24 Hour Emergency Vet Hospital and Urgent Pet Care in Cary, North Carolina
Dr. Heather Rhoden
Medical Director
Oklahoma State University; NC State University (MBA); Texas A&M (internship)
Dr. Rhoden, a Nebraska native, has been passionate about veterinary medicine since the age of 3. Her journey has taken her from the quiet fields of rural Nebraska to a multifaceted career in veterinary medicine. She earned her DVM in 2014, completed an internship in 2015 and most recently added an MBA in 2025.
Her career path has been diverse and fulfilling: from being a General Practitioner for 8 months, to an Emergency Doctor and Interim Department Manager at a busy multispecialty hospital to serving as a clinical instructor in Emergency and Critical Care at NC State's Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Heather has also worked as a Relief Veterinarian (think substitute teacher for vets) across several states, a business consultant, career mentor, and national Continuing Education (CE) provider. She’s had the privilege of wearing many hats, each contributing to her deep commitment to improving veterinary practices and mentoring others.
Heather joined VEG as a curious Per Diem doctor, unsure if the VEG way would be the right fit for her. But it didn’t take long for her to realize that VEG isn’t "normal," and the unique approach made providing care when pets and people need it most, not only easier but far more fulfilling.
Now, as the Medical Director, Heather is excited to focus on what she’s truly passionate about—delivering high-quality care for emergency and critically ill patients, and fostering leadership development. She loves teaching emergency medicine and helping the hospital run more smoothly and efficiently. What she values most about working at VEG is the opportunity to make a real impact—both in her field and on the lives of her colleagues.
VEG animal hospital in Cary, North Carolina is open 24/7 to handle any veterinary emergency in Wake County – big or small. Our animal care team provides pet emergency care for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and even exotic animals.
Parking for our 24-hour animal hospital in Cary, North Carolina
VEG in Cary is accessible from the Crescent Commons Shopping Center entrance on Kildaire Farm Road. You can also access VEG from the entrance on Tryon Rd. You’ll find convenient parking in the large lot outside our door. Need help getting your pet into the hospital? Call ahead – one of our VEGgies will meet you out front.
Cary emergency vet hospital—always open
Our 24-hour veterinary clinic for pet emergencies and urgent care is conveniently located just southwest of Raleigh, within minutes of Apex, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Holly Springs.
Whether your dog seems unusually tired after exploring downtown Cary with you or your cat needs ate something potentially toxic, call us or just walk in for immediate emergency vet care in Cary — no appointments taken.
Our hospital in Cary has an open plan design, where you can stay by your pet’s side at all times. Get expert pet medical services from our team of compassionate, ER-trained veterinary doctors, vet nurses, and assistants. We’ll share records and collaborate with your family vet for a smooth care experience. Overnight hospitalization is available and pet parents are always welcome to stay with their pet.
Our Cary emergency vet hospital is also a blood bank for dogs
VEG Cary is a VEG Blood Bank location, which provides blood for canines. These donations help save the lives of dogs in need of transfusions. The blood we store can be available to a VEG hospital or shared with a local veterinarian. It’s one more way VEG can give back to the community. You can help by signing up your dog to be a blood donor. To find out more, ask one of our VEGgies about the VEG Blood Bank.
Why Choose VEG ER for Pets
customer-focused veterinary emergency care
call us 24/7
Pet emergencies shouldn’t be put on hold. Call and speak with a veterinarian 24 hours a day to get your medical questions answered.
see a vet now
No appointment needed, walk in 24/7 – VEG is always open. Emergency vet care starts the moment you walk in the door.
stay together
No waiting and wondering in a lobby. Stay with your pet the entire time and get as involved as you like in their care.
stress less
At VEG, we make a scary situation less stressful. We sit on the floor with your pet, or wherever they’re most comfortable.
Emergency Care
Exotic Pet Care
Pet Urgent Care
End-of-life Care
Vet Surgery
Endoscopy
Pet Ultrasound
and X-rays
Diagnostics
and Testing
Treatment and
Hospitalizations
open now for:
Emergency vet care, always open and ready
Learn more about VEG's 24/7 emergency vet care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the services at VEG ER for Pets
IS VEG OPEN 24 HOURS?
Yes, all VEG locations are open all the time – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – even on holidays and weekends to care for pet emergencies.
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
At VEG, we don’t take appointments, because we deal with emergencies. When the unexpected happens, call us or walk in to your nearest VEG location 24/7 for immediate care.
HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S AN EMERGENCY?
Never self-diagnose your pet. Sometimes you just can’t tell if your pet is having a true emergency. But VEG can. Call your local VEG anytime and a veterinarian will answer your medical questions and determine if you should come in.
CAN I GO TO VEG FOR URGENT CARE?
Yes, VEG offers Pet Urgent Care for injuries and illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, limping, wounds, ear infections, eye problems, and constipation! Visit your local VEG and we’ll triage urgent care for your pet immediately. Learn more about the medical services we offer.
WHERE CAN I TAKE MY PET BIRD OR EXOTIC PET IN AN EMERGENCY?
VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.
DO I HAVE TO CALL BEFORE COMING IN?
Though you can just walk into any of our 24 hour hospitals, we recommend calling first so we’re familiar with the situation when you come in.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT VEG?
When you take your pet to VEG, you’ll be seen by a veterinarian right away, even before filling out paperwork. We’ll even meet you at your car if you need help bringing in your pet. No waiting in the lobby; you stay with your pet the entire time, even if surgery is involved. And yes, we’re pet lovers, but we’re people-friendly too! We’ll openly discuss diagnosis and treatment options. And we always make sure the pet patient and pet parent are as comfortable as possible.
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July 3, 2026
Milania Spain
June 2, 2026
Mandi Hofmann
May 29, 2026
