When emergencies strike, pet owners in Western North Carolina turn to SAVES (South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty) – a 24/7 hospital dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert-level veterinary care. Led by Dr. Sharon Finster, a board-certified criticalist and the hospital’s Medical Director, SAVES offers advanced emergency services alongside specialty care in internal medicine, neurology, surgery, and more. With a mission rooted in empathy, transparency, and innovation, SAVES is a trusted partner for local pet parents and veterinary professionals alike.
Whether assisting a beloved family pet in crisis or supporting a local rescue group with treatment plans, SAVES combines clinical excellence with a deep sense of responsibility to the community. From their state-of-the-art facility to their commitment to emotional support during stressful moments, SAVES is more than just a hospital – they are a lifeline for pets and the people who love them.
Tell us about your business and your role in it.
My name is Dr. Sharon Finster, and I’m a board-certified criticalist and the Medical Director at SAVES. We are a 24/7 veterinary hospital providing emergency and specialty medical services for pets throughout the region.
Our services include advanced diagnostics, surgery, neurology, internal medicine, and critical care. We work closely with local primary care veterinarians to ensure every patient receives personalized, expert treatment.
As Medical Director, I oversee clinical operations, medical protocols, and patient care standards, helping to uphold SAVES’ reputation for excellence. Our mission is to be a trusted partner in pet health by offering exceptional, compassionate, and timely care – always prioritizing empathy, innovation, and transparency.
Tell us about your company culture.
Our culture at SAVES is rooted in collaboration, compassion, and excellence. We strive to create a supportive and professional environment where our staff can thrive, grow, and provide top-tier care to every patient.
Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do – whether it’s between departments within our hospital or in coordination with referring veterinarians. We are committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning, where new ideas are welcomed and patient care is always evolving.
What is your company’s relationship with the community?
We’re proud to be a community-focused hospital that partners with pet owners, primary care veterinarians, shelters, and rescue groups across the region. Our relationship with the community is built on trust and shared care – we support pets during their most vulnerable moments and guide owners through those experiences with compassion and clarity.
Outside the hospital, we stay engaged through:
We’re not just here for emergencies – we’re here to support the entire veterinary ecosystem in Asheville.
What does “hospitality” mean to you? What experience do you strive to create for clients?
In our world, “hospitality” means ensuring that pet owners feel heard, supported, and reassured, especially during highly emotional and stressful times.
We aim to create an experience where clients:
From check-in to discharge, we prioritize comfort, clarity, and kindness for both pets and their people.
What do you enjoy most about working in veterinary medicine?
What I love most is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families. Each day presents a new challenge, and every case is a chance to use our skills to heal, support, and connect.
The collaborative spirit of veterinary medicine inspires me, and the bond between pets and their people reminds me why this work is so important. Whether saving a life or easing pain, being there for families when it matters most is incredibly rewarding.
What is your company’s vision, and how do you reflect it in daily operations?
Our vision is to be the leading provider of emergency and specialty veterinary care, recognized for our expertise, innovation, and compassionate approach.
We reflect this by:
At SAVES, every patient interaction is a reflection of our vision – and a chance to raise the bar for veterinary care.
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To learn more about the life-saving services offered by SAVES, visit www.southashevillevets.com. You can also follow them on Facebook at @SAVESAsheville.