VCA Metzger Animal Hospital

Our Story

At VCA Metzger Animal Hospital, we help pets live long, healthy and happy lives. We deliver the best medical care for pets and the best experience for pet owners.

Our veterinarians, technicians and other pet-friendly support staff are trained to the highest standards. Their thorough knowledge of the latest procedures and medications ensures that all our patients receive the best in preventive and healing care.

Hometown Care at VCA Metzger Animal Hospital

Welcome to VCA Metzger Animal Hospital. We are AAHA-accredited and a Level III Certified Emergency Veterinary Facility providing around-the-clock care to State College, Bellefonte, Altoona, Clearfield, and all of Central Pennsylvania. We offer a variety of veterinary services to pets, both big and small, including wellness care, surgical services, rehabilitation and physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and much more! We are available when you need us.

What sets VCA Metzger apart?

Our certifications! Many pet owners choose their veterinarian based on recommendations from their friends or neighbors, location or an Internet search. We feel CERTIFICATION is extremely important because it’s the ONLY way pet owners can compare apples to apples. Be CERTAIN your veterinarian and your veterinary hospital are CERTIFIED.

VCA Metzger Animal Hospital's certification summary:

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- Dual certified (general practice and referral/specialty)
American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC)
- Level III Certified Emergency Veterinary Hospital
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
- Certified Feline Friendly Practice
American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)

How are overnight patients monitored?

We have 24-hour care with an emergency doctor and technicians on site at ALL times. VCA Metzger Animal Hospital is a Level III VECCS (Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society) Certified Veterinary Emergency Hospital.

There are ONLY two VECCS certified emergency veterinary hospitals in Pennsylvania including:

University of Pennsylvania Ryan Veterinary Hospital in Philadelphia
VCA Metzger Animal Hospital in State College

What sort of equipment does VCA Metzger use?

We are the most advanced veterinary hospital in central Pennsylvania. Our specialized instrumentation include; CT (CAT scan), fluoroscopy, digital X-ray, laparoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound, echocardiography, 13 anesthesia units with ventilation, Midmark anesthetic monitors, Aero spray slide strainer and cytoprep, Olympus specialty pathology microscope, 26 IV fluid pumps, two Snyder oxygen treatment units and a practivet syringe pump.

Does VCA Metzger refer patients to specialists?

Yes, BUT we have two specialists on staff ourselves, so we frequently receive patients from other veterinarians. We have the only board-certified specialists in Central Pennsylvania.

A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed additional training in a specific area of veterinary medicine and has passed an examination that evaluates their knowledge and skills in that specialty area. Currently, there are 22 AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organizations comprising 41 distinct specialties.\

How are patients evaluated before anesthesia and surgery?

We have mandatory preanesthetic blood testing included in the price and we perform the testing the morning of the anesthetic procedure. Our trained and certified veterinary technicians closely monitor our patients and utilize state of the art anesthetic monitoring instrumentation (end tidal CO2, pulse oximetry, EKG, blood pressure).

Does VCA Metzger have licensed veterinary technicians on staff?

VCA Metzger Animal Hospital has 23 certified veterinary technicians on staff!

A certified veterinary technician has many duties that are vital to the health care of our pets. Certified veterinary technicians complete a 2-3 year degree at an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician college then must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination to obtain the title of certified veterinary technician (CVT).

What is VCA Metzger's protocol for pain management?

We have advanced pain management protocols that are used at veterinary teaching hospitals and are continually updated. In addition, we have our rehabilitation center, which is equipped with an underwater treadmill, uses therapeutic ultrasound, e-stim and veterinary chiropractic care. Our rehabilitation center is staffed by certified professionals: Dr. Bob Rider, DVM, CCRT; Dr. Kevin McCarthy, DC, ACVC; and Physical Therapist, Anne Risaliti, PT, CCRT.

American Animal Hospital Association

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) sets the standard for quality veterinary care for companion animals. As an accredited hospital, we voluntarily uphold the Association's high standards in 18 different areas and are routinely evaluated on over 900 different standards of veterinary care. Not all animal hospitals are accredited, and we are proud to be amongst only 12-15% of veterinary hospitals that hold this honor.

American Association of Feline Practitioners

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) represents practitioners in the veterinary community who are passionate about the care of cats and supports its members in improving the health and welfare of feline patients. With a reputation as a leader in the field of feline medicine, the AAFP helps veterinary practices establish a feline-friendly environment that reduces stress for cats during veterinary visits.

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) offers certification programs to veterinary facilities that provide emergency and critical patient care. This certification is to recognize those hospitals that meet and exceed the minimum standards and guidelines published by the VECCS. The VECCS does this to raise the standard of care, while also increasing public and professional awareness in the area of veterinary emergency and critical patient care.

In Our Community

We harness the scale and strength of our global network while acknowledging each individual's contribution. We work locally to improve the lives of all who interact with our brand.

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ASPCA Poison Control Center Hotline

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is staffed 24 hours with veterinary health professionals who have been specially trained in veterinary toxicology. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the ASPCA 24 hour emergency Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Pet Poison Helpline

Worried that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance? Contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
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