Personalized Care for When Your Pet Needs Us the Most
The human animal bond is truly something special. That's why when your pet experiences a medical emergency, you need a reliable team prepared to act quickly. At Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC) - Highland, we provide 24/7/365 emergency and critical care to pets in Kankakee County and surrounding areas, such as Crown Point, Bourbonnais, Joliet, Cedar Lake, Munster, and more.
As an independent emergency veterinary hospital, we focus on tailored pet care and adapt to new challenges and innovative technologies. And since emergencies typically happen unexpectedly, there's no appointment needed—just bring your pet in, and our highly skilled doctors and team members will take it from there.
Find Our Closest EVCC Location
We can't say it enough—time is of the essence in an emergency.
That's why EVCC - Highland is located less than an hour from the center of Kankakee, 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 - Kankakee, 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 Your Neighbors Are Saying About EVCC Highland
Meet Our Emergency Veterinary Team
At EVCC, 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 us 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.
Call us right away and bring your pet in for evaluation. 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.
Yes. We offer financing through CareCredit for those who qualify, and VetBilling for those who don’t. Visit here for more details.
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 well-being of pets.
Unlike corporate-owned ER clinics, our decisions are guided solely 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 Your Pet—24/7/365
Your pet’s health is our number #1 priority, always. If your furry family member needs a Kankakee emergency vet, don’t wait—visit Emergency Veterinary Care Centers today.