Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center of Hawaii

06/06/2026

🐾💙 It was so nice seeing this awesome group from the Windward Community College WCC Vet Tech Program 3-Year Hybrid Veterinary Technology Program at VERC this week.
These dedicated students are balancing work, school, and their passion for animal care every step of the way. Through the hybrid program, they complete lectures online while gaining valuable hands-on experience in in-person labs. Whether they're traveling from a neighbor island or coming to campus from across Oʻahu, their commitment to learning and helping animal's shines through.
The program offers stackable credentials—from the Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting to the Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology—creating a pathway for growth and success in the veterinary field.
We are proud of this hardworking group and excited to see all the amazing things they'll accomplish for the animals and communities they serve! 🐶🐱

🐾✨

06/01/2026

🐾✨ Meet Dr. Jennie Zhou ✨🐾
Born and raised in Kalihi, Dr. Jennie Zhou’s love for animals started early — inspired by childhood curiosity, compassion, and yes… a little bit of Ace Ventura 🎬🐶 What began as fascination quickly became a lifelong calling to care for animals and the people who love them most.
After earning her Biology degree and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University, Dr. Zhou completed a rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles before working across Denver in general practice, urgent care, and emergency/specialty medicine.
Now, after 19 years away from Hawai‘i, she’s proud to return home and join the community that first inspired her journey 🌺 She’s especially excited to be back at VERC, where her passion for emergency medicine first took root.
When she’s not helping patients, you’ll probably find her enjoying the outdoors 🌴☀️.
Please help us give Dr. Zhou a warm welcome home! 🌈🐾

05/29/2026

Big congratulations to our very own vet tech graduate, Sydney! 🎓🐾

From long study nights to hands-on training, their hard work and dedication have officially paid off as part of the Windward Community College Vet Tech Program Class of 2026 🩺💙

And of course, we can’t forget Milo 🐶 — the loyal study buddy who helped with bandaging practice, handling skills, patience, and plenty of snack breaks along the way 😅

We’re so proud to celebrate this amazing accomplishment and can’t wait to see all the incredible things ahead in their veterinary career. The future is full of paw-sibilities ✨

05/25/2026

Memorial Day weekend can bring extra risks for pets, from cookout foods to outdoor hazards and holiday travel.​

A little extra awareness can go a long way in helping keep your pet safe and out of the ER. ​

Review the slides for common holiday emergencies and warning signs to watch for.​

We're here if you need us! ​
https://www.verchawaii.com
808-735-7735

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05/22/2026

You don’t want to miss this one! 🐾❤️

Dr. Chi-Ya Chen, board-certified veterinary surgeon at VERC, is so grateful to have been part of Abby’s journey.

From a life-threatening emergency to now being back home and playing fetch again, Abby’s story is a powerful reminder of what compassionate, collaborative veterinary care can achieve.

Mahalo to her wonderful family for trusting our team and for sharing her inspiring recovery with Hawaii News Now's, Rachel Pacarro.

Check it out here!
https://www.hinowdaily.com/2026/05/15/how-emergency-surgery-saved-abbys-life/

05/07/2026

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Hawaii Pet Expo this past weekend! 🐾

We loved meeting so many amazing pets and pet lovers from our community. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us, learn more about our services, and make the weekend such a fun event!

We truly appreciate all the support and look forward to seeing you again next year!

05/05/2026

A big thank you to our rDVM community for joining us this past week at our CE dinner on mast cell tumors, led by our surgeon specializing in oncology, Dr. Pitt.

We had over 40 veterinarians come together, and your engagement made it a great success. Here’s to continuing to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections together.

Learn more about Dr. Pitt: https://www.verchawaii.com/staff/kathryn-a-pitt)

04/30/2026

Finding a lump or bump on your pet can be alarming, and it’s normal to feel worried. The good news is that most lumps aren’t immediately dangerous—but early evaluation is key. Some may be harmless fatty growths, small cysts, or benign swellings, while others could be more serious. Examples to watch for include a firm bump under the skin, a nodule on the leg, or a lump near the chest or belly.

Signs to get checked:
💠 Lumps that are growing quickly
💠Hard, irregular, or immovable masses
💠Lumps that cause pain or bleeding
💠Any mass that appears suddenly or changes over time

How we help:
Our board-certified surgeons provide safe, precise mass removal. If a lump may be cancerous, our oncology team consults directly with the surgeons, guiding diagnosis, treatment planning, and post-op care, so your pet receives coordinated, expert care every step of the way.

From evaluation to surgery and recovery, we focus on keeping pets comfortable, safe, and supported, while providing families with guidance and reassurance throughout the process.

➡️ Next step: If you notice a new lump or bump, schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian for an evaluation. If needed, they can refer your pet to our surgeons or oncology specialists for advanced care and coordinated treatment.

04/28/2026

Looking for trusted pet health info? We’ve got you covered!

We know how important it is to feel confident when it comes to your pet’s health. That’s why we’ve created a library of helpful articles on our website, covering topics like emergency care, surgery, recovery tips, and more.

Whether you’re wondering “Is this an emergency?”, preparing for a procedure, or just looking to stay informed, our resources are designed to give you clear, reliable guidance—when you need it most.

Written with pet parents in mind and by our team of specialists, these insights can help you make informed decisions and feel more prepared every step of the way.

Check out our Pet Health Insights: verchawaii.com/blog

Because when it comes to your pet, knowledge isn’t just power, it’s peace of mind.

Our hospital is pleased to provide a blog for additional information on veterinary and pet care topics.

04/23/2026

Yes, those sad puppy eyes, bumping into walls, and spinning in circles are all part of the drama, but don’t be fooled! That cone is actually your dog’s best friend for a safe, speedy recovery.

E-collars prevent your pup from licking, biting, or scratching stitches or surgical sites, helping avoid infections and delayed healing. We know it’s tough to see them giving you those big, pleading eyes, but removing the cone too soon can undo all the hard work of surgery.

Survive the cone together with these tips:
✅ Proper fit: Snug but comfy is key
✅Monitor scratching or rubbing: Keep an eye on their comfort
✅Extra love & treats: Belly rubs, cuddles, and little rewards keep morale high

Want more tips? Check out all 7 tips to help your dog recover safely and happily:
verchawaii.com/blog/7-e-collar-tips-for-dogs-after-surgery