Before 1973, when family veterinarians closed for the day, or if a pet’s traumatic injury or illness was beyond the scope of the family veterinarian, options for treatment in Contra Costa County were almost nonexistent. Initial attempts to solve the problem relied on local veterinarians sharing on-call duties for after-hours and weekend emergencies. In addition to their regular office hours, those on call could expect another 10 to 14 hours knowing anything could happen—and if an emergency arose, the practice’s regular support staff wouldn’t be on hand to assist.

There had to be a better way, and they brainstormed how to share emergency on-call situations using qualified staff. The collaborative efforts of the county’s veterinarians resulted in a solution, and they opened and incorporated a central facility dedicated to emergency service in 1973. Initially, relief veterinarians and shareholders in the new venture staffed the hours at Contra Costa Veterinary Emergency Center (CCVEC).

Dr. Daryl Schawel joined the group in 1977 as the first fulltime veterinarian dedicated to emergency medicine. Dr. Robert Simmons and Dr. Richard Groff joined the staff in 1979 and 1980, respectively. As staffing levels increased, CCVEC broadened the scope and availability of service by offering open hours 24/7. CCVEC has operated without interruption since then, developing a specialty emergency practice that provides quality emergency services, intensive care, plus relief from painful non-life-threatening pet ailments every day of the year, every hour of the day. Veterinarians Schawel and Groff continue to practice at CCVEC today.

In addition to the qualifications of each staff veterinarian, there’s much emphasis at CCVEC on continuity of care — evidenced by overlapping shifts to maintain excellent communications about cases—and dedication to consistent information exchange with both referring veterinarians and pet owners. Dr. Schawel states that CCVEC is dedicated to “the best care for the patients and the best communication with the owners.”

The record of your pet’s treatment at CCVEC is always faxed to your regular veterinarian, to honor the center’s commitment to the original practice and to ensure seamless transfer of your animal’s care.

CCVEC is the go-to authority for media as well as pet people and veterinarians. We assist reporters and researchers with information and commentary, and consult with referring veterinarians continuously.

Every member of CCVEC staff is an animal owner, caretaker, foster parent. We understand your pet is a family member, and our mission is to offer the finest care possible when you need us.

What We Offer

Diagnostics

• Blood counts, chemistries, clotting ..tests
• Blood pressure and blood gas ..analysis
• X-rays and ultrasounds
• Electrocardiograms and endoscopy

Therapy

• Continuous oxygen
• Chest tubes and suction
• Mechanical ventilator
• Intravenous feeding
• Plasma, blood, synthetic transfusions
• Rattlesnake anti-venin
• Poison antidotes

Specialty Surgery Services Available

• Laceration/bite wound repair
• Caesarean section
• Foreign body removal
• Pre-surgical fracture stabilization
• Auto accident trauma treatment
• Internal bleeding
• Additional Surgical Board specialists