A new 24-hour veterinary hospital that lets clients stay by their pet’s side at all times during treatment — even overnight — is now seeing patients in Friendswood.
VEG ER for Pets Baybrook, an animal hospital and urgent care facility, recently opened in the Baybrook Mall complex at 18980 Gulf Freeway.
Open seven days a week, including holidays, the hospital adds emergency vet services for pet owners in Friendswood and surrounding communities, according to a Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook post announcing its mid-July grand opening.
The hospital offers walk-in emergency and urgent care services with no appointment needed. It treats a variety of pets, including dogs, cats and exotic animals, such as snakes, birds, reptiles and guinea pigs, according to the business’ website.
VEG, an acronym for Veterinarian Emergency Group, was founded by David Glattstein and Dr. David Bessler as a startup.
“I’m a people person, so I was always really aware of what people were experiencing when they came in,” Bessler said in a company video.
Pet owners can stay with their pets during vet care to ease the stress of nervous animals.
“At VEG ER for Pets, we designed the emergency experience around both pets and the people who love them,” Dr. Chelsea Segura, medical director for VEG ER for Pets in Friendswood said in a statement via email. “When your pet is sick or injured, the last thing you want is to be separated or left waiting for answers.”
The clinic’s open floor allows pet owners to be close and involved in each step of their pet’s care, Segura said.
“Our goal is to provide expert emergency care while making an incredibly stressful experience as compassionate, transparent and reassuring as possible.”
“If your pet requires overnight hospitalization, you’re welcome to stay too,” the clinic’s website says. “You’ll have access to WiFi, snacks, beverages, and a pillow and blanket. Our staff will make sure you’re as comfortable as possible so you can stay close to your pet’s side.”
The clinic’s services include treatment for a range of pet issues. The location performs ultrasounds, X-rays, diagnostic testing, and surgeries on site, according to its website.
There are more than 120 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and 15 in Texas, including locations in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land and now Friendswood.