AnimERge provides high quality emergency veterinary care services in our state-of-the-art facility to meet all of your pet's urgent care needs. We want you to feel confident that even when your family vet isn't available, your animal companion can still receive the care required to keep them healthy and happy. Our board certified veterinarians and highly skilled support team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are well-trained to handle urgent medical care situations. We want you to feel confident placing your pet's emergency care needs in our capable hands.
Emergency Services FAQ's
Our emergency service is fully staffed and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Do I need to call first?
No appointment is necessary for emergency services, but please call ahead. This will allow us to be best prepared for your arrival. We may also be able to suggest first aid measures you can take immediately to improve the outcome of the situation.
How long will we wait?
Our emergency department sees patients on a first come, first served basis. Extremely critical and life-threatening cases take priority. We will do our very best to accommodate you and your pet as quickly as possible.
How much will it cost?
If your pet requires diagnostic tests or hospitalization, you will be presented with a treatment plan outlining the estimated costs for your pet's medical care. For patients admitted to the hospital, a deposit will be required with the balance due upon discharge. Payment is due at the time of service for all outpatient visits. We accept all major credit cards, approved checks, ATM transactions and CareCredit, a veterinary financing service.
Is a doctor always here when pets are hospitalized?
AnimERge employs several full-time veterinarians and a support staff of technicians, client care specialists and assistants. There is always a veterinarian and a team of trained staff on site to assist you and provide continual care and supervision in the event that your pet requires hospitalization.
How will my regular vet be informed of my pet's emergency treatment?
In the event of an emergency, we suggest that you call your regular veterinarian first. This will alert your vet that your pet has a problem and you may be provided with initial advice. Many local veterinarians will refer you to AnimERge for evaluation and treatment if they are unavailable or based on the type of care your pet requires. If your veterinarian refers you to AnimERge for emergency or specialty care, they will send over your pet's medical records. After your pet's visit, we will contact your family veterinarian to inform him or her of your visit, advise them of what diagnostic or therapeutic treatments were administered, and provide a complete summary so that their office may provide any necessary follow up care.
What is the procedure for discharging my pet?
Clients with pets cared for by our emergency service are typically advised to pick up their pets by 8 a.m. on weekday mornings and transfer them to their regular veterinarian's facility if they require additional or ongoing care. Our emergency doctor will call your veterinarian regarding the transfer and be sure that all records are sent over at that time. If a patient is too unstable to safely transport, or if a pet owner specifically requests ongoing 24-hour care, we will continue care at AnimERge and promptly fax records to your family veterinarian's office to keep them up to date on your pet's condition. If an examination reveals a need for complex surgery or other specialty care, we will make every effort to contact your veterinarian to discuss the case and determine your preferences for case management.
Pet Dermatology Services
If your pet has been constantly itching and scratching lately, it may be a result of a skin condition. Just like humans, our animal companions are susceptible to a number of skin problems, which can negatively impact their overall health and wellbeing. The good news is the veterinary dermatology specialists at AnimERge in Raritan can help! Our team is well-equipped to analyze, diagnose, and treat dozens of skin conditions by first determining the cause. With our advanced dermatology services, our goal is to put an end to your pet's discomfort and help him or her recover as quickly and effectively as possible. With years of training and experience in veterinary dermatology, our specialists can differentiate between the various conditions associated with pet skin conditions. This allows for the more accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment.
Common Pet Skin Conditions
If you know or suspect that your pet is experiencing any of these conditions, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with our veterinary dermatologist by calling (908) 300-5050. Prior to your appointment, please print and fill out our Dermatology and Allergy Service Client Questionnaire. Your responses will help us better diagnose and treat your pet's condition. Some of the most common conditions that we treat at AnimERge include:
Allergies
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Chronic scratching
Skin parasites
Hair loss
Oncology
When your pet receives a diagnosis of cancer, it can be devastating.
At AnimERge, we understand the whirlwind of emotions you are experiencing and we're here to help. Our Oncology Specialists are highly skilled, using innovative medical techniques that are designed to help fight. Our goal is to give your pet the highest quality of life and improve the length of life with the utmost compassionate care. We are here to help you and your pet through this challenging and stressful time with trust and warmth.
We want you to know that cancer can be quite treatable!
With the many advances in science and veterinary medicine, we are now able to aggressively treat a wide variety of oncological diseases, including but not limited to: Tumors (oral, nasal, prostate, bladder, thyroid, breast, liver, splenic); Melanoma; Sarcomas; Carcinomas; Lymphoma; Breast Cell Tumors.
While not every patient we treat will overcome cancer
We promise to deliver as timely and accurate information as possible so that the appropriate course of treatment can be determined and implemented, improving the chances of a positive outcome. The specialists at AnimERge will work closely with you and your regular veterinarian every step of the way to develop the most effective plan for your pet, whether it's surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or some combination.
Cancer in pets is a frightening diagnosis, but we are here to help
With the right team in your corner, you can help your pet fight this disease and hopefully go on to live a long, happy life.
Pet Surgery in Raritan
When it comes to your pet, dealing with a surgery can be a traumatic time, but it is often an inevitable part of a pet's life. The caring team at AnimERge understands these concerns, which is why we place a strong emphasis on patient comfort and safety with our surgical services. Our surgical suite is equipped with the latest technology and monitoring equipment, so we can closely monitor your pet's vital signs before, during, and following surgery. Our veterinary professionals are skilled to handle any procedure that your pet may need, whether it is a routine or emergency surgery.
Making a Decision About Your Pet's Surgery
We firmly believe that effective communication with our clients is beneficial in providing our patients with the best possible care. We know you may have many questions when you discover that your pet needs surgery, so before making a treatment decision, we first discuss the benefits of our recommendations and address your questions. We also provide a thorough explanation of what to expect through every stage of surgery, so you can be as informed as possible before electing treatment.
What to Expect Before Surgery
To prepare your pet for surgery, we generally recommend that you withhold food and water 12 hours prior to your appointment time. This will prevent certain problems and adverse reactions from anesthesia from occurring. We conduct pre-anesthetic blood work prior to any procedure we perform to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for surgery. If necessary, we rely on diagnostic imaging to more accurately determine your pet's health status. For your pet's comfort and well-being, we follow strict safety and pain management protocols during surgery preparation.
What to Expect After Surgery
After your pet's surgery is complete, we will place him or her in a post-operative recovery area as the anesthesia wears off. Our veterinary care team will continue to monitor him or her during this time. When you arrive to pick up your pet, we will provide you with detailed at-home instructions for post-operative care instructions and pain medication, so your companion can recover comfortably and quickly as possible. Please feel free to Contact Us anytime if you have questions while your pet is recovering.
Pet Internal Medicine
Veterinary internal medicine involves the diagnosis and treatment of non-surgical diseases of the internal organs such as the endocrine system, liver, kidneys, intestines, and lungs.
This process involves a combination of a detailed review of patient history, a series of specific questions for the pet owner, a thorough physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. Tools such as blood screens, x-rays, and ultrasound allow our veterinarians to get a good look at what is happening inside your pet's body, so an accurate and timely diagnosis can be reached and the appropriate treatment plan can be developed and implemented.
At AnimERge, we offer comprehensive internal medicine services to help manage the ongoing health of your pet.
Additionally, our convenient in-house laboratory provides fast and accurate test results. As always, our goal is to help your pet return to a normal, healthy lifestyle as quickly as possible.
Procedures Routinely Performed
Endoscopy, including GI, bonchoscopy, and rhinoscopy
Bone marrow aspiration
Radiography
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Nephrology / urology
Hematology
Respiratory and infectious diseases
Pet Opthalmology
Pet Opthalmology
Pets can suffer from many of the same eye problems as humans. Our board certified veterinary ophthalmologists are available to provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plans for such conditions as vision problems, cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and many more. The board certified specialists at AnimERge are experienced in treating a wide variety of optical conditions using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques designed to get the best possible results for your animal companion. Whatever type of eye problem your pet is experiencing, we're ready and able to help!
Pet Integrative Medicine
Though board certification is not offered for Integrative Medicine, our acupuncturist is a graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine and is certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
As more people seek out holistic and alternative therapies for themselves, pet owners are pursuing the same treatments for their animal companions.
Integrative veterinary medicine combines the benefits of traditional medicine with holistic and alternative therapies to address the whole animal.
AnimERge offers a variety of healthcare treatment
Options that complement traditional veterinary medicine such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and nutritional therapy. These modalities help treat illness, manage pain, and prevent disease, and can be prescribed as part of a complete wellness program for your pet.
Common Conditions We Treat
Degenerative Joint Disease, Osteoarthritis, Hip Dysplasia
Invertebral Disc Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy
Kidney and Liver Disease
Wobbler Syndrome
Anxiety
Allergies
Increased Quality of Life for Cancer Patients
Services We Offer:
Acupuncture / Electroacupuncture / Aquapuncture
Chinese and Western Herbs
Homeopathy / Homotoxicology
Nutraceuticals / Nutrition
Our Veterinary Team
AnimERge is staffed with a team of experienced, compassionate veterinarians to care for your pet when it matters most. Click on the names below to learn more about our team, and let us know if you have any questions.
Dr. Dean Newton DVM, Medical Director
Dr. Dean Newton has been the Director of AnimERge since 1989. He is a 1976 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. He worked in general practice in upstate NY for several years. He then continued his education with a residency in theriogenology at Michigan State University, followed by employment with the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine in the department of pathology. Dr. Newton came to the Garden State as the chief veterinarian of Lana Lobell Farms, a large Standardbred nursery where he was responsible for the care of 1,200 animals, comprising the breeding program, reproductive pathology and microbiology, and foal and yearling care. He has participated in many clinical trials, including the use of innovative vaccines and treatments in horses. He brings his wealth of experience in all aspects of veterinary medicine to AnimERge, where he has enjoyed being an emergency clinician since 1989. In 2006 Dr. Newton spearheaded an ambitious expansion and remodeling project, transforming AnimERge into a 24/7 facility in May of 2007. With the enhanced technologies and additional medical space available, he helped AnimERge add specialty services by bringing on a full-time board certified surgeon and two part-time ophthalmologists with others soon to follow. Dr. Newton is a member of the AVMA, NJVMA, NJ Metropolitan VMA, AAEP, and the Society of Theriogenology. He has four children, one of whom is preparing for a career in veterinary medicine. His wife, Dr. Karan Oberhansley, has a successful small animal practice. His interests include biking, fishing, and aviation, and he is also a part-time flight instructor.
Dr. Andrea Freeman VMD, MS (Emergency Clinician)
A native of Hunterdon County, NJ, Dr. Freeman obtained her bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis. While in college, she worked as a veterinary technician in small animal and equine general practice as well as at a small animal emergency and referral practice. She also raised and assisted in the training of service dogs. Dr. Freeman then completed a master's degree at Columbia University with a focus on wildlife health and parasitology. Following graduate school, Dr. Freeman moved to Philadelphia to continue her research in parasitology at the University of Pennsylvania for two years prior to obtaining her veterinary degree, also from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Freeman's veterinary parasitology research conducted at field sites in Africa and Argentina for the Wildlife Conservation Society and Smithsonian Institute, at the Bronx Zoo, and at the University of Pennsylvania has led to a number of publications in peer-reviewed veterinary journals. After veterinary school, Dr. Freeman practiced at a busy small animal practice in Middlesex County, NJ, prior to joining the staff at AnimERge full time. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, playing the piano and spending time with her pets, including visiting hospitals with her certified therapy dog, Annie.
Dr. Barbara Guy, DVM (Emergency Clinician)
Since the age of 12, Dr. Guy knew she wanted to become a veterinarian, after being inspired by grandfather, who also wanted to be a veterinarian as a child, but could not afford to go to college. His love for animals stirred her love for animals. She combined this love with her caregiving personality and intellect in her decision to pursue veterinary medicine, fulfilling her dream and that of her grandfather. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Guy's veterinary career began with her own private practice, where she specialized in equine medicine, but she eventually shifted toward emergency veterinary care and joined the team at AnimERge in 2007. To stay current on the latest in veterinary medicine, she holds affiliations with the American Veterinary Medical Association and Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. She has also completed continuing education courses at North American Veterinary Community Conference and Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference. Dr. Guy is the proud mother of three, which she considers one of her greatest accomplishments. She is also a pet mom of three cats named Bunny, Peter, and Oliver and a dog named Phoebe. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to new places for the many new visual splendors and meeting new people. She also loves Disney and has visited many times without ever tiring of it.
Dr. Ada M. Guzman, DVM (Emergency Veterinarian)
Dr. Guzman knew she wanted to become a veterinarian when she was just 8 years old. She has always been a caretaker at heart, and with her love for animals, pursuing a career in veterinary medicine was the natural choice for her. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Since graduating from veterinary school, she has worked primarily in emergency medicine and critical care at practices throughout the mid-Atlantic region and in Puerto Rico. She joined the AnimERge veterinary team in 2003, and with her years of experience as an emergency veterinarian, she has grown to love the pace and adrenaline rush of the practice. She also loves her nursing staff and spending time with animals and the people who love them. To stay updated on the latest in emergency veterinary medicine, Dr. Guzman is affiliated with the American Veterinary Medical Association, Cornell Club of New York City, and New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. She also completes continuing education (CE) courses regularly at the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference and North American Veterinary Conference, and she attends CE lectures at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in New York City. Dr. Guzman has had many memorable experiences in the field, but one that stands out to her is the summer that she completed the Practitioner-in-Residence program at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. During that program, she taught fourth-year veterinary students and joined in multi-speaking rounds and lectures. When she is not caring for animals in the ER, she spends time with her husband, son, and their cat Toño. She also loves to travel, spend time at her "hoods," volunteer at her son's school, paint with acrylics, and speak four different languages at home with her family.
Dr. Peggy Hauck, DVM (Emergency Clinician)
Dr. Hauck began working at AnimERge in 1993 as an assistant while obtaining her undergraduate degree at Cook College, Rutgers University. She received her veterinary degree from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and then completed a small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in 1998. After her internship, she practiced as an emergency clinician at both AnimERge and the Long Island Veterinary Specialists before becoming full-time at AnimERge in 1999. Dr. Hauck lives in Pennsylvania with her husband Matt, son Nathan, and three cats: Indy, Benjamin, and Oreo. She enjoys the outdoors and getting away to the beautiful 1000 Islands/St. Lawrence River whenever she has the chance.
Dr. Brett Newton, DVM (Emergency Clinician)
Dr. Brett Newton is originally from Hunterdon County, NJ, where he grew up on a small farm as the son of two veterinarians. He has spent the last 10 years in Florida, first working as a veterinary technician at a small animal and exotics hospital in the Florida Keys, where he often worked overnight as an emergency technician. He received his bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Florida in 2010 as well as his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Dr. Newton is an avid bicyclist. He and his father recently cycled 450 miles across the state of Iowa in his third RAGBRAI. He enjoys hiking, boating, scuba diving, wake boarding, and snow skiing. Having spent 10 years in Florida, he has become a salt-water aquarium specialist and has a large beautiful tank with numerous species from the Florida Keys. His personal pets include a golden retriever, Scarlet, and a Siamese cat, Guinevere.
Dr. Danielle Lee, DVM (Emergency Clinician)
Dr. Lee has been part of the AnimERge team since August 2015 with special interests in surgery and internal medicine. Originally from East Brunswick, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from St. George's University in Grenada while performing pharmaceutical research. She also received a certificate for completion of a rotating small animal medicine surgery internship from Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. It was during this one-year internship that she discovered her love for emergency medicine. Dr. Lee is affiliated with the American Veterinary Medical Association, Metropolitan New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. As one of our emergency veterinarians, she enjoys working with a motivated, passionate support staff and providing support and guidance to owners when their pets are unwell. When she is not caring for pets at work, Dr. Lee spends time with her own pet, a toy Maltese named Brooklyn, and with her family and friends. She also enjoys hiking, occasionally spending the day in New York City to try new foods or enjoy a Broadway show.
Dr. Ian Spiegel VMD, MHS, Diplomate ACVD (Dermatology)
Dr. Spiegel received his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Previous training included completion of a master's degree in health sciences from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Hygiene. To further his veterinary education, Dr. Spiegel completed a one-year internship at Cornell University and a three-year residency in dermatology and allergy at the University of California, Davis, in 2005, becoming board-certified later that year. A noted author and contributor to many prestigious veterinary publications, Dr. Spiegel also serves as a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN).
Dr. Roxane Collins DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS (Veterinary Surgeon)
Dr. Collins joined the AnimERge veterinary team in 2007 and performs both soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures. She made the decision to become a veterinarian was she was in 8th grade. At that time, she was surrounded by cattle, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, geese, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, mice, rats, and a rare horse. She grew up ever more fascinated and frustrated by disease, so she chose veterinary medicine to get the answers. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University and is affiliated with the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, American Veterinary Medical Association, and American College of Veterinary Surgeons. As one of our veterinary surgeons, she enjoys interacting with her "right and left hands," Cyndi and Christie. She also loves listening to the stories of her clients and rechecking her surgery patients. Dr. Collins is the proud mother of three children, Nate, Camille, and Camden and two pet children, a cat named Kitty and a hamster named Fluffy. In her spare time, she loves to read, hike, ride her bike, and do various home improvement projects.
Dr. Renee Alsarraf DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Veterinary Oncologist)
Dr. Alsarraf has been part of the AnimERge veterinary team since March 2012, but she has been practicing in New Jersey for more than 15 years. Being a veterinarian was a lifelong goal for her, and she is proud to have accomplished that goal when she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University (MSU). During her time there, she established MSU's Pet Loss Support Group, a group designed to provide support to those who have lost a beloved pet. She regularly attends Veterinary Cancer Society meetings to stay current on the latest news in veterinary oncology. She also maintains affiliations with the American Veterinary College of Microbiologists, Veterinary Cancer Society, New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, Northern New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, and Metropolitan New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. Throughout the years, Dr. Alsarraf has had the privilege of working with many interesting people, collaborating on clinical trials and projects, and working in some human aspects of oncology. Her favorite part of being a veterinarian at Raritan's AnimERge is working with pet owners and helping to improve their pets' lives. When she is not caring for pets in the ER, Dr. Alsarraf looks after her own pet, a boxer named Newton. She also loves antiquing, gardening, cooking, spending time with friends, and being a mother.
Dr. Seth Glasser DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
Dr. Glasser was born in Manhattan and raised primarily in Sullivan County, NY. After attending Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, Dr. Glasser conducted pharmaceutical research and development. He attended Tufts University Cumming's School of Veterinary Medicine, where his interest in medical oncology developed. Dr. Glasser did an internship at the University of Minnesota and came back to the Northeast for a three-year oncology residency at the Animal Medical Center and Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers.
Dr. Michael H. Brown DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVO (Veterinary Ophthalmologist)
Dr. Brown became a veterinary ophthalmologist at AnimERge in September 2007 and has enjoyed with his professional colleagues who share his goals of helping pets and the people who love them ever since. His decision to become a veterinarian stemmed from his ability to combine surgery with medicine and to play with various medical devices, and thanks to his first dog Burt, he learned the value of the human-animal bond. He earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University, where he also received several awards in toxicology and surgery proficiency. Dr. Brown is affiliated with several veterinary organizations, which allows him to stay current on the latest changes in veterinary ophthalmology. These include the American Veterinary Association, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, International Society of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, Northern New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, and Metropolitan New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. He has also completed continuing education courses in toxicology, cataract surgery, and business management. One of his most memorable experiences in the field was when he performed an eye exam on Shamu the whale at Sea World. In his free time, Dr. Brown enjoys biking/spinning, hiking, camping, listening to live music, attending comedy shows. He also cares for his own dog, a boxer named Newton.
Dr. Bradford Holmberg DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVO (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Holmberg received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. He completed an internship at the University of Florida and then moved on to the University of California for a comparative ophthalmology residency. In addition, he received his MS from Purdue University and his PhD from the University of Missouri. Dr. Holmberg has been awarded several prestigious research grants, has written numerous scientific papers and has contributed chapters to several veterinary textbooks.
Dr. Diane Gabriel VMD, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Dr. Gabriel received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001. Her interest in geriatric animal care led her to pursue training in veterinary acupuncture in 2005. She received certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2007. Dr. Gabriel has been practicing Integrative Veterinary Medicine using both conventional and holistic modalities, including Chinese and Western herbs, homotoxicology/homeopathy, nutraceuticals and other natural supplements. Dr. Gabriel believes an integrative approach allows for broader treatment options for many underlying and/or preexisting medical conditions which can help achieve optimal wellness for pets.
Dr. Michael Zaid VMD, Diplomate ACVIM (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Zaid was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. His love of animals was cultivated at an early age by the many dogs and feline friends he grew up with. He pursued his undergraduate and veterinary education at the University of Pennsylvania and earned his VMD in 2007. It was early in his veterinary training when he discovered his passion for small animal internal medicine. Following veterinary school, Dr. Zaid completed a rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital, and was subsequently accepted to the Internal Medicine residency at the University of Pennsylvania. He has been published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine and became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2011. Dr. Zaid spent a year following his residency as a clinical instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, and then went on to a private practice position at a specialty hospital in Manhattan before joining the team at AnimERge. Dr. Zaid resides in New Jersey with his two cats, Chessie and Miles, and is an avid sports fan.
AnimERge provides high quality veterinary emergency care and service to pet owners in the NJ communities of Raritan, Somerville, Flemington and Bound Brook who may require immediate treatment from an emergency vet hospital and are unable to be treated at their family veterinary office. The veterinarians on staff at our 24-hour pet clinic are board certified and trained to handle urgent care situations.