Denver Animal Emergency

Our 6 month old baby was hit by a car this evening. While we knew she wouldn’t make it and was a complete mess this clinic handled us with compassion. Our baby is in puppy heaven and no more suffering. Thank you for being there for us in a time of need and helped our baby transition to the rainbow bridge. 😭

Yesterday afternoon my husband brought our ten year old dog, Oliver, to Denver Animal Emergency because he was acting strange - and our instincts were right. He was very healthy but had a sudden change and decline within a couple hours. It was our first time going to an ER vet, but when Oliver barely walked in, they took him immediately and did everything they could practically do. He was stabilized and made comfortable and we unfortunately made the decision to put him to sleep and ensure he does not experience suffering. The vet and staff were extremely transparent, compassionate, and helpful especially given how fast this all happened. At no point whatsoever did I feel like we were being given suggestions that didn’t make sense. Everything was super realistic and rational and the staff was truly so nice. I emphasize this because everyone working there yesterday was spending their Mother’s Day afternoon caring for other people’s pets. I rushed over to say goodbye and brought our baby and other dog, which a lovely vet tech came to my car and helped me get into the building and the room where Oliver was made comfortable and prepared to go. We all got to say goodbye, he was given comfort and dignity, there was nothing more we could have asked for. I appreciate their problem solving skills, attention to detail, commitment to care, and sacrifices. Hopefully I don’t have to become a “frequent flyer” here, but if my other dog or any future pets have an emergency, I will be coming here. In such a terrible time, it was actually the best vet experience I have had. Thank you all, again.

It took me some time to write this review because I wanted to process everything that happened. Around 5:00 a.m., I realized my cat was very sick. When I called my veterinarian’s office, I was redirected to Denver Animal Emergency Hospital. The staff member I spoke with on the phone was incredibly helpful. She even assisted me in checking the distance of other 24-hour emergency hospitals to see if any were closer. Since they were all about the same distance in different directions, I chose this hospital because they had the highest ratings and reviews and because my vet’s office, which I trust, had rerouted me there. The drive was nearly an hour and my cat’s condition continued to worsen during the trip. When I arrived my cat was clearly in distress and the staff immediately took him to the treatment area. Shortly afterward I was informed that his condition was critical and that he likely would not survive. I was in shock. Just the night before he had been completely fine, playful, active, and normal. The sudden decline was overwhelming. I asked to speak to the veterinarian on duty. While waiting, I stepped into the hallway. The exam room I was in was located near the back surgical area, and I could hear my cat in distress. A technician saw me and made the veterinarian aware that I was standing there. Almost immediately, he abruptly swung the door open, nearly hitting me, without apology and instructed me to return to the exam room. A few minutes later, the same veterinarian came into the room without introduction or acknowledgment. He spoke in a stern, matter-of-fact manner, stating that my cat had only a 2 out of 10 chance of survival. There was no compassion, empathy, or bedside manner in the delivery. He explained that treatment would require an immediate $2,000 deposit, with total costs potentially exceeding $5,000. He also stated there were no guarantees of survival and said that if $2,000 was the financial limit for my cat’s care, then euthanasia would be the better option rather than attempting treatment and being unable to continue. That conversation left me feeling as though my cat’s chance at life had been reduced to a financial threshold. At that moment, no other options were presented. During this already difficult moment I also experienced what felt like a lack of sensitivity in communication. I felt completely lost and overwhelm. Ultimately, I agreed to treatment. My cat was admitted and, overall, the rest of the staff was professional and attentive. I appreciated the regular updates they provided throughout regarding my cat’s condition and care. One technician in particular, whose name I believe was Michelle, Dominique, or Marcia was exceptional. She was patient, compassionate, and genuinely understanding of how scared and overwhelmed I was. Her kindness made a meaningful difference during a very difficult time, and I am truly grateful for the care and support she provided. The good news is that after about a day of hospitalization my cat improved significantly and was able to come home. I am deeply grateful for that outcome. Overall, I have mixed feelings about my experience. I am deeply thankful that my cat’s life was saved, grateful to the staff members who cared for him, and appreciative that the hospital refunded the unused portion of my deposit. However, my experience with the veterinarian and the manner in which critical information was communicated prevent me from giving a higher rating. I understand that emergency veterinarians deal with situations like this every day, but for pet owners, these moments can be some of the most frightening and heartbreaking experiences of our lives. A little more empathy, compassion, and sensitivity in those conversations would go a long way.

We brought in a stray cat that we feed regularly after he showed up limping and clearly in pain. The team treated him with such compassion and professionalism from the moment we walked in. They took the time to assess him carefully, explained everything clearly, and handled him with patience even though he was scared and stressed. They determined he had stepped in a chemical and needed treatment right away. Seeing how much better he felt afterward was such a relief. What meant the most to us was how respectfully and kindly they treated a stray animal and how much care they showed to both him and us during a stressful situation. He came back to our home afterward and was even more affectionate and comfortable than usual, which truly meant so much to us. It felt like he was saying thank you in his own way. We can’t thank the team here enough for the care and love they showed him. Thank you for helping an animal who doesn’t have anyone else looking out for him!!!!

Very kind, compassionate and very knowledgeable. They are doing a great job w my baby girl. No vet, anywhere has ever given updates 24hr a day . She's made progress in 24 hrs sp big surgery for her. I am still praying that she continues to heal and will be back to her sweet, loving goofy beautiful self asap 💖 💗 she wouldn't be here if not for them.