Animal Emergency Center

No one ever wants an unexpected trip to the vet, but when it’s necessary, this is absolutely the place to go. From the moment we walked in, we were met with compassion and clear, honest communication. Despite the busy atmosphere, the staff remained calm, professional, and attentive to every animal and pet owner. By the time we left, they had expertly managed to care for every patient. I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need of emergency veterinary care – they truly go above and beyond!

Our kitty was injured and we have never dealt with something like this before. However these workers here were so sweet and patient with us and took good care of our baby. If something ever happens again I will definitely go here first because of the amazing service from these great people!

If I could give zero stars, I absolutely would. My dog was bitten by another dog. While she seemed fine initially, I chose to take her in for treatment rather than waiting for her primary vet to open to prevent infection. Upon arrival, I was taken to the back to discuss my options. The "best-case scenario" would involve exploring the wound to determine if surgery was needed, with a cost of $3,200. The worst-case scenario, if deeper lacerations were found, could exceed $5,600. I expressed that I could not afford these costs, and the staff member asked, "How much do you have?" before suggesting I apply for a credit card to finance the procedure. I asked for some time to think things over. When she returned, I decided to take my dog home, but she attempted to guilt-trip me, saying, "Well, it might not make it through the night, but if you're okay with that, then fine." Ultimately, I chose to have her wounds cleaned and bandaged, which cost $700. However, the entire experience left me feeling that this clinic is driven purely by greed. Their primary concern seemed to be pushing for expensive treatments rather than providing honest, practical care. As soon as my primary vet opened, I took her in, and they told me that the "exploration" they recommended at the ER would have been completely unnecessary. They explained that all of that could have been clearly seen in the X-rays, which they had already charged me for. Yet, the ER still insisted they needed to go in and "explore" the wound, which felt like a blatant attempt to inflate the bill. To make matters worse, if you decide against their costly treatments, they will publicly shame you. After explaining the exorbitant fees in a private room, they made sure to loudly announce my decision to not proceed with their treatments when discussing aftercare. I left not only feeling financially pressured but also disrespected and taken advantage of. The entire experience felt like a money grab, and I would not recommend this place to anyone. Update: My baby was seen by her primary vet first thing this morning, and I’ve just received the news that, through an X-ray, they were able to confirm there are no puncture wounds from the bite and only simple stitching is needed. I am absolutely disgusted by the ER for making me believe she was in life-threatening danger! The staff kept saying, "Good luck," and even claimed we could "see the inside of her rib," which was completely false. I ended up paying $350 with my primary vet and saved myself $3,000. Don’t let these people deceive you! If you can wait until the earliest open vet, do it!

I am deeply disappointed and heartbroken by the treatment my rescue dog, Gigi, received a couple of weeks ago at the Animal Emergency Center on Summer Avenue during her final hours. From the moment we arrived, it felt like the priority was money, not care. Despite me telling them Gigi was unstable, with white gums as she was fading quickly, we were left waiting in the car for over an hour prior to them even taking her vitals. Once inside, they knew she wouldn’t make it, yet they proceeded with costly procedures—IV, ultrasound, blood test, and an alleged X-ray—for $1,200, without any real transparency, options, or compassion. The most devastating moment came right before euthanasia. As they brought Gigi into the room, I overheard a nurse saying, “Come on, Gigi, you were just walking.” Then, she dragged my weak, immobile dog by a slip leash around her neck into the room. I had to run over to loosen it myself. This level of inhumanity is inexcusable. After years in animal rescue and working with various vets, I can confidently say this was one of the most appalling experiences I’ve ever had. Gigi deserved dignity and compassion in her final moments, and she received neither. I can not, in good faith, recommend this facility to anyone. I will be reporting this facility to the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners in hopes of initiating a thorough external audit of their practices to ensure no other pet or pet owner has to endure such treatment.

We've been taking our pets (mostly exotic) to this clinic for over a decade. I've not experienced a rude tech or vet. And they don't try to upsell you... if you're dealing with a very sick small animal, they can offer to hospitalize, but they're realistic, which is appreciated. Last night, we lost our last rat to pneumonia. It was heartbreaking, but made easier because they were empathetic, and even had a coffin box for him. They have an option to send your animal to be cremated (it's not a large fee at all), but we opt to take them ourselves. Our little buddy needed oxygen, xrays, and of course a physical exam, and the price is lower than most exotic vets in the greater Memphis area. Of note: they absolutely blast animals out of their minds so they can be gassed and euthanized without pain or distress. The paralytic given to several other pets in the past seems to make them aware they can't move, and it always breaks me. AEC treats them like hospice patients... like humans. Compassion goes a long way in difficult times, and they've shown it time and time again. Pictured is our dear Marbles.