How much does a Emergency Veterinarian make?
Emergency Veterinarians work in fast-paced environments, treating pets and animals in urgent situations. Their salaries reflect the critical nature of their work. On average, an Emergency Veterinarian can expect to make about $188,780 per year. This average includes a wide range of salaries, from lower to higher earners.
The data shows that the lower 10% of Emergency Veterinarians earn around $102,129 or less each year. At the other end, the top 10% earn $327,466 or more annually. Most Emergency Veterinarians fall in the middle, with salaries ranging from $147,196 to $237,331. These figures can vary based on location, experience, and the specific needs of the veterinary practice.
What are the highest paying cities for a Emergency Veterinarian?

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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $228,579
In Sacramento, a vet works in busy clinics that see many pets. The warm climate and outdoor lifestyle mean lots of pets need care. BluePearl Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals are top places to work.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $220,152
Seattle offers a mix of urban and nature. Vets help both city pets and those from the outdoors. Banfield Pet Hospital and The Animal Medical Center are well-known here. The city’s love for pets keeps demand high.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $207,306
San Diego’s mild weather and active residents mean lots of pets. Vets work in busy clinics and animal hospitals. Petco and Scripps Research are leading employers. The city’s beach lifestyle boosts the need for vet care.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $197,717
Austin has a growing pet population. Vets see many animals in a fast-paced environment. Blue Pearl and VCA Animal Hospitals are top employers. The city’s outdoor culture increases the need for emergency care.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $194,469
Denver’s altitude and outdoor activities mean many pets need urgent care. Vets work in busy settings. Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Denver and VCA Animal Hospitals are key employers. The city’s love for pets keeps demand steady.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $192,500
Dallas has a large pet population. Vets work in busy clinics. BluePearl Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals are top employers. The city’s warm climate and active lifestyle increase the need for vet care.
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Jacksonville, FL
Average Salary: $192,308
Jacksonville offers a warm climate and lots of outdoor activities. Vets see many pets needing urgent care. Banfield Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals are leading employers. The city’s pet-friendly culture boosts demand.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $185,000
Los Angeles has a high demand for vet care. Busy clinics and animal hospitals need skilled vets. BluePearl Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals are key employers. The city’s large pet population keeps demand high.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $177,344
Portland’s love for pets means lots of work for vets. The city’s outdoor lifestyle increases the need for care. Animal Emergency & Specialty Center and VCA Animal Hospitals are leading employers. The city’s warm climate and active residents boost demand.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $169,167
San Antonio has a growing pet population. Vets work in busy settings. BluePearl Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals are top employers. The city’s warm climate and outdoor lifestyle increase the need for urgent care.
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What are the best companies a Emergency Veterinarian can work for?

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Veritas Veterinary Partners
Average Salary: $218,095
Veritas Veterinary Partners offers a top-tier compensation package for Emergency Veterinarians. They focus on high-quality care and support, with locations across various states. This company values experienced veterinarians and provides ongoing training.
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Thrive Pet Healthcare
Average Salary: $198,899
Thrive Pet Healthcare offers competitive salaries for Emergency Veterinarians. They are a well-established company with multiple locations nationwide. Thrive emphasizes a supportive work environment and continuous professional development.
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ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals
Average Salary: $195,288
ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals provides attractive pay for Emergency Veterinarians. They have specialized facilities in several states, focusing on specialized care. ACCESS offers excellent benefits and a collaborative team culture.
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Global Talent Partners
Average Salary: $193,248
Global Talent Partners supports Emergency Veterinarians with competitive salaries. They operate in various locations, prioritizing quality patient care. This company offers robust training and career advancement opportunities.
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VCA Animal Hospitals
Average Salary: $190,476
VCA Animal Hospitals provides a solid salary for Emergency Veterinarians. They have numerous locations nationwide, known for excellent patient care. VCA offers ongoing professional development and a strong community focus.
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Lakefield Veterinary Group and Best Friends Pet Hotel
Average Salary: $189,727
Lakefield Veterinary Group and Best Friends Pet Hotel offer a good salary for Emergency Veterinarians. They provide comprehensive care with a focus on animal welfare. Locations include several states, and they emphasize employee well-being.
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Desert Dental Staffing
Average Salary: $176,429
Desert Dental Staffing offers competitive pay for Emergency Veterinarians. They focus on delivering high-quality care in various locations. This company prioritizes a supportive work environment and continuous learning.
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PetVet Care Centers
Average Salary: $170,184
PetVet Care Centers provides a solid salary for Emergency Veterinarians. They have multiple locations and emphasize high-quality care. This company offers professional development and a collaborative team approach.
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Ethos Veterinary Health
Average Salary: $166,052
Ethos Veterinary Health offers competitive compensation for Emergency Veterinarians. They have various locations, focusing on excellent patient care. Ethos emphasizes a supportive environment and ongoing training.
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BluePearl Pet Hospital
Average Salary: $163,360
BluePearl Pet Hospital provides attractive pay for Emergency Veterinarians. They have numerous locations, prioritizing specialized care. This company offers excellent benefits and professional growth opportunities.
How to earn more as a Emergency Veterinarian?
An Emergency Veterinarian often deals with high-pressure situations but also has the potential for higher earnings. This field rewards certain skills and experiences that can lead to better pay. Focus on areas where skills and experience meet the demands of the job. Here are some key factors to consider for earning more in this role:
First, gaining experience matters greatly. Emergency Veterinarians with more years in the field and experience in various types of emergencies often earn more. Specialized training in critical care can also lead to higher earnings. Experience shows one can handle difficult cases and emergencies effectively.
Second, location plays a significant role. Urban areas or regions with a high demand for emergency vet services often offer higher salaries. Consider moving to or working in areas where demand is greater. Also, consider the cost of living in the area, as this can affect net earnings.
- Advanced Education: Achieving additional certifications or degrees can boost earning potential.
- Specialized Skills: Skills like surgery, diagnostics, or critical care can lead to higher pay.
- Hospital Affiliations: Working with high-end veterinary hospitals or those with a good reputation can lead to better salaries.
- Leadership Roles: Taking on roles such as department head or clinical director can result in higher earnings.
- Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying job opportunities.



