Emergency Veterinary Clinic

Yes, this clinic and the procedures used are expensive. What would you do if it was your child? And not the furry kind. Somehow we'd find a way - we'd want them to have the very best. Like with anything else, you pay for the expertise and convenience. I'm certain my "grand-puppy" would've died if it hadn't been for these people. The dog was attacked by a neighbor's dog. My daughter was hysterical when she called me (I live in Alabama). These people help take care of her and my grand-puppy until we got there. We were told there were no guarantees - the dog was very badly injured. It was comforting for us to know there was always someone there with our baby. It was also a convenience for us that we could go by and visit at any hour. Because this was a case where the neighbor's homeowner insurance was paying, photos were a necessity. The doctor made pictures during surgery and furnished a CD for us to have. Anyone that doesn't think it's worth should see these pictures and then see the dog now. We are so very thankful for this emergency clinic.

Everyone knows that peoples' perceptions of things are often times situational. I do not doubt any of the other reviewers' pain and suffering when it came to the well-being of one of their animals (which resulted in personal attacks of this clinic), but I have a different way about getting the word out about people/places/businesses, etc. It is so easy to see the negative and overlook the positive in life. That is why I am writing today. Although my experience with this hospital happened over 13 months ago, the gratitude and respect I have for this place is forever continuous. A long time friend asked me if I would be willing to write here to express my true story. Since my original words of appreciation were written in a 'Thank You' card to staff and Doctors, I was more than happy to oblige the request in order to get the 'real' word out and not throw fictitious, venomous statements to any public viewers of this site.Long story short, I was treated kindly at arrival (with my Pug, Ronan, who was luckily only having an allergic reaction). I had never seen a vaccine reaction which caused such severe skin rash and breathing issues. Even though the nurse said it was possible it was as simple as a vaccine reaction after giving her a brief history, Ronan was immediately triaged and a doctor was in to talk to me about the possible treatment options right away. Luckily the doctor said a couple quick injections could be given since the symptoms were highly suspect of a vaccine reaction. Again, I admit, my situation was not as severe as some of the previous review writers, but still I feel privileged to share my own experience and get the truth out about this business. Overall, VERY clean/neat hospital, professional staff, and clear/concise information given on medical condition and treatment options. I would urge anyone to give this clinic a chance before listening to reviews made by people with such anger in their words. Then you can be confident in your own, and only your own, decisions and future reviews.

Recently, I had to make an emergency visit to Emergency Vet Clinic in the middle of the night when I heard my 6 year old lab cry out in pain. I found my 'baby' limping towards my front door and realized she had gotten out of my fenced yard and was struck by a speeding driver in the area - which of whom did not stop.Of course I was in a state of panic and managed to find the number for the ER hospital on the computer. I called to be sure of the availability of doctors and staff since I was sceptical to believe the listed hours of operation.I was greeted by the most calm-natured staff member on the phone who helped me gather my nerves and ensured that they were open 24 hours - 365 days a year.Just the manner in which the staff helped me through the situation and the compassion they showed towards me and my pet (who was in a great deal of pain) when I arrived at the hospital was exceptional and I would recommend this ER clinic in Matthews to anyone!

Clean and friendly place. Doctors are good. I would recomend anyone here. I will go back if I had to. They are opened all night. I am glad they were there.

Always open.
Informative.
Clean.
Professional staff.
Friendly.
Does not see exoctics or wildlife.
More expensive then regular veterinarians
Can have long wait times if busy.

Would recommend to any one with an emergency.

When I first moved to North Carolina I had no vet to call when my 3 year old german sheppard became sick. She couldn't breathe. I called this hospital because there was no one opened and they told me to bring her in. They rushed her back and immediately starting working on her while I filled out the paper of information about her.
The people was so kind and reassuring. They offered me water and checked on me often. I watched while I was waiting how they dealt with all the emergencys that came in. They were great! My baby stayed for 3 days being treated for canine influenza virus. Had it not been for these people I am sure that I would have lost her. I always felt welcomed when I visited with her. I was most impressed with their clinic and you can tell that they loved animals They all were so helpful and compassionate. Everyone I met smiled and talked to me about Baby.
The doctors were informative and kept me updated about her condition. When we took her home they gave me a list that I could call to find her a regular vet for her wellness checkups. I cannot say thanks enough to these people for their help. I don't know what I would have done had they not been there.

The doctors at this ER vet clinic are amazing & compassionate! I took my dog in after being attacked by another dog in May 2007. She should not have survived. When I arrived her intestines were on the outside of her body. The doctors helped me get her out of my car, and treated her immediately. If it weren't for the expertise here and at the adjoining Charlotte Veterinary Surgery-there's no doubt in my mind that she wouldn't still be with me. All of the office staff helped to calm me down and worried about what care I needed to receive as well from the dog bites I also received from the attack. This is the 2nd visit I have had to make there and both times were phenomenal!

This emergency clinic is the ORIGINAL emergency only clinic that has been around for years. They were located on Elizabeth Avenue in downtown Charlotte and have always provided quality care for after hours, holidays and weekends. Since moving to Matthews, they now offer 24 hour critical care and are available to support your regular vet as needed. They also have as their tenants an ultrasound/imaging service (Dodd Veterinary Imaging) and a referral only surgery practice (Charlotte Veterinary Surgery). These two practices, while not affiliated with the Emergency Veterinary Clinic, offer their services to patients as needed to further their recovery. Yes, this service is expensive, but when your pet is in need, they are there and open.

We took our mini dachshund in as he was having difficulty breathing. After waiting for quite some time, they finally did a chest x-ray. The vet on staff told us his condition was "chronic" - not critical. Since this was a condition with a sudden onset of symptoms, we were not sure of the diagnosis. She still insisted he should be fine. Well, long story short, and a sleepless night, we went to our own vet clinic, first thing in the morning. He was throwing blood clots in his lungs, by then, and we had him in an oxygen crate until we had to say our goodbyes. I always question if we had gotten him to a better facility, what the outcome might be. At least we knew he should be in a better place than suffering without the proper care. They are too busy and too short of staff to offer the care they charge for. (And, they didn't follow-up to see if he was doing okay.)

Actually, EVC is not the only emergency clinic in Charlotte. Believe it or not, there are 5 emergency clinics in the Charlotte area (including this one in Matthews and one in Gastonia). Their prices are also somewhat cheaper than that of other emergency clinics in Charlotte. I know that a family vet is much cheaper for some services, but they are not open when a lot of these emergencies take place. At the clinic I work at, prices for euthanasia and cremation can run well over $150. This is not meant to be a smack in the face to pet owners at all, but a way of paying for those extra hours that these clinics are open.

EVC-Matthews' prices are actually cheaper than a few other emergency clinics in this area.

This is a great clinic. Its open 24 hours and I have their phone number on my fridge in case of pet emergencies. They rush you right in if its needed. I also work long hours so its nice that if I come home at 9pm and my dog seems under the weather I don't have to worry about taking the next day off of work, I can take her right in.

They also take Care Credit, which is a credit card for veterinary care. I have my own pets and I also foster so this card is a real lifesaver.

PROS: Open 24 hours, Great Emergency Care
CONS: Expensive