North Alabama Veterinary Emergency & Specialty
![The staff at Animal Emergency and Critical Care posing at a holiday party The staff at Animal Emergency and Critical Care posing at a holiday party](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/mi3HJgXQ4Qs14omLRIrAf/b98599b2e923d7e22478291f17e76739/AECC_Staff.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=567&w=816&q=75,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/mi3HJgXQ4Qs14omLRIrAf/b98599b2e923d7e22478291f17e76739/AECC_Staff.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=1134&w=1632&q=75)
![Veterinarian with Brown Dog on Exam Table Veterinarian with Brown Dog on Exam Table](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/1ZySOatRYUpgTghKIDosr1/a585c4cde08659983f71def9e6978b98/NVA_-_MASTER_-_HERO_VAR-C_-_CLINIC_-_Veterinarian_with_Brown_Dog_on_Exam_Table.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=480&w=782&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/1ZySOatRYUpgTghKIDosr1/a585c4cde08659983f71def9e6978b98/NVA_-_MASTER_-_HERO_VAR-C_-_CLINIC_-_Veterinarian_with_Brown_Dog_on_Exam_Table.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=960&w=1564&q=72)
Collaborate With Our Experienced Veterinarians
Our team dynamic is one of diversity, inclusion, trust, and participative leadership. At North Alabama Veterinary ER + Specialty, our staff continually sharpens their technical skills and increases their breadth of knowledge by working with and learning from their peers.
![NAVES front of building NAVES front of building](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/2ZZq1WFqbJepLnFp9kqDmL/88ee5d379b863804b6bed07bae31e5d5/North_Alabama_Veterinary_Emergency___Specialty_472_-_NAVES_building_photo.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=480&w=782&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/2ZZq1WFqbJepLnFp9kqDmL/88ee5d379b863804b6bed07bae31e5d5/North_Alabama_Veterinary_Emergency___Specialty_472_-_NAVES_building_photo.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=960&w=1564&q=72)
We Provide Exceptional and Compassionate Care
We strive to provide medical excellence and collaborate closely with our veterinary community to ensure their patients receive the care and treatments they deserve.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/7y0mK0oI9q0Bq1V5mIG6by/153bba37fe6c52fe996ef8d43d959d16/AECC__4_.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=480&w=782&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/7y0mK0oI9q0Bq1V5mIG6by/153bba37fe6c52fe996ef8d43d959d16/AECC__4_.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=960&w=1564&q=72)
We Utilize State-of-the-Art Equipment
Practice cutting-edge techniques and save lives with the latest technologies in veterinary medicine. Learn advanced procedures and expand the horizons of animal medicine.
![A Brown/White Beagle (Dog) Being Examined by a Veterinarian A Brown/White Beagle (Dog) Being Examined by a Veterinarian](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/2DdRjCTpgaeiZa0kDYKaAE/c7863655751525d3867d9b913f4fc653/NVA_-_MASTER_-_60-40_-_CLINIC_-_A_BrownWhite_Beagle__Dog__Being_Examined_by_a_Veterinarian.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=480&w=782&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/2DdRjCTpgaeiZa0kDYKaAE/c7863655751525d3867d9b913f4fc653/NVA_-_MASTER_-_60-40_-_CLINIC_-_A_BrownWhite_Beagle__Dog__Being_Examined_by_a_Veterinarian.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=960&w=1564&q=72)
In 1994, Sheri Fastenrath, DVM, identified the need for an emergent care facility for owners and their pets in the Huntsville area. Unfortunately, there were not many overnight emergency options for medical treatment in the surrounding area.
In response to that need, Dr. Fastenrath and other local veterinarians formed a committee to lay the plans for what would become the Animal Emergency Clinic of North Alabama. The community's response was so overwhelming that many of the area veterinarians also came aboard and agreed that there was a need in the community.
![Veterinarian's Desk with Dog & Hands Veterinarian's Desk with Dog & Hands](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/7Hnl2UbcE6lRxwnvbJMubC/bb3efa50f2b2b9e7058cdee2c2c15eb3/NVA_-_MASTER_-_60-40_-_CLINIC_-_Veterinarian-s_Desk_with_Dog___Hands.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=480&w=782&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/7Hnl2UbcE6lRxwnvbJMubC/bb3efa50f2b2b9e7058cdee2c2c15eb3/NVA_-_MASTER_-_60-40_-_CLINIC_-_Veterinarian-s_Desk_with_Dog___Hands.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=960&w=1564&q=72)
The Animal Emergency Clinic of North Alabama was founded by Dr. Sheri Fastnrath, Dr. Charles Horton, and Dr. Mark Russell, Dr. Mike Wilson, Dr. Wilson McManus II, Dr. Charles Young, Dr. Sammy Linderman, and the late Dr. Lewis McCurdy. In 2018, we became Animal Emergency & Critical Care. In 2020, AECC began offering 24-hour emergency care, and we are currently the area’s only 24-hour emergency animal hospital. In 2024, we are now the North Alabama Veterinary ER + Specialty.
“I love my job, because it allows a collaborative environment. The whole team works together to solve problems. We all support each other and work together to offer creative feedback and then make our ideas a reality. Monthly in clinic CEs and opportunities for specialized CEs allow for educational growth.”
Megan Alford, LVT
![Dog Running with Bone Toy Dog Running with Bone Toy](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/1hG2PQ1EJV3ia4f8YFl4F8/9b4a3facd183287aa43043b62c4c46f4/NVA_-_MASTER_-_3-TILE_-_OUTDOOR_-_Dog_Running_with_Bone_Toy.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=257&w=337&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/1hG2PQ1EJV3ia4f8YFl4F8/9b4a3facd183287aa43043b62c4c46f4/NVA_-_MASTER_-_3-TILE_-_OUTDOOR_-_Dog_Running_with_Bone_Toy.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=514&w=674&q=72)
Neighborhood Information
Read about Madison's unique suburbs and neighborhoods and what makes us one of the best cities in Alabama.
![Woman Playing with Orange Cat Woman Playing with Orange Cat](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/24TYThEa4Sg8wbs4lUo81P/78a473b8f2f0f2970991c36ebf897777/NVA_-_MASTER_-_3-TILE_-_HOME_-_Woman_Playing_with_Orange_Cat.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=257&w=337&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/24TYThEa4Sg8wbs4lUo81P/78a473b8f2f0f2970991c36ebf897777/NVA_-_MASTER_-_3-TILE_-_HOME_-_Woman_Playing_with_Orange_Cat.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=514&w=674&q=72)
Cost of Living
Payscale has provided a detailed cost of living for Madison. Learn more about what you can expect financially.
![Father & Son Playing with Dog Father & Son Playing with Dog](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/6wLFwsbia9uu0qmd8cEJqX/29c8d961c2498475dbab02542a71c6ac/NVA_-_MASTER_-_3-TILE_-_HOME_-_FAMILY_-_Father___Son_Playing_with_Dog.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=257&w=337&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/6wLFwsbia9uu0qmd8cEJqX/29c8d961c2498475dbab02542a71c6ac/NVA_-_MASTER_-_3-TILE_-_HOME_-_FAMILY_-_Father___Son_Playing_with_Dog.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=514&w=674&q=72)
Education & Schools
Learn about Madison’s local school districts and top-rated public schools. Read reviews and view statistics about education opportunities in Madison.
![Man and dog standing on cliff looking over the forest Man and dog standing on cliff looking over the forest](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/2SExMDmi02X3YlzpR2tZTU/37b0e55838d7f1e6edaf444ff8ba0279/huntsville_dog.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=567&w=816&q=75,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/2SExMDmi02X3YlzpR2tZTU/37b0e55838d7f1e6edaf444ff8ba0279/huntsville_dog.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=1134&w=1632&q=75)
![dog laying in a park with an American Flag bandana dog laying in a park with an American Flag bandana](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/lzVxuyvHuB5PpcE4mRQN3/b9e2dee2a31c1946e1ab9d0aa43bf7d5/NVA-City-Dog-American-Flag-Bandana-Tongue-Laying-Right.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=567&w=816&q=75,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/lzVxuyvHuB5PpcE4mRQN3/b9e2dee2a31c1946e1ab9d0aa43bf7d5/NVA-City-Dog-American-Flag-Bandana-Tongue-Laying-Right.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=1134&w=1632&q=75)
![People sitting in a park listening to a concert People sitting in a park listening to a concert](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/1FEkzX1U2YOuw18sJOkBMF/687865200878ce0161008297545e4ce9/Huntsville_Concert.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=567&w=816&q=75,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/1FEkzX1U2YOuw18sJOkBMF/687865200878ce0161008297545e4ce9/Huntsville_Concert.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=1134&w=1632&q=75)
![Outdoor dining in downtown Huntsville Outdoor dining in downtown Huntsville](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/1y5BLpOho4Y1Hpi77Lv479/fa20b9429757d4854721975f569b2e53/Downtown_Huntsville_Dining.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=567&w=816&q=75,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/1y5BLpOho4Y1Hpi77Lv479/fa20b9429757d4854721975f569b2e53/Downtown_Huntsville_Dining.jpg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=1134&w=1632&q=75)