Personalized, Quality Care Without the Big City Congestion
When your pet is facing a medical emergency, you need care immediately. Unlike crowded Chicago emergency vet hospitals where traffic congestion and long wait times can add unnecessary stress to an already stressful situation, Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC) - Highland offers compassionate care without compromising urgency and skill.
Our emergency-only hospital is built to provide prompt, compassionate veterinary emergency care with a streamlined triage process that minimizes wait times. Unlike larger specialty practices, our focused approach ensures your pet gets the attention they need, when they need it most.
With a welcoming environment and a dedicated team that goes the extra mile, EVCC-Highland is the trusted choice for Chicago pet owners seeking exceptional care just a short drive away.
Our ER Wait Times
Like human emergency hospitals, we use a triage system to ensure that the most critical patients receive immediate attention.
Upon arrival, our team will immediately assess your pet’s condition and prioritize treatment based on urgency. While some cases require rapid intervention, others may be stable enough to wait comfortably.*
Our goal is to always provide the best possible care while keeping reasonable wait times, ensuring every pet receives the medical attention they deserve.
*At any time during your wait, please let us know if your pet’s condition changes, so we can reassess their triage status.
Find Our Closest EVCC Location
In less than an hour's drive, you’ll find yourself at our Highland facility, which offers ample parking in an accessible location. EVCC Highland is located just off of Interstate 94 at the intersection of Indianapolis Blvd. and Ridge Rd.
8501 Indianapolis Blvd. Highland, IN 46322
(219) 881-1600
AAHA Accredited Emergency Vet - Chicago, IL
As one of the 15% of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada that is AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited, we are recognized for consistently meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine.
From anesthesia and surgery to sanitation, record-keeping, and medication management, every aspect of our hospital is designed to provide optimal care in a safe and compassionate environment.
What People Are Saying About EVCC Highland
“Live in Illinois and traveled here for care of my dog who had blood in her urine. Over the phone, they were upfront about wait time and cost and provided guidance on what I should do.
It was New Year’s Eve. I decided to wake up and go at 5 am since there was a wait time that night. Got right in, considerate of costs and try to do limited tests. Kept me informed the whole time.
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff and Dr. Exceptionally clean for an animal facility! Will come back for any future emergency!"
Carrie B.
“It started when I walked in the front desk treated me like I was the only patient. Shortly after being there, we were escorted into our room.
Our tech gave the utmost care for my little girl and answered my questions (which I had plenty of). The Dr was very thorough and caring and listened to all my concerns and made sure I felt good about the diagnosis and moving forward.
The facility was clean. And the prices weren't outrageous at all. I drove from the south suburbs of Chicago because of the ratings here and I'm so glad I did! Thank you so much!”
Jessica K.
"This place was fabulous, we brought our very sick Boston Mix in. From the front desk, the techs, nurses and the doctors, everybody was kind, wonderful, understanding, and very caring for our sweet doggie. There was a two or three hour wait when I first came in, which I did not have a problem with.
They advised me of this when I first walked in. It is an emergency center after all. It's also the best rate we found for the care that we received.
We traveled from Tinley Park it was well worth it. Our Bandit is now home and doing okay after a one-night stay for hydration Thank you again, EVCC!”
Jane H.
“Hands down the best decision I could have made as it pertained to my pet. He had a medical emergency, and I bypassed two hospitals in Illinois to go there. The immediate care and concern for my pet was without hesitation or reservation.
Dr. Mink and her team were absolutely Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! Thank each and every one of you for your incredible commitment and dedication to the fur babies!”
Anthony M.
Meet Our ER Vet Team
We’re different at EVCC. As an independent emergency vet hospital, we genuinely care about whoever walks through our door—whether it be a sick pet, their parent, or one of our own team members.
Dr. Kerry O'Conner, DVM Medical Director, EVCC Highland
Amy Michael, RVT, LVT Hospital Manager, EVCC Highland
With a dedicated team of experienced emergency veterinarians, skilled technicians, and a compassionate support team on every case, you can trust that your pet will receive exceptional urgent care at every stage—from diagnosis to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) From Pet Owners (Like You!)
Emergencies are unexpected. That’s why we don’t require appointments and welcome walk-ins. All we ask is that you bring your pet in immediately if you suspect that they're experiencing a medical emergency.
For pet owners, it can be difficult to determine what's truly an emergency and what's not. However, some common emergencies we regularly see include:
- Trauma, such as an attack by another animal or being hit by a moving vehicle
- Ingestion of a toxic food or substance
- Increase in breathing rate or effort
- Any vomiting or diarrhea in a puppy or kitten
- Vomiting repeatedly or having multiple episodes of diarrhea in an adult dog
- Retching repeatedly
- Blood in urine or straining to produce urine
- Red, painful, or swollen eyes
- A swollen or distended abdomen
- Bites from snakes, wasps, or bees
- Refusing to eat for more than 24 hours
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Pale gums
- Weakness
- If your pet seems to be in too much pain to move or rest comfortably
- Seizures
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you're worried about your pet's condition but are unsure if it's an emergency or not, you can always call us first at (219) 881-1600.
Yes. We offer financing through CareCredit for those who qualify, and VetBilling for those who don’t. Visit here for more details.
If possible, bring your pet’s medical records, a list of any medications they are taking, and a form of payment. If your pet ingested something toxic, bring the packaging or a sample if you have it.*
*Additionally, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) Hotline at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
While the Windy City has dozens of capable ER hospitals, many experience frequent overcrowding. While we cannot guarantee wait times on any given day, we can say that EVCC Highland follows a streamlined triage process that minimizes wait times while prioritizing prompt, quality care.
Plus, with less than a 40-minute drive from the center of Chicago, you may find yourself saving time in an emergency, where every second counts.
At EVCC, we’re more than just an emergency vet hospital—we’re a team driven by compassion, trust, and community-focused care. Established in 2003 by 36 local veterinarians who recognized the urgent need for accessible emergency services in the Midwest, we have remained independent, always prioritizing the health and well-being of pets.
Unlike corporate-owned ER hospitals, our decisions are guided by what’s best for your pet, allowing us to adapt quickly and provide the highest quality care without restrictions.
When you bring your pet to EVCC, you’re choosing a team that treats them like their own. With over two decades of experience and ongoing involvement from 18 of our founding veterinarians, we’ve built a legacy of care, trust, and integrity. Our mission isn’t about profits—it’s about delivering life-saving emergency care when your pet needs it most, supported by a team that truly cares.
We’re Here for You and Your Pet—Any Time, Any Day
Your pet’s health is our number #1 priority, always. If your furry family member needs an emergency vet near the Chicago area, don’t wait—visit Emergency Veterinary Care Centers today.