Supportive, Compassionate Care When Your Pet Needs It Most
When the worst happens, every second matters. And since pet emergencies tend to happen unexpectedly and outside normal business hours, you need a team that’s prepared to jump into action at a moment’s notice.
That’s why our team at Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC) - Highland offers 24/7 emergency and critical care, 365 days a year. We are proud to have treated thousands of pets in the greater Chicagoland area and surrounding towns, such as Crown Point, Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Tinley Park and Cedar Lake, for more than a decade.
Because we’re independently backed, we personalize every pet’s treatment plan based on their needs and diagnosis. With EVCC, there's no appointment needed—just bring your pet in, and our highly-skilled and trained team of doctors and team members will take it from there.
Find Our Closest EVCC Location
Time is of the utmost importance in an emergency. That's why EVCC - Highland is located less than 45 minutes from the center of Joliet, just off Interstate 94 at the intersection of Indianapolis Blvd. and Ridge Rd.
8501 Indianapolis Blvd. Highland, IN 46322
(219) 881-1600
AAHA Accredited Emergency Vet - Joliet, IL
As part of the only 15% of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada that is AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited, we consistently meet and strive for the highest standards in veterinary medicine.
From anesthesia and surgery to sanitation, record-keeping, and medication management, every factor of our hospitals is designed to provide optimal care in a safe and supportive environment.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying About EVCC Highland
Meet Your Local
Emergency Veterinary Team
As an independently-backed 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
At EVCC Highland, our dedicated team of experienced emergency veterinarians, skilled technicians, and a compassionate support team works on every case together. With us, you can trust that your pet will receive exceptional emergency care at every stage—from diagnosis to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Emergency Vet Care
We don’t require appointments, because we know emergencies are rarely expected. All we ask is that you bring your pet in immediately if you suspect that they're experiencing a medical emergency.
Some common, potentially life-threatening emergencies we typically see include, but are not limited to:
- 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
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.
Call us and bring your pet in for evaluation immediately. If possible, bring the packaging or a sample of the food or toxin they ingested.
You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) Hotline at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
Choosing between your pet’s well-being and paying your bills shouldn’t be commonplace.
That’s why EVCC offers financing through CareCredit for those who qualify, and VetBilling for those who don’t. Visit here for more details.
While Joliet has dozens of capable ER hospitals nearby, 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.
At EVCC, we’re more than an emergency veterinary hospital—we’re a dedicated team driven by compassion, trust, and community-centered care. Founded in 2003 by 36 local veterinarians who saw the critical need for accessible emergency services in Illinois and the Midwest, we have remained independent, always putting pets’ well-being first. Learn more about our story.
Compassionate Veterinary Care When It Matters Most—All Day, Every Day
Your pet’s health is our number #1 priority, always. If your furry companion needs an urgent vet in Joliet, don’t wait—visit Emergency Veterinary Care Centers today.