Clinic center: VEG ER for Pets becomes Official Animal Hospital of the Boston Red Sox, Vets Pets to open Asheville urgent care following Hurricane Helene devastation, and more

VEG ER for Pets has been named the Official Animal Hospital of the Boston Red Sox, kicking off a multi-year partnership that includes a presenting sponsorship of the team's "Service Dog of the Game" recognition. Meanwhile, in Asheville, North Carolina, Vets Pets is set to open AVL Animal Urgent Care this summer after Hurricane Helene destroyed the nearly complete facility in 2024, forcing a full rebuild from the ground up. And in Lynwood, California, Simon Veterinary Surgical has opened a new state-of-the-art surgical center, expanding the practice's reach across the greater Los Angeles area.

VEG ER for Pets named Official Animal Hospital of the Boston Red Sox

VEG ER for Pets, a national provider of 24-hour emergency veterinary care, has been named the Official Animal Hospital of the Boston Red Sox baseball team in a multi-year, exclusive partnership. As part of the agreement, VEG has also been named presenting partner of the team's "Service Dog of the Game" program, which recognizes service dogs and their handlers during pre-game ceremonies and on the centerfield jumbotron at every Tuesday home game at Fenway Park.

“We’re proud to welcome VEG ER for Pets as the Official Animal Hospital of the Boston Red Sox,” Troup Parkinson, chief marketing & partnerships officer, Boston Red Sox, said in a news release.¹ “Pets are part of the family for so many members of Red Sox Nation, and this partnership allows us to connect our fans with a trusted, innovative leader in emergency veterinary care while also shining a spotlight on the incredible impact of service dogs in our communities.” The partnership brings visibility to VEG's emergency hospitals in Massachusetts, with locations in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Peabody, and Shrewsbury.

Vets Pets to open AVL Animal Urgent Care in Asheville, North Carolina

Vets Pets, a North Carolina-based cooperative network of veterinary hospitals, has announced that AVL Animal Urgent Care will open this summer at 17 Bryson Street in Asheville's Biltmore area after Hurricane Helene destroyed the previous building’s interior in 2024. The hospital will be led by Ethan Abrams, DVM, and will offer same-day and walk-in urgent care for companion animals at a lower cost than an emergency room visit. In an announcement, the organization said it identified a gap in central Asheville, where most emergency and after-hours veterinary options are concentrated in the southern part of the city, and began construction on the new facility in the summer of 2024.

The hospital was weeks from opening when Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in September 2024, flooding the newly built facility and destroying the interior. The storm forced a complete strip-down to the shell and a full rebuild. Abrams, who brings experience in emergency medicine, critical care, and general practice, remained committed to the project throughout the setback.

"The devastation of Hurricane Helene was heartbreaking," Steve Thomas, CEO of Vets Pets, said in a company announcement.² "Our hospital was one small part of a much larger loss across Western North Carolina. This community has shown incredible resilience, and we're proud to be part of the rebuild and open our doors." Shannon Bass, DVM, vice president of medical leadership at Vets Pets, noted that the need that originally brought the organization to Asheville remains unchanged. AVL Animal Urgent Care will be open from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and accept same-day and walk-in patients.

Simon Veterinary Surgical opens new location in Lynwood, California

Simon Veterinary Surgical (SVS) has opened a new state-of-the-art surgical center at 11644 Atlantic Ave in Lynwood, California, marking the practice's second location alongside its Sherman Oaks site. The Lynwood facility, described by the organization as the first dedicated veterinary surgery center in the city,³ was planned by founder and head surgeon Patricia Simon, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, to optimize workflow and improve patient care. The expansion is expected to create more than 20 new jobs and extend access to specialized veterinary care across Southern Los Angeles County.³

The Lynwood center features advanced surgical suites for orthopedic and soft tissue procedures, full-service dental care, and an on-site rehabilitation department that includes an underwater treadmill. The practice also offers Synovetin OA, platelet-rich plasma, shockwave therapy, and cold laser. SVS operates on a flat-rate surgical model and includes complimentary recheck appointments, cold laser therapy sessions, follow-up X-rays, and a physical rehabilitation session as part of its surgical care packages.

Founded in 2017, SVS has built its reputation by focusing exclusively on surgery, with a team that includes Simon alongside Brandon Sherman, DVM. The practice performs orthopedic and advanced soft tissue procedures and accepts referrals from primary care veterinarians across the region. For clients who need financial support, SVS also offers a GoFundMe campaign template to support pet owners fundraising for surgical costs.

VEG currently operates in more than 130 locations across the US and Canada, offering 24/7 emergency care, urgent care, diagnostics, surgery, point-of-care ultrasounds, X-rays, end-of-life care, and hospitalization.

References

1. VEG ER for Pets named Official Animal Hospital of the Boston Red Sox. News release. VEG ER for Pets. May 18 2026. Accessed June 11, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260518462498/en/VEG-ER-for-Pets-Named-Official-Animal-Hospital-of-the-Boston-Red-Sox
2. Vets Pets to open AVL Animal Urgent Care in Asheville after Hurricane Helene forced a complete rebuild. News release. Vets Pets. May 12, 2026. Accessed June 11, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vets-pets-to-open-avl-animal-urgent-care-in-asheville-after-hurricane-helene-forced-a-complete-rebuild-302766969.html
3. About Simon Veterinary Surgical. Simon Veterinary Surgical. Accessed June 11, 2026. https://www.simonvetsurgical.com/home/#about-svs