Animal ER

About Animal ER

"Animal ER" is a gripping and heartwarming television series first aired in 2016. The documentary-style show, produced by National Geographic Wild, takes viewers behind the scenes at one of the largest and busiest animal critical-care hospitals in Texas. The series brings to light the breathtaking realities faced by a dedicated team of board-certified veterinarians as they endeavor to save the lives of their animal patients, including a wide array of pets and exotic animals.

Making / Production

The show was produced by National Geographic Wild. Each episode captures the intense drama, emotional highs and lows, and technical complexity of the medical procedures that occur daily at the hospital. Extraordinary effort was taken to present all surgeries and emergencies as they occurred, providing viewers a real and raw look inside an animal emergency room.

Actors

• Dr. Heidi Hottinger: Serving as the brilliant and dedicated surgeon, she treats animals with a passion that shines through every episode.
• Dr. Brian Beale: As a board-certified veterinary surgeon, his expertise and dedication are crucial in the success of many life-saving procedures.
• Dr. James Barr: Playing the role of the equally proficient ER vet, his undying dedication for the animals serves as a major draw.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series offers a rare glimpse into the high stakes world of a top-tier veterinary hospital, something that had previously been largely unexplored in reality television.
• Although it does not shy away from the hard realities of veterinary medicine, the series is ultimately about hope, healing, and the profound bond between animals and their human companions.

Quotes

• "In veterinary medicine, the patients don't talk. They can't tell you what's wrong. So it's our job to figure it out." - Dr. Heidi Hottinger
• "Being a veterinarian is not just a job. It's a calling." - Dr. Brian Beale

Music, Soundtrack

• The series uses real, day-to-day sounds captured in the ER to create an authentic soundtrack that enhances the intense and emotional mood throughout the show.