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About VEG Palo Alto
Veterinary Emergency Group, which now goes by VEG ER for Pets, runs an emergency animal hospital at 3903 El Camino Real in Palo Alto, at the corner of Ventura Avenue. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. The hospital takes walk-ins and does not book appointments.
The Palo Alto hospital opened in late October 2024. Patch reported at the time that the ribbon cutting was set for Wednesday, October 30. It was VEG's fourth Bay Area hospital after San Ramon, San Jose and Pleasant Hill. The company's founder and CEO is David Bessler, according to the same report. VEG now says it has more than 130 hospitals across the United States and Canada.
VEG lists Dr. Catriona D'Aulerio as medical director. She trained at the Royal Veterinary College in London. VEG says she has worked in general practice, emergency and specialty medicine and ran VEG San Jose before coming to Palo Alto.
In a pet emergency, call the hospital right away. This listing does not offer veterinary advice.
How a visit works
VEG explains how a visit works on its location page:
- No appointments. Walk in at any hour. VEG recommends calling first so the team is familiar with the situation.
- A doctor first. VEG says your pet will be seen by a veterinarian right away, even before you fill out paperwork.
- Stay together. Owners can stay with their pet the entire time. There is no waiting in the lobby.
- Open floor plan. Staff work in an open space and will sit on the floor with your pet if that is where it is most comfortable.
- Overnight stays. For owners who stay through the night, VEG offers wifi, snacks, drinks and a blanket.
- Help at the car. Staff will meet you at your car if you need help bringing your pet inside.
VEG says it works with your regular family veterinarian on follow-up care.
Services
The Palo Alto location lists:
- Emergency care and pet urgent care
- Exotic pet care, including birds and reptiles
- Surgery and endoscopy
- Ultrasound and X-rays
- Diagnostics and testing
- Treatment and hospitalization
- End-of-life care
The hospital is also a VEG Blood Bank location for dogs. Ask staff how donation works if your dog might be a candidate.
Who it serves
VEG says it treats all pets, including what it calls feathered friends, reptiles and other exotic animals. Because it never closes, it covers the nights, weekends and holidays when a regular vet's office is shut. It is an emergency and urgent care hospital. VEG says it works with your family veterinarian, so plan to follow up with your regular vet after an emergency visit and keep using that office for routine care.
Calling ahead
The Palo Alto number is 650-999-3505. VEG says you can call and speak with a veterinarian 24 hours a day. In its words, pet emergencies should not be put on hold. Calling on the way lets the team prepare. It also gives you a chance to describe what happened while it is fresh, such as what your pet ate or when symptoms started. If you can, bring any medications your pet takes and your regular vet's contact details.
Getting there and parking
The hospital is on El Camino Real at Ventura Avenue in south Palo Alto. VEG says it is within minutes of Los Altos, Menlo Park, Stanford and Mountain View. Accessible parking is near the front entrance. If you need help getting a large or injured animal inside, call ahead and a staff member, whom VEG calls a "VEGgie," can meet you out front.
The nearest other VEG hospitals listed on its site are VEG San Jose at 725 Ridder Park Drive and VEG San Ramon on San Ramon Valley Boulevard. Our Ventura neighborhood guide describes the area around the hospital. For everyday outings with a dog, see our guide to dog parks and dog-friendly places. Our South Palo Alto guide covers the wider area.
Location and getting there
Veterinary Emergency Group is at 3903 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306-3319, in the South Palo Alto area of Palo Alto. Our South Palo Alto guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 1.1 miles away. That is roughly a 27 minute walk or a short bike ride.
Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.
Hours
| Every day | Open 24 hours, including holidays |
|---|
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- HolyShred, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Papa John's, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
- Starbucks 3885 El Camino Real, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- Ernie's Liquors, food shop, under 0.1 mi
- Baja Fresh, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
- Boulware Park, 0.4 mi
- Robles Park, 0.4 mi
- Juana Briones Park, 0.7 mi
Other everyday services nearby: VCA Palo Alto Animal Hospital (under 0.1 mi); Animal Hospital of Palo Alto (0.2 mi); Building Kidz of Palo Alto, Lambert Avenue (0.5 mi); Tesla Palo Alto (0.5 mi). Browse the full everyday services list.
Before you go
- Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
- Ask for a written estimate before any repair work starts.
- Bring an ID and any paperwork you may need, such as a receipt or account number.
About this listing
Checked October 29, 2026 against VEG Palo Alto location page; Patch, October 2024. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Veterinary Emergency Group in Palo Alto?
Veterinary Emergency Group is at 3903 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306-3319, in the South Palo Alto area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 1.1 miles away.
Do I need an appointment at VEG Palo Alto?
No. VEG Palo Alto does not take appointments. It recommends calling 650-999-3505 on the way so the team knows what to expect. You can speak with a veterinarian by phone at any hour.
Can I stay with my pet at VEG Palo Alto?
Yes. VEG says owners can stay with their pet the entire time, including during treatment and overnight stays. There is no waiting in the lobby.
Does VEG Palo Alto treat birds and exotic pets?
Yes. VEG says it treats all pets, including birds, reptiles and other exotic animals.
What are Veterinary Emergency Group's hours?
Every day: Open 24 hours, including holidays.