Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC)

For pet owners in Minnesota, an unexpected health crisis for a beloved companion can be a source of immense stress. During these critical moments, having a reliable, expert-level resource is invaluable. The Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC), located in Oakdale, serves as a vital lifeline for pets and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of AERC, highlighting its dual role as both an emergency hospital and a referral center, and explaining why it is a trusted choice for pet owners across the region. By understanding the unique services and compassionate approach of AERC, you can feel more prepared should your pet ever need specialized or urgent care.

The Twin Cities metropolitan area, with its large and active pet-owning population, requires a sophisticated and well-equipped veterinary infrastructure. AERC rises to this challenge by offering a level of care that goes far beyond what a typical general practice clinic can provide, especially after hours. As an emergency hospital, they are open 24/7, staffed with experienced veterinarians and technicians ready to handle any sudden illness or injury. As a referral center, they work closely with primary care veterinarians to provide highly specialized and advanced care for complex cases that require the expertise of a board-certified specialist, similar to how a human doctor refers a patient to a consultant. This seamless integration of emergency and specialty services ensures pets receive continuous, expert care, from a sudden crisis to the management of a long-term condition. The clinic’s commitment to not only medical excellence but also to making a stressful situation more manageable for pet owners is consistently praised by clients.

This guide will explore the essential information about AERC, from its accessible location and comprehensive services to the features that make it a compassionate and professional choice. Customer reviews will also be used to provide a genuine perspective on the quality of care and support you can expect to receive from the dedicated team at AERC.

The Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC) is located at 1160 Helmo Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128, USA. This location is designed to be easily accessible for pet owners throughout the Twin Cities metro area, which is crucial during an emergency. The facility prioritizes accessibility for all visitors, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These features ensure a more comfortable and less stressful experience for all clients, especially those with mobility challenges. The availability of a free parking lot adds another layer of convenience. AERC operates on an appointments-recommended basis for specialty services, but for emergencies, it's best to call ahead to let them know you're on your way. AERC staff will triage your pet, much like a human emergency room, with the most critical patients being seen first. This ensures that life-threatening conditions are addressed with immediate urgency, but it may also mean a wait for less critical cases.

AERC offers a wide array of advanced and specialized services that cater to both emergency and referral cases. Their team is composed of emergency doctors and specialists in various fields of veterinary medicine. This dual focus allows them to provide a level of care that is not typically found in a standard veterinary clinic. Their capabilities span a comprehensive range of diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures, ensuring that your pet has access to the highest level of care when they need it most.

Services Offered:

• Advanced Diagnostics, including CT scans, veterinary imaging, and blood tests.
• Avian & Exotic Medicine for a variety of non-traditional pets.
• Cardiology Services, including advanced diagnostics for heart-related conditions.
• Dental Procedures, including dentistry and oral surgery for complex dental issues.
• Emergency & Urgent Care, available 24/7.
• Emergency Procedures and Medicine & Critical Care.
• Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Testing.
• Oncology and Chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
• Pain Management.
• Pet Dermatology for skin diseases.
• Pet Surgery, including fracture repair and mass removal.
• Referral Services for complex cases requiring a specialist.
• Veterinary Neurology.

Several key features distinguish AERC and contribute to its strong reputation in the community. As a 24/7 facility, it offers continuous care, meaning that a veterinarian is always on-site, which is crucial for monitoring hospitalized patients and handling emergencies at any hour of the day or night. The hospital has a variety of specialized departments, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and dermatology, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to complex cases. This collaborative environment ensures that your pet's health is viewed from all necessary angles. The clinic is also a welcoming and inclusive space, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, which is a significant highlight for creating a supportive environment for all clients. The facility is well-equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical tools, allowing for in-house testing and imaging, which speeds up the diagnosis and treatment process. The availability of a gender-neutral restroom also contributes to the clinic's inclusive atmosphere.

For those needing to contact AERC, the information is straightforward. The address is 1160 Helmo Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128, USA. The phone number is (651) 501-3766, and the mobile phone is +1 651-501-3766. For emergencies, calling ahead is highly recommended so the team can prepare for your arrival. For referral services, it is best to first discuss the matter with your primary care veterinarian, who can then contact AERC directly to facilitate the referral process. AERC's website also provides resources and information on what to expect during a visit, which can be helpful for pet owners preparing for a potentially stressful situation.

What makes AERC a truly invaluable resource for Minnesota pet owners is its dual role as a high-level emergency and referral center. The consistent and genuine praise from real customers highlights the clinic’s commitment to compassionate care. One reviewer was "incredibly grateful for the outstanding care" their puppy received, noting that the team was "highly experienced and knowledgeable, but also genuinely compassionate." The reviewer also mentioned feeling "informed and supported every step of the way," which is a crucial element of care during a stressful time. Another client was pleased with their consult, stating they were not pressured and were able to ask all the questions they needed "without feeling rushed." The fact that their dog "got a ton of love" also spoke volumes about the staff's dedication. AERC's reputation for being transparent with costs and providing clear communication is also a significant plus, as noted in various online forums. While a visit to a specialist or emergency clinic can be expensive, many reviewers feel that the level of care and expertise is "worth every penny." For a pet owner facing a serious health issue with their animal, AERC provides the highest level of care, the expertise of a team of specialists, and a compassionate, supportive environment that makes a difficult time more manageable. For these reasons, AERC is a top-tier choice for emergency and specialized veterinary care in the Minnesota region.

Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC)

1160 Helmo Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128, USA