Veterinary Urgent Care of the Desert

I am absolutely overjoyed with the level of service that I received. In December 2025 I brought my German Shepherd in for having a focal seizure that she was not coming out of. The moment I expressed the severity of the situation to the receptionist, she sprung into action calling a STAT situation to the back. Within 5 seconds, a team of two nurses and a doctor came out to my truck with a gurney and brought her in immediately. Not only were the nurses very thorough with their questions about the situation, but they were also considerate to ask about my wellbeing, given the situation. Even though I showed no signs of stress, that was very considerate! Once they had stabilized my dog, the doctor was very descriptive about what she observed, made recommended steps and laid out my options. I never felt pressured or stressed from my interactions with anyone in this office. This means a lot to me, because I had been taken advantage of in a major way by a different emergency pet clinic in the past. Everyone from the receptionists, to the nurses, to the doctors were very kind, helpful, and honest! I highly recommend to everyone and although I hope to never be in an emergency situation again, Veterinary Urgent Care of the Desert will be my first call the next time an emergency arises. I would like to express my gratitude to the team for taking great care of Marina and myself. And for relieving me of my guarded nature by showing me that there are great, honest, and caring people in this profession! Thank you so much! Mike & Marina

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dr. Goldstein and staff. She has been absolutely amazing throughout my dog’s recent health scare and surgery. Her care, knowledge and compassion made all the difference for us. Dr. Goldstein took the time to explain everything clearly, check in frequently, and make sure our doggie was as comfortable and well-cared-for as possible. It’s obvious she genuinely loves her patients and is dedicated to giving them the best care. I’m incredibly grateful for her support during such a stressful time. Highly recommend Dr. Goldstein!

Took my little boy Nipsey there the staff was so nice and great to him. He loved them and didn’t wanna come back home lol. I don’t have pet insurance for him I was worried it would have been expensive but it was actually very reasonable considering everything they did. I highly recommend it and I will be going back. And I love that it was nice and fresh in the waiting room.

I cannot speak highly enough of VEG ER for Pets in Palm Desert. After my senior dog Ted had surgery, he unexpectedly popped the stitches under his neck. There was a lot of blood, and I was panicked. We were turned away from another urgent care facility because they were nearing closing time, but thankfully, they directed us to VEG. From the moment we arrived, VEG welcomed us with open arms. The staff immediately got us situated, and the environment was calm, clean, and reassuring. Despite the urgency, Dr. E and her team treated Ted with remarkable professionalism and empathy. They worked swiftly and skillfully, and most importantly, they did so without adding any stress to an already frightening situation. What truly stood out was the atmosphere of genuine care. Even team members who were busy with other animals made it a point to acknowledge Ted and me as they passed by. That simple gesture had a powerful calming effect. It reassured me that we were in the right place, surrounded by people who truly care. I hope we won’t need emergency care again anytime soon, but if we do, I know exactly where we’re going. VEG ER for Pets left a lasting impression, and I’m deeply grateful for the kindness and expertise they showed us during a very difficult moment.

As a visitor to the area, it’s always hard to take a pet to an unknown vet. My pup and myself, were treated so well. The care she received and the way they share information is second to none. I’m grateful for a caring, reliable and committed service. Thank you all so much.

Thank you Dr. Rioux and the team for taking care of our Yorkie Dixie. Even though vet care can be expensive and Dixie had to be transferred to the 24/7 ER we appreciate everything you did. Support your locally owned vet offices and before anybody want to leave a bad review, keep in mind what vets have to deal with: 1. Constant emotional strain Vets deal with seriously sick animals, owners who are devastated, and tough conversations every day. It takes a toll. 2. Euthanasia They perform euthanasia far more often than most people realize. Even when it’s the right thing medically, doing it repeatedly is emotionally heavy. 3. Money vs. care conflicts Owners often want the best care but can’t afford it. Vets end up: • Feeling guilty for charging what care actually costs • Getting blamed for “not caring” • Being pressured to cut corners That moral stress builds up. 4. High student debt + lower pay Vet school is extremely expensive. New vets often leave with doctor-level debt but earn far less than human physicians. 5. Compassion fatigue and burnout They’re expected to be medical experts, counselors, and customer-service reps all at once. 6. Abuse from clients Sadly, many vets deal with verbal abuse, online attacks, and being blamed for outcomes they can’t control. Again, thank you VUCD for job well done.

I brought my cat to this urgent care for respiratory issues as this was our second visit, a week after our previous. From the start, the experience was deeply concerning. Unlike our previous visit, I was immediately separated from my cat due to her being labeled “potentially contagious,” despite the fact that prior precautions had been taken without separating us. No clear explanation was given for the sudden change in protocol. My cat was taken to the back of the facility and kept there while I waited, believing she was being brought to the exam room. Instead, I was later told she could not be handled and would need to be sedated. I repeatedly asked to be present, explaining that my presence helps her remain calm and that this has never been an issue at past veterinary visits. Each request was denied without explanation. I agreed to the medication plan but refused sedation, yet I was still left waiting without my cat and with minimal communication. I was later told that allowing me to accompany her would have been a “liability,” which made little sense—especially given that my cat is 15 years old and diabetic, where stress poses real medical risk. When I was finally reunited with her after payment, she appeared shocked and highly distressed. I also noticed her bottom was wet (not urine), which raised further concern about what occurred while she was out of my presence. Since this visit, her glucose levels have been significantly elevated, consistent with severe stress. This experience caused avoidable trauma and left me with serious concerns about transparency, communication, and handling practices. I cannot recommend this facility, particularly for senior or medically fragile pets.

I cannot recommend Veterinary Urgent Care of the Desert and Dr. Boyd highly enough. From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming, compassionate, and efficient. The clinic is clean, well-organized, and clearly designed with both pets and their owners in mind. Dr. Boyd is truly exceptional—knowledgeable, thorough, and incredibly kind. She took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and treated my pet as if they were her own. Her calm, reassuring manner made a stressful situation so much easier, and I left feeling confident that my pet had received the best possible care. What impressed me most was the combination of professionalism and genuine empathy. Veterinary Urgent Care of the Desert doesn’t just provide medical treatment; they provide peace of mind. I’m grateful to have such a reliable and caring resource in the community. If you’re looking for urgent veterinary care where your pet will be treated with skill and compassion, this is the place to go.

Excellent staff and service. This is the second time I have needed care for my dogs and I couldn’t ask for any better care. They text you 30 minutes ahead of when you are next in line so you don’t have to sit and wait.

Very Thankful for VET URGENT CARE OF THE DESERT. Had a little panic when my shephard ate the inner absortant padding of a tray of raw chicken. I called and they confirmed an instant appt, texted me their address so it was just a click to follow. The office is clean and spacious, the staff were kind, friendly, and professional. They instantly jump to is, and all was well. Thank you!