I've taken my dogs to Animal Emergency Referral Center so often that I know most of the staff now by their first names (I have an epileptic dog who must have IV valium). They have been completely professional and caring at all hours of the day and night. Yes, it is expensive, but health care IS expensive. These are many of the same drugs and machines that would be used on humans. Why do we expect it to be much cheaper? Our pets are part of our family so we just have to suck it up and deal. The important thing to remember is that these people save lives!