Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care
I Have An Emergency
Who We Are at AERC
Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC) is proud to be a locally-owned veterinary practice, deeply rooted in the Twin Cities community. Since opening our doors in 1980, we’ve grown into a trusted resource for both primary care veterinarians and pet owners. Today, our team includes experts across multiple specialties as well as a dedicated emergency staff, all working together to provide advanced care when pets need it most.
Locally Owned, Locally Invested
AERC is proud to be the only emergency and specialty veterinary center in Minnesota that is 100% owned by local veterinarians. Unlike corporate-owned hospitals, every decision about patient care and hospital operations is made right here by veterinarians and leaders who live in the community—and who care deeply about the pets and families we serve.
We Understand How you Feel About Your Pet
At AERC, every patient is family. From emergency medicine to specialty services, our collaborative approach means pets receive comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to their unique needs. We also believe in supporting pet families through what can be stressful times, offering guidance, reassurance, and clear communication every step of the way.
Having a sick or injured pet is stressful. We understand. Every doctor and staff member here is a pet owner. Trust us to keep you informed about the care your pet receives at our center and to pay special attention to your needs as well. We promise to treat you and your pet with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Want to get to know the people behind the care?
Our Values
Our principles guide everything we do:
- Compassion: treating every pet like our own and supporting families with empathy.
- Collaboration: working closely with primary care veterinarians and specialists to provide seamless care.
- Innovation: using advanced technology and treatments to achieve the best outcomes.
- Every Pet: We care for more than just dogs and cats. Birds, guinea pigs, snakes, hamsters, ferrets, and many other exotic pets are welcome at our hospital. With over three decades of experience, we are Minnesota’s only emergency center with extensive expertise in treating exotic animals.
- Community: remaining deeply connected to the Twin Cities and the people who call it home.
Being locally owned allows us to stay focused on what matters most: strengthening the bond between pets and their families. Our roots in this community mean that when a pet needs help, the people making decisions about their care are right here—neighbors, colleagues, and fellow animal lovers.
For questions or to learn more, contact us today.
