Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
24/7 Emergency Veterinary Care in Bel Air, MD
Animal Emergency Hospital has been providing 24/7 veterinary emergency and critical care services since 2008. Our hospital was founded by Angela Armstrong RVT along with Dr. Gretchen Ruby and Dr. Wendy Saubier, each bringing decades of specialized experience in emergency medicine to create a facility centered on compassionate, high-quality care. With state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, digital radiology, ultrasound, endoscopy, and surgical capabilities, our highly skilled veterinary team delivers round-the-clock monitoring and treatment for small animals, avian, and exotics.We prioritize both patient and client needs through transparent communication, advanced medical technology, and a commitment to community education through first responder training and mentorship programs. Our staff maintains expertise through ongoing professional development, including RECOVER CPR certification and specialized surgical wet labs. Over 16 years of service to Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore counties has established us as a trusted partner to over 50 local veterinary practices while maintaining our core motto: Caring, Compassionate, and Dedicated.
Services
Emergency & Critical Care
24/7 Monitoring
Digital Radiology
Ultrasound
Endoscopy
Soft Tissue Surgery
Advanced Treatments
In-House Lab
Pharmacy
Cremation Services
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care with immediate triage capabilities
- Our staff includes RVTs with decades of emergency medicine experience
- We maintain state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and surgical facilities
- Our team provides first responder pet CPR training to local fire departments
- We operate a DVM mentorship program for emergency medicine skill development
Services
Emergency & Critical Care
Our hospital provides immediate care for life-threatening conditions including trauma, poisoning, and acute illness. Veterinarians and technicians with specialized emergency training implement advanced protocols for stabilization and treatment. Services include priority triage, intensive care monitoring, and surgical intervention for critical patients.
Diagnostic Imaging
On-site diagnostic capabilities include digital radiology, ultrasound, and advanced imaging modalities. Board-certified veterinary radiologists interpret complex cases while emergency staff utilize point-of-care imaging for immediate decision-making. This technology enables rapid diagnosis of internal injuries and systemic conditions.
Surgical Services
Our surgical team performs urgent procedures including wound repair, foreign body removal, and orthopedic interventions. Operating suites equipped with electrocautery, ForceTriad technology, and plasma sterilization support complex procedures. Post-operative care includes specialized ICU monitoring for critical patients.
In-House Laboratory
Immediate access to laboratory analysis facilitates faster diagnosis and treatment decisions. Complete bloodwork profiles, urinalysis, and specialized cardiac biomarker testing deliver results within minutes. This capability proves critical for time-sensitive conditions requiring urgent intervention.
Pharmacy Services
We maintain a comprehensive inventory of life-saving pharmaceuticals for immediate administration. Blood products, monoclonal antibody treatments, and specialized medications ensure continuity of care for complex cases. Pharmacy staff coordinates with referring veterinarians for seamless treatment transitions.
People
Angela Armstrong
Hospital Founder
Angela Armstrong RVT has specialized in emergency veterinary medicine for over 35 years. She established Harford County's first emergency hospital in 1988 and co-founded Animal Emergency Hospital in 2008 to provide advanced critical care services with compassionate treatment for pets and owners.
Gretchen Ruby
Hospital Founder
Dr. Gretchen Ruby graduated from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. With over 20 years specializing in emergency medicine, she established Animal Emergency Hospital to combine advanced critical care with compassionate patient handling and client communication practices.
Wendy Saubier
Hospital Founder
Dr. Wendy Saubier earned her veterinary degree from Ross University with High Honors. After general practice experience, she transitioned to emergency medicine where she discovered her passion for urgent care. As co-founder, she implemented protocols for treating complex emergency cases with both technical precision and compassionate support.
Questions
What payment options do you accept for emergency veterinary services?
We accept cash, major credit cards, Trupanion DirectPay, CareCredit, and ScratchPay financing options to help manage emergency veterinary care costs.
How can I check-in my pet during an emergency visit?
Use our mobile check-in system by texting 'PAWS' to 34947 from your home to reduce in-hospital wait times while maintaining your place in queue.
What types of emergency services do you provide for pets?
We offer 24/7 emergency care including critical trauma treatment, surgical interventions, diagnostic imaging, and specialized ICU monitoring for dogs, cats, and select exotic animals.
Can I visit my pet while they're hospitalized?
Yes, we welcome visits but recommend scheduling during non-peak hours for better access. Isolation ward patients may have limited visiting hours to prevent cross-contamination.
Do you accept wildlife or stray animals for emergency treatment?
We treat injured strays from Harford County with proper identification and handle wildlife emergencies through coordination with authorized animal control agencies.
How do you communicate patient updates to referring veterinarians?
We provide daily faxed records and direct telephone communication to keep referring veterinarians fully informed about their patients' treatment progress and outcomes.
