Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center of Westbury

04/26/2025

Client Appreciation Week Spotlight: Meet Carla!

This week, we’re celebrating the amazing team members who help make every visit to VCA VREC Westbury the best it can be—and today, we’re shining a light on Carla, our dedicated Oncology Liaison and Veterinary Assistant!

Carla wears two equally important hats in our hospital. As an Oncology Liaison, she provides comfort, clarity, and compassion to clients navigating one of the most emotional journeys in veterinary care. She ensures families feel supported every step of the way. As a Veterinary Assistant, she’s hands-on in patient care, helping to keep your pets safe, calm, and cared for during their time with us.

What you might not see behind the scenes? Carla is checking on your pet’s treatment schedule, coordinating with doctors, offering comfort during difficult conversations, and jumping in wherever she’s needed with a calm, steady presence.

Outside of work, Carla is an animal lover through and through! She shares her life with a lovable Frenchie named Opie (a proud mama’s boy), two cats—Mia, the wise window watcher, and Wednesday, the mischievous little one—a clever hamster named Bagel, a sweet pink-toed tarantula named Bellatrix, and a forever-smiling leopard gecko named Frankie.

Help us celebrate Carla! Drop a thank-you message or a favorite memory in the comments—your kind words mean the world during Client Appreciation Week!

04/25/2025

Client Service Appreciation Week Spotlight: Meet Thomas!

Thomas may be one of our newest faces—just 2 months in—but he’s already made a big impact at our front desk. Clients see the smile, the warm greeting, the helpful attitude—but what many don’t see is what it takes to do this job in a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital.

As Thomas puts it: “What clients might not realize is the mindset it takes to be on the front lines. You have to stay calm under pressure, think fast in critical situations, and offer compassion even on the toughest days.”

We’re so grateful to have Thomas on our team, bringing strength and heart to every shift.

Drop a shoutout in the comments if Thomas has helped you or your pet feel a little more at ease!

04/24/2025

Client Service Representative Appreciation Week Spotlight: Meet Nicole!

If your pet has ever had surgery or been hospitalized in our ER, chances are you’ve heard from Nicole our incredible Surgery & ER Liaison.

What most people don’t see is just how much care, coordination, and communication goes on behind the scenes. Nicole is the bridge between your primary care veterinarian, our medical teams and your family booking appointments, helping guide you through the process, answering your questions, and making sure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Known for her caring nature, friendly voice, and attention to detail, Nicole brings both heart and professionalism to a role that truly matters.

We’re so lucky to have her on our team and we know many of you feel the same!

Drop a comment below if Nicole has helped you or your pet feel a little more at ease during a stressful time we’d love for her to see it!

04/23/2025

Client Service Representative Appreciation Week Spotlight🌟

Today we’re shining a spotlight on Ellen, one of our incredible Client Service Representatives. When the sun sets and many primary care hospitals close their doors, Ellen steps in as a vital lifeline for our clients and their beloved pets. As our dedicated night shift Client Service Representative, she is often the first point of contact during emergencies, providing calm, compassionate, and knowledgeable support when it’s needed most.

Ellen’s unwavering dedication ensures that even in the most stressful situations, our clients feel heard, supported, and guided. Her empathy and professionalism exemplify the critical role that Client Service Representatives play in veterinary care.

If Ellen has ever assisted you or your pet during a late-night emergency, we invite you to share your appreciation in the comments below. Your kind words mean the world to our team and highlight the profound impact of Ellen’s work. 💬👇

04/23/2025

Client Service Appreciation Week Spotlight
Our liaisons play a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. Angela, our Internal Medicine Liaison, works closely with multiple departments and coordinates appointments with care and precision. She’s often behind the scenes finding thoughtful solutions to help ensure every pet gets the attention they need, when they need it most.

Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to client service make a big difference every day.

We already know how much Angela means to our team, but if she’s ever helped you or your pet, leave her a kind message in the comments so she can hear it from you, too!

04/21/2025

This week, we honor the dedicated professionals who serve as the first point of contact in some of the most emotional moments our clients experience—our Client Service Representatives & Liaisons.

In the unique environment of a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital, their role is both essential and deeply human. They are the calm and steady presence in times of stress, and the reassuring voice on the other end of the line. Whether they are managing urgent calls, comforting worried families, or ensuring every detail is in place for our medical teams they do it all with grace, compassion, and unwavering professionalism.

To our CSRs: thank you for being the bridge between people and pets. For your resilience, kindness, and unwavering commitment. Your work is front & center in everythihg we do. It’s essential, and your impact is immeasurable.

We are deeply grateful for you—today and every day.

04/20/2025

Happy Easter from all of us! We hope your day is filled with joy, love, and a little bit of bunny magic.

Yesterday was a hopping good time as the Easter Bunny made a special visit to our hospital for photos! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to celebrate with us—we loved seeing your smiles (and your pets’ & families too!).

A big shoutout to Angela, Nicole, and Carla for helping make the event such a success. We’re so lucky to have a team that brings the fun and keeps things running smoothly.

Wishing you and your furry friends a wonderful Easter Sunday!

04/19/2025

The Bunny has arrived!
Hop on over for your FREE photo with the Easter Bunny—now until 3PM!
We’ve got pet-friendly & kid-friendly treats, coloring books, and perfect spring weather. Come say hi and enjoy the fun!

609-5 Cantiague Rock Rd, Westbury NY

04/19/2025

It's not just snakes or ticks you have to worry about lurking in the grass, there might also be eggs! Whether it's a rotten egg or a chocolate egg, it's best to keep your dogs from eating it.

Watch out for these hazards to ensure your pet stays safe on their next walk.

04/18/2025

We had a special celebration a baby shower for our incredible Internal Medicine specialist, Dr. Galati!

It was a joy to take a moment and recognize this exciting new chapter in her life. Dr. Galati is known for her dedication, compassion, and expertise and we know she’ll be just as amazing in her next role: mom!

Wishing her all the best as she prepares to welcome her little one!

04/14/2025

Please join us in welcoming Toni to our team!
Toni brings years of veterinary experience and a deep passion for patient care. She’ll be joining our overnight Emergency & Critical Care team as a Veterinary Assistant, helping us continue to provide compassionate care around the clock. We’re so excited to have her on board!

04/11/2025

We had a fantastic afternoon at Mid Island Animal Hospital this week, where our board-certified Critical Care specialist, Dr. Fejfar, led a hands-on CPR refresher training and presentation for their team. From a detailed lunch & learn to interactive practice with our CPR training dog, Jerry, all of their doctors and staff fully participated in this important continuing education session.

As a 24-hour Emergency & Specialty hospital, we’re proud to partner with local primary care practices like Mid Island to support clinical learning and elevate patient care across our community.

If you’re a primary care hospital interested in continuing education opportunities, please reach out to our Referral Manager, Lori Shindle, at [email protected]. We offer sessions in Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Oncology, and Surgery.

04/09/2025

Does your dog bark non-stop? It's time for an attitude check! We're sharing some must-knows to see if your dog is experiencing medical or behavioral issues.

04/07/2025

Medical emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning, so it's best to be prepared. A Pet First Aid Kit allows you to have important items available to care for your pet in one area. No one can be prepared for all emergencies, but it's still important to have the basics.

If the emergency is severe, get your pet to your local hospital as soon as possible.

04/04/2025

Meowzart...Bark Twain...Mary Puppins? We love meeting pets with names just as special as they are.

Is your pet's name unique? Let us know in the comments!

04/03/2025

This Heartworm Awareness Month, make sure that your pet has the proper protection against heartworms. Year-round parasite prevention is always the best form of protection.

04/03/2025

Meet Bruce, the newest (and most mischievous) member of Dr. Fejfar’s family! Our ER liaison, Nancy, caught him in the act after he swiped a little bagel bite—clearly, he’s already mastering the art of snack sneaking.

04/03/2025

Happy Birthday, Talula! 🎂🐶

Dr. Power’s pup, Talula, celebrated her special day in the sweetest way yesterday by sharing with others! To mark the occasion, Dr. Power baked a cake made with dog-safe ingredients for our team to take & share with their own pets.

A big thank you to Dr. Power for spreading the love (and the treats)! Wishing Talula a year filled with belly rubs, long walks, & plenty of snacks. 🐾✨

04/01/2025

It's not every day that you hear the wildest pet stories, but at VCA, it's a daily occurrence!

03/31/2025

What is anesthesia, and why is it so important?

Anesthesia can seem intimidating, but it can help your pet be treated without pain, stress, or discomfort. We're sharing the importance of anesthesia and how it may be necessary to make sure your pet is cared for.

03/28/2025

Pup quiz time! How did you score? Comment below and tell us how many you got right!

03/26/2025

Blood work is an important step in helping your pet get better. It can help diagnose hidden ailments, expose parasites, or uncover what's affecting your pet.

We're sharing a few reasons on how a little bit of blood can make a difference in their care plan.

03/26/2025

Pets Can Be Heroes Too! 🩸

Just like humans, animals sometimes need life-saving blood transfusions—but veterinary blood banks are facing a nationwide shortage. Unfortunately, the demand far outweighs the supply.

Recently, our Internal Medicine veterinary technician specialist, Inger’s incredible dog Merlin stepped up to donate blood for an anemic patient in need. At our hospital, we rely on both our own blood donor program—made up of our associates’ well loved pets and pre-packaged blood from veterinary blood banks.

For many pets, a blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death, and that’s why we do what we do. While we don’t accept client pet donations at this time, there are ways to help! If you’re interested in learning more, check out petdonor.org to find a veterinary blood bank near you.

03/25/2025

While it can cause severe illness in pets, leptospirosis is preventable through routine vaccination for all dogs.

Contact your local VCA to schedule your vaccine now.

03/24/2025

Watch out for this hidden outdoor danger! 🌾🐾 Foxtails may look harmless, but these pesky grass seeds can cause serious harm to your pet on your next hike. Learn more about the risks and how to avoid them!

03/23/2025

There's no greater love than puppy love! Celebrate National Puppy Day with the best gift for your new furry friend—a FREE first exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals!

📍 Find a hospital & book today. New clients only. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit Now: vca.mobi/NationalPuppyDay

03/21/2025

Safety first! Whether you're out for a walk or relaxing at home, the right pet safety gear is a must. We've rounded up our top picks to keep our pets protected. Watch to see our favorites!

03/21/2025

Meet Toby a resilient pup whose journey to recovery was made possible through collaboration, expert care, and a devoted pet parent who never gave up.

Toby first became sick on New Year’s Eve and was treated at a local urgent care hospital, where his condition was closely monitored. When his owner noticed he wasn’t improving, the veterinarian caring for him confidently recommended Dr. Kimmel.

Following that trusted advice, Toby’s owner transferred him to our hospital in the early hours of the morning. Under the expert care of Dr. Kimmel and the Internal Medicine team, Toby fought through a tough two weeks and pulled thorough.

We recently received an email update from Toby’s dad, “Toby and I are having more fun than ever. He’s more active and happier than ever! There’s no doubt that dogs are man’s best friend—Toby truly is mine. It’s been over two years since that difficult time, and while there were so many veterinarians and technicians who helped along the way, I will always be grateful for everything Dr. Kimmel and her amazing team did for us.”

Nothing makes our team happier than getting updates like this. We are so thankful to our colleagues in the veterinary community for their trust in us and for guiding Toby’s family toward the specialty care he needed. Most of all, we’re grateful for Toby’s incredible spirit and the love he shares with his devoted dad!

03/20/2025

Spring is in the air 🌼 Next time you stop and smell the flowers, make sure they're safe for your pet to sniff too!

What's your favorite Spring activity with your pet? Let us know in the comments.

03/19/2025

World Social Worker Day, was yesterday & today we’re shining a spotlight on someone who makes all the difference—our incredible Robin. In a world where not every hospital is fortunate enough to have a dedicated social worker, Robin stands out as a true pillar of strength. Her compassion and expert guidance aren’t just luxuries—they’re essential. Robin’s unwavering support helps our clients navigate life’s toughest moments, reinforces our team’s resilience, and uplifts our entire community. We’re beyond lucky to have her, and her work is a powerful reminder that true healing goes beyond physical care. Thank you, Robin, for being our beacon of hope and resilience.

03/18/2025

Meeting your pet is one of the easiest hellos, but it's also one of the hardest goodbyes.

Jennifer Scanlon, VCA South Shore (Weymouth) Animal Hospital, spoke with Newsweek about pet grief and how important it is to help pet owners navigate these difficult times.

Read More:

An X-ray revealed my 12-year-old dog had hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer known as the "silent killer."

03/17/2025

We're feline lucky cause it's St. Cat-ricks Day 🍀!

03/14/2025

When it comes to pet health, make sure you're in the know. We're debunking a few common myths that can put your pet's health at risk.

03/13/2025

March 13th is

Today is dedicated to the incredible canines out there whose service and sacrifice help to keep us safe.

03/12/2025

Raise your hand if your timeline is just photos of the cutest pets! 😹🤚