Denver Veterinarian
Menu

Veterinary Emergency Group

Updated 2026-07-09 · 1,245 reviewed · 181 listed · Scored from 941 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.8(941) 86 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Verified
Emergency & Urgent CareGeneral Veterinary CareSurgery & Specialty CareExotic & Avian CareLarge Animal & Equine
Veterinary Emergency Group
Services
Emergency & Urgent Care, General Veterinary Care, Surgery & Specialty Care
Reviews
941

What recent reviews say

Most visits end in relief: staff respond fast to animals in crisis and explain options clearly, especially during end-of-life decisions. Yet the Edgewater location troubles some owners with unexpected bills, incomplete refunds, missing medical records, and occasional gaps in advice (like fasting requirements for ultrasound)-a pattern some link to private equity pressure for profit growth.

What sets them apart is genuine compassion during the hardest moments and willingness to work with owners on cost when it matters most. Exotic animal care is available (bearded dragons have been treated). Wait times stay short. Dr. Lehman, Dr. Beck, and tech Tucker are named for excellence. The Colfax location draws specific praise as notably better than Edgewater on communication and environment.

Praised for
  • compassionate emergency response
  • staff care for anxious pets
  • clear treatment explanations
  • surgical expertise
  • handles exotic animals
Watch-outs
  • aggressive upselling and pricing
  • billing errors and lack of transparency
  • poor communication on pre-visit instructions
  • facility conditions at some locations
compassionate-staffgentle-with-animalsresponsive-emergency-careknowledgeable-vetstransparent-pricingexpensivepushy-upsellinggood-with-anxious-petscaring-bedside-manner
Best for: Pet owners facing emergency or sudden illness who value immediate care and emotional support, especially in end-of-life situations.
Think twice if: Budget-conscious owners worried about unexpected charges; billing transparency and follow-up communication are inconsistent concerns.

Strengths

  • 24/7 emergency availability
  • fast response times to crisis patients
  • exotic and large animal expertise
  • named vets known for skill and compassion

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Lehman and Dr. Beck named for surgical and emergency expertise
  • Tech Tucker praised by name
  • Staff member Rayne noted as the only prepared cat handler at Edgewater location
  • Bearded dragon emergency care confirmed
  • One owner reported $300 refund promised but only $100 received, with missing medical records
  • Another owner received $300 overcharge refund without full explanation
  • One owner's cat required fasting before ultrasound but was not told in advance
  • Multiple owners report lack of pre-visit guidance

What reviews say by service

Emergency & Urgent Care
Staff respond within seconds; compassionate through life-threatening crises and end-of-life care. Some owners report unexpected bills and missing pre-visit instructions.
Surgery & Specialty Care
Dr. Beck confirmed for successful foreign body surgical removal; praised for safety and skill.
Exotic & Avian Care
Bearded dragon emergency care provided; 90-minute drive from Colorado Springs was worth it per owner.
General Veterinary Care
Handles minor injuries (dog bites, ingested objects) competently with reasonable wait times.
Large Animal & Equine
No explicit review evidence for this service.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.8 against a 4.59 average across the 49 emergency & urgent care businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 89% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Scoring Method
Star rating 86
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 64
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
885
4
6
3
9
2
6
1
35

Common questions

Do you handle exotic animals like bearded dragons?
Yes. A review confirms successful emergency care for a bearded dragon, with staff praised for professionalism and compassion.
Are wait times long at VEG Edgewater?
No. Multiple reviews note short wait times, and one owner's pup was taken back within seconds of arrival.
What happens if I can't afford emergency treatment?
VEG has worked with owners to cap bills and adjust payment plans in critical situations, especially end-of-life care. However, billing accuracy and follow-up are concerns per recent complaints.

Similar veterinarian nearby

Livewell Animal Hospital of Sloan Lake
91

Livewell Animal Hospital of Sloan Lake

5.0(142)✓ Verified

Staff and vets at Livewell Sloan Lake earn strong loyalty by treating nervous and anxious pets with genuine kindness, taking time to explain options, and keeping prices fair compared to competitors. One recent visit found no obvious cause for a dog's loss of appetite despite x-rays and tests, though the team called back and offered a free re-exam, leaving some uncertainty about root cause.

General Veterinary CareSurgery & Specialty CareDental Care
Western Animal Clinic
82

Western Animal Clinic

4.7(513)✓ Verified

For 15 years and counting, families bring dogs and cats here for walk-in care that doesn't gouge on emergency fees. Dr. Shiarella's no-nonsense approach-skipping unnecessary tests, diagnosing by observation, handling dental work affordably-builds trust. Staff draw blood without causing yelps and hold space for end-of-life goodbyes. The tradeoff: first-come, first-served means waiting in your car, sometimes in heat.

General Veterinary CareDental CareExotic & Avian Care
Highlands Animal Clinic
78

Highlands Animal Clinic

4.6(526)✓ Verified

Highlands earns strong loyalty from many long-term clients, especially those with anxious or senior dogs. Dr. Drake, Dr. Dredla, and Dr. Anderson consistently earn praise for patience, compassion, and thoughtful care; the clinic feels welcoming and clean. However, recent reviews expose serious rifts: some clients report rushed diagnostics that missed critical conditions in senior pets, gaps in follow-up (results never called, medications not tracked), and mandatory appointments for simple refills. A notable ownership transition appears to have shaken client confidence, with several reviewers mourning the loss of former vets and the clinic's previous warmth. Front desk interactions have also become a flashpoint for new clients. The core tension is expertise versus consistency. Certain veterinarians (Dr. Drake especially) are described as exceptional caregivers who spend time and send flowers after a pet's death. Yet structural failures-missing senior bloodwork protocols, unanswered phone calls, pressured surgeries-suggest either staffing strain or a shift in operational priorities. Families seeking a veterinarian who remembers them and listens closely may thrive here; those needing reliable follow-up or expecting comprehensive diagnostics at every visit should ask specific questions before committing.

General Veterinary CareSurgery & Specialty CareDental Care

Own this business? Get featured

Own or market a business here? Ask about featured placement and advertising on this directory. Your message goes straight to the directory team.

Last updated 2026-07-09