VCA Animal Hospitals is a more comprehensive veterinary service provider, offering a wide range of services from routine care to specialized treatments. The Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) excels in emergency and urgent care, with a unique approach that allows pet parents to stay with their pets during treatment. The choice depends on the specific needs of the pet owner: VCA for general and specialized care, and VEG for immediate emergency attention.
| Attribute | VCA Animal Hospitals | The Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency services availability | Many VCA Animal Hospitals offer 24/7 emergency and critical care. Some VCA locations have reduced hours on the weekends. It is best to call ahead to confirm. | 24/7 emergency veterinary care, including holidays, with no appointment needed. Direct veterinarian consultation available by phone. |
| Specialty veterinary services offered (e.g., cardiology, oncology) | VCA hospitals offer a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. | Handles complex surgeries and offers services for exotic pets. Some locations have blood banks. |
| Routine check-up and vaccination services | Some VCA locations do not offer routine services such as vaccines, spay/neuter, and wellness checks. However, other VCA hospitals do offer these primary care services. | Focuses on emergency and urgent care; does not typically provide preventative care like vaccines. |
| Surgical procedures offered | VCA hospitals offer a range of surgical procedures from routine spaying and neutering to more complex orthopedic, oncological, and soft tissue surgeries. | Emergency operations, including abdominal, reproductive, and soft tissue surgeries. |
| Diagnostic services (e.g., X-ray, ultrasound) | VCA provides a variety of diagnostic services including digital radiography, ultrasound, CT scans, and in-house labs. | On-site X-rays and point-of-care ultrasounds for quick results. Advanced imaging devices available. |
| Dental care services | VCA hospitals offer dental care services, including teeth cleaning, extractions, and oral examinations. Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia. | Handles dental emergencies, but standard dental care should be handled by a primary veterinarian. |
| Grooming services | Some VCA locations offer pet grooming. | Not available |
| Boarding facilities | Many VCA hospitals offer pet boarding facilities with options for cats and dogs, including climate-controlled boarding and extended stays. | Does not offer kennels for boarding. Pet parents can stay with hospitalized pets, sometimes in rooms with pull-out beds. |
| Online pharmacy and prescription services | VCA provides an online pharmacy (myVCA) where you can refill prescriptions and order pet products. Prescriptions are reviewed by the pet's veterinarian and a Vetsource pharmacist. | Some locations may offer online pharmacy services. |
| Telemedicine options | VCA offers telemedicine services, including virtual video visits, live chat with veterinary professionals, and tele-triage. Telemedicine may be limited to patients with an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship. | Direct consultation with a licensed veterinarian available by phone. |
| Payment options and financing plans | VCA accepts various payment methods, including debit cards, major credit cards, cash, and checks. They also offer financing options through CareCredit and LendCare. | Accepts CareCredit and offers payment plans through Scratch Pay. |
| Availability of pet insurance acceptance/assistance | VCA accepts pet insurance from major providers like Trupanion, Nationwide, and Petplan. Some locations, like Trupanion, offer direct payment to VCA hospitals. | Information on specific pet insurance acceptance may vary by location. |