with their assistance brought the hurt animal to the emergency clinic.Read Less

We've brought our dog Macy in twice in a month now and both times received amazing care. The first time she got into and consumed 2 and a half pounds of chocolate while we were out of the house. We brought her in and they pushed her to the front of the list and immediately induced vomit on her. She stayed overnight and when we picked her up in the morning she was lethargic as expected from the IVs. The vet gave us very detailed meal instructions and within the day she was as good as new. Again tonight we brought Macy in due to shortness of breath that had us worried. After meeting her once already, Brandy remembered Macy and greeted her with such a warm welcome. While waiting to meet with the vet an emergency with another pet had come up and we had to wait awhile longer, which we understood completely. Despite the circumstance Brandy came in the room a few times to apologize and ensure us that the vet would be in shortly. The vet was extremely gentle and friendly with Macy and talked through different options and prices. We ended up getting a few X-rays on her chest and the vet talked everything through with us and even gave us a CD of Macy's X-rays! After our first experience with SMAH we had no problem bringing her in again. Thank you for providing the best care for our mutt!! Read Less

The staff were so detailed and patient and caring for my cat as well as with me. I was at work when I got the news my male cat of 8 years old was on critical condition because of a blood clot that reached his hind legs. They immediately put him in an oxygen tank so he could breathe easier and lentgthen the time until I could get there. During the time I was absent, they called me and gave me great information on his condition and their professional opinions when it came to the unthinkable (I cannot thank them enough for telling me everything, even when it hurt to hear and think of the outcome). They also told me what it would cost, what they would do, and what it could do for my cat. The communication was impeccable. I am so thankful! Because of this, I felt I could make easier decisions because I knew in detail what was going on even in my absence. When I arrived, I was brought back to my cat immediately and was able to see and care and pet him. They did not interrupt me or rush the process. As I was there, they explained on detail what was going on, showed me his xrays and again, gave me a great understanding of what my cat was going through. They gave me three options, all with prices and listed everything that would be required. In the end, I decided to euthanize because of every piece of knowledge and professional opinion they gave me. It was my first time having to make this decision and they saw my heartache and grief for my loving cat. Thank you all so very much for making the decision my own and giving me all the information to do this. If I ever have to do this again, I will come back to them. Read Less

Nice enough staff ...yes... but several hundred dollars later and all that they did was take our Golden Retrievers Temp to learn she is running a fever. NOT one other thing was done but basic vitals - we then said (after sitting an hour and a half) we're done waiting... let me pay the walk in fee of $119 so that we can leave - I was then told they want to send her home with Antibiotics (but never diagnosed her with anything) We felt tho it might help cuz we could tell she wasn't feeling good.... so we WAITED around some more . When I was told my final bill I was livid --but kept calm as there was already an irate pet owner screaming for them to bring him his dog .... clearly they WAY OVER-CHARGE and are not staffed to rotate the urgent care needed for pets . Their up-charge on the Antibiotics were a 300% mark up quite the profit to help an innocent animal....Fox 9 News Investigators will love to do an interview for more insight- we need mandated laws that just because they are an urgent care facility-gives them no right to rip off loving pet owners and decide who deserves care and who doesnt So for the sake of your sanity and the love of your pet... go elsewhere- it will be in your better interest-trulyRead Less

We had to go up there tonight for our dog. We called up there and spoke with Andrea. She was incredibly nice and understanding. We decided to go up there and have him checked out. Andrea was still in reception and she made it very easy to get registered. We got in to a room within an hour which was reasonable. Kendra, the Vet Tech was incredibly nice and was very gentle with our dog. Got all his vitals and the info from us. She was very patient with all of our questions. The Dr. came in about 30 minutes later (again, reasonable in our estimation) and again was very understandable and very gentle with the dog. She did a thorough exam and was very helpful with answering all of our questions. We left with our dog (unfortunately, not 100% better, but that is NOT the fault of the staff at the clinic - it was due to some medication we were given by another Vet that caused issues), great instructions and some hope for a better return for our dog. Can't say enough about the care he received at the clinic in Apple Valley. Thank you very much. Read Less

The vet clinic was great, our dog had a massive throat tumor that was untreatable and it was finally time to let her go. It was unplanned but she wouldn't get up. We brought her in and they were extremely helpful and kind through the whole process. Since we couldn't go to our own vet they were a blessing for us in a terrible time. Read Less

While my story has an un-happy ending, it's no fault of SMAEC. SMAEC literally saved Kimber's (my dog) life 3 different time over the years. Kimber had some medical issues and the staff and doctors here are AMAZING people. I've never experienced such a wealth of knowledge in one spot. Even when things seemed most bleak for Kimber, the staff reassured me that they would be able to fix him. And they did every time. As with any animal, Kimber's time finally came due to a large cancerous growth. In doing research on this type of cancer, there's nothing any vet would have been able to do to save him. When we brought him in due to him showing symptoms of cancer, the staff have it to us straight and with compassion. We ultimately had to put him to sleep, but it wasn't for a lack of exploring every available option to us. Time after time the staff at SMAEC have awed me with their experience, knowledge and nothing short of miracle working. I can say with absolute certainty that if they don't know what's wrong with your fur-baby, no one will. If there was a 10 star option, they would receive it from me.Read Less

1 year ago today I brought my kitty to SMAEC after my primary vet told me he was in severe kidney failure and needed immediate care if there was any hope of him surviving; even then she wasn't hopeful. It was a Saturday morning that I brought him in and the staff got to work. Needless to say, after 4 days of IV fluids and medication my little man pulled through and today is doing amazing! If it wasn't for the staff at SMAEC my little guy wouldn't have survived. My story isn't the first of many that I have heard about this place, they are miracle workers.... and I am forever grateful for them. Read Less

My sister and I had to bring in our sixteen-year-old cat and, unfortunately, had to put her down. The whole staff, from the sweet woman at the front desk to the vet herself, were SO wonderful throughout the whole ordeal. The vet made sure to keep us updated and frequently checked in with us the whole time they were checking her out and testing her, was comprehensive in letting us know of our options, was so good with Misty through the very end, and, when things took a turn for the worse, was so kind and understanding in dealing with two sobbing grown women. The lovely woman at the front desk who helped us with the paperwork and transactions was just as sweet, and we're so appreciative of how sympathetic she was. We especially appreciate the cards with Misty's paw prints she made; I'm definitely framing mine. Thank you all so much for making an incredibly heartbreaking situation slightly more bearable. Read Less

I had to say goodbye to my cat of 17 years and the staff here was so kind and compassionate through the entire process. I got her cremated through Pets Remembered and absolutely love and appreciate the paw print with her fur that I received along with the beautiful wooden box to keep her ashes in. Thank you again for the care, not only for my cat but for me as well! I will recommend you to everyone that I can! Read Less

I've had to visit this clinic twice while visiting family here with my pets. It's scary to go to a new veterinarian in a different city when your pets are sick. Both times, however, have been great experiences. The staff are friendly and caring and they keep you updated as you wait. And the cost to be seen after hours and on a holiday are very reasonable. I hope to not need emergency care while visiting again, but if I do.....I'll return here feeling confident that my pets are being cared for! Read Less

I was house sitting my parents house this last weekend while they were away.  Their cat who was quite old really went down hill quick.  I took the cat in to the clinic and everyone I was in contact was very professional.  I hope I never have to put an animal down, but if anything bad was to happen to my own pets I would take them here if my vet was closed.Also, according to my dad their price to put a cat down is pretty close to what his own vet charges, so your not paying a ridiculous premium for going here. Read Less

We have had to go here twice now. One time because our incredibly intelligent "cough cough" King Charlies likes to eat sticks and drink nasty water, and the second time was when my sweet Yorkie decided it was her time to go.First visit for Charlie (very unique name I know ) decided to get a parasite from eating anything and everything he can find on our walks around the lake, was very pleasant. Staff is super friendly and professional while being ridiculously sweet to my little puppy.Second time we went was when my Yorkie wasn't feeling so well. We took her in and the vet was so incredibly kind and comforting. We found out through tests that she had a heart tumor that had burst and she was dying. He offered different options but was honest with us that the best option for her, even though it broke our hearts was to put her down.   A few days later we received a beautiful card and stamped paw prints in the mail from them, you don't realize how much that meant to me. I am grateful for their empathy and compassion. Read Less

I found myself in need of emergency services last weekend for my cat.    There are pros and cons to any emergency room I guess.  Pros:   Most (I will explain 'most' in a moment) staff here is competent, professional and compassionate.  The vet diagnosed what was wrong with my pet and treated the very serious problem.  I have no doubt my cat's life was saved.  Cons:  Absolutely and incredibly expensive (just like an ER for humans).  Kind of cold, businesslike atmosphere. I wouldn't put this in either category above, because it is an individual problem, from the behavior of everyone else I encountered there, just this one individual with a malfunction.   When I called the hospital before bringing my pet there, an extremely rude and condescending lady answered the phone.  She questioned me like I was a perp and when I gave answers of what my regular vet had told me about my cat's health, she questioned my vet's word. Apparently ER techs are loads smarter than vets been in the business 20 years.  She tried to convince me I didn't need to bring my cat in, and when I told her I was anyway gave me a petulant "FINE, BYE" signoff. Dun know what her problem was, but she had me more than a little steamed.  The competence and professionalism of the other staff there made me forget about her when I showed up, and she smartly didn't show her face while I was there.  One of the staff told me I spoke with "Josie" on the phone.  If anyone affiliated with this place reads this, FYI, Josie should never, ever be allowed to interact with the public.  Rude, unprofessional, condescending only begin to describe.  I rate this place 4 stars because despite the phone idiot, the rest of the staff performed their duties as expected with a good outcome.  It was expensive, but I expected that.  I only recommend using this place in true emergencies, unless you're rich.  I also like that they put my cat's xrays etc info on a cd for my regular vet to view and faxed info to my regular vet and let them know I was coming. Read Less

It's hard to write reviews of places like emergency veterinarians.  On the one hand, it's so great that they're available whenever your regular vet isn't (SMAEC is only available in the evenings and all day on the weekends and holidays).  On the other, if you're visiting them, something terrible probably happened to your cat or dog.With that in mind, I have to say that South Metro Animal Emergency Care is a great place to take your pet in an emergency.  The Veterinarians and the techs are very knowledgeable and proceed in a step-by-step fashion to try to figure out the source of the problem.Obviously, they're working with a limited history on your furry friend, but they really do very well with the information they do have.  And they fax a copy of everything to your regular vet for you. Read Less