Austin Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (AVES) Market Research Report

Background

Established in 2014, the Austin Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (AVES) is a comprehensive veterinary hospital located in Austin, Texas. AVES serves as an extension of family veterinary practices, offering specialized care through a team of highly trained board-certified specialists and support staff. The center's mission is to provide the highest standard of emergency and specialty veterinary care, aiming for the best possible outcomes for pets and their families. AVES is committed to kindness, collaboration, consistency, and integrity in all aspects of its operations.

Key Strategic Focus

AVES focuses on delivering advanced medical care across multiple specialties, including:

Emergency & Critical Care: Available 24/7 to manage a wide range of medical conditions, from minor issues to life-threatening emergencies.

Surgery & Orthopedics: Offering soft tissue surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and sports medicine.

Neurology & Neurosurgery: Providing evaluations and consultations for patients with neurological diseases.

Internal Medicine: Diagnosing and treating a variety of chronic medical conditions.

Oncology: Specializing in compassionate care for pets diagnosed with cancer to extend lifespan and enhance quality of life.

Anesthesiology: Ensuring each sedated or anesthetic procedure receives the highest standard of medical care, monitoring, and appropriate pain management.

Diagnostic Imaging: Utilizing advanced imaging modalities to identify the root cause of a patient’s discomfort or illness and measure the healing process.

The center employs cutting-edge technology and innovative methodologies to ensure high-quality treatment. AVES primarily serves the Austin metropolitan area, addressing the growing demand for specialized veterinary services in the region.

Financials and Funding

As of the latest available data, AVES has an estimated annual revenue of $3.5 million, with approximately 64 employees. The revenue per employee is estimated at $54,688. In 2025, AVES plans to invest $13.5 million to build out a new 45,938-square-foot facility in Austin, indicating a significant expansion and commitment to enhancing its service offerings.

Pipeline Development

In 2025, AVES is relocating to a new state-of-the-art facility, expanding from 14,000 sq. ft. to 45,000 sq. ft. This new facility will serve as the inpatient center and will feature an Integrated Oncology Department, with the expansion to include Radiation Oncology and Surgical Oncology. Additionally, AVES plans to enhance its services by incorporating Interventional Cardiology and recruiting additional Radiologists. The original location will transition to an Outpatient Facility, offering services in Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Dermatology, Rehabilitation, and Holistic Medicine.

Technological Platform and Innovation

AVES distinguishes itself through the use of advanced diagnostic procedures and cutting-edge technology, including:

Advanced Imaging: Utilizing an 8-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner for high-resolution imaging, allowing for 3D reconstruction of images to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Minimally Invasive Techniques: Employing minimally invasive joint surgery (MIS) using arthroscopy and minimally invasive techniques for fracture repair (MIPO), enabling surgeries with smaller incisions for quicker recovery.

Non-Interventional Treatments: Offering Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP), stem cell therapy, and rehabilitation/conditioning as primary treatments or in conjunction with surgical interventions.

These technological advancements underscore AVES's commitment to providing state-of-the-art care for its patients.

Leadership Team

AVES is locally managed by one of the original founders, Dr. Lindsay Vaughn, DVM, DACVECC, who serves as the Medical Director. Dr. Vaughn is a board-certified veterinary criticalist with extensive experience in emergency and critical care. Under her leadership, AVES has experienced exponential growth since its inception.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The veterinary services market in Austin is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increasing pet population and a demand for specialized care. The expansion of facilities like AVES reflects this trend, indicating a competitive and rapidly evolving market landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the Austin area include:

BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital: A subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, operating specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals across the United States. BluePearl employs over 1,330 veterinarians and 1,600 veterinary technicians, offering a wide range of services.

Chewy Vet Care: Launched in January 2025, Chewy Vet Care offers comprehensive services, including routine wellness checkups, urgent care, and surgeries. The clinic integrates advanced technology with customer service to provide a convenient experience for pets and their owners.

These competitors emphasize the importance of advanced technology, comprehensive service offerings, and customer-centric approaches in the veterinary services market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

AVES is part of the Ethos Veterinary Health network, which includes over 140 hospitals and more than 1,500 specialists across North America. This affiliation provides AVES with access to a community of experts dedicated to delivering compassionate and industry-leading veterinary care. Benefits of this partnership include opportunities to participate in meaningful research, access to cutting-edge treatments and diagnostics, and mentorship from top veterinary professionals.

Operational Insights

AVES's strategic expansion into a larger facility and the addition of new specialties position the center to meet the growing demand for specialized veterinary services in Austin. The integration of advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques enhances its competitive edge. However, the presence of well-established competitors like BluePearl and emerging players like Chewy Vet Care necessitates continuous innovation and a focus on exceptional patient and client care to maintain and grow market share.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The upcoming expansion provides AVES with opportunities to:

Diversify Service Offerings: Introducing new specialties such as Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Interventional Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Dermatology, Rehabilitation, and Holistic Medicine.

Enhance Technological Capabilities: Investing in state-of-the-art equipment and training to stay at the forefront of veterinary medicine.

Strengthen Community Engagement: Building relationships with local veterinarians and pet owners to foster trust and loyalty.

By leveraging these opportunities, AVES aims to solidify its position as a leading provider of emergency and specialty veterinary care in the Austin area.