Call before you drive. An exotic animal veterinarian is not on duty at every hour in every hospital. Tell the team the species and the problem, and ask whether they can see your pet now or which hospital can.
Emergency hospitals that see exotic pets near Elgin
VEG Schaumburg
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group1287 East Higgins Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173Exotic petsWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202614 miles(847) 430-4938VEG Buffalo Grove
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group43 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089Exotic petsWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202620 miles(847) 754-3996VEG Oak Brook
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group1735 West 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523Exotic petsWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202623 miles(331) 808-2720VEG Naperville
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group3204 Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564Exotic petsWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202624 miles(630) 503-7415VEG Lincoln Park
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group755 West North Avenue, Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60610Exotic petsICUWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202636 miles(312) 757-5444VEG South Loop
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group1114 South Clinton Street, Chicago South Loop, IL 60607Exotic petsBlood transfusionWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202637 miles(872) 710-5226
Listed only where the hospital's own website says it treats exotic species; the quote shows the wording. Distances are straight-line from the center of Elgin. For dogs and cats, see all emergency vets in Elgin.
While you travel
- Birds: keep the bird warm (a covered carrier in a warm car) and quiet; do not offer food or water if it is weak or breathing with effort.
- Rabbits: a rabbit that stops eating or passing droppings for 12 hours needs the same-day attention of a veterinarian.
- Reptiles: transport in a secure, ventilated container at the animal's normal temperature range; avoid overheating in the car.
Poison emergencies
If you think your pet swallowed something toxic
Call one of the two national animal poison lines while you get ready to leave. Both are staffed by veterinary toxicology specialists around the clock; expect a consultation fee per case.
ASPCA (888) 426-4435 Helpline (855) 764-7661
Numbers checked on the official ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline sites, November 2026. What to do while you call. Dose calculators: chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, ibuprofen.