Responding to Urgent Pet Care Needs
As pet owners, we all hope our furry friends never face a health scare—but accidents and sudden illnesses can happen when we least expect them. While we are not an emergency hospital and do not offer overnight or intensive care, our team is here to help with same-day urgent needs, including:
- Minor injuries
- Illnesses that require prompt attention
- Suspected poisoning (including access to anti-venom)
If you believe your pet needs urgent care, please call us first. Our team can help guide you over the phone, determine if your pet should be seen here or referred to an emergency hospital, and prepare for your arrival if appropriate.
Your pet’s health and comfort are always our priority—and in critical moments, a quick call can make all the difference.
During Business Hours
We accept pet emergencies on a case-by-case basis. Please call us at 941-841-7188 to confirm if we can get your pet into our schedule. If we cannot see your pet, we will refer you to an emergency pet hospital. Please see the “After Hours Emergency Care” section below.
What is Considered a Pet Emergency
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a pet emergency:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Unconsciousness or collapse
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop
- Ingestion of a toxic substance
- Seizures or convulsions
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Inability to stand or walk
- Extreme lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop
- Pale gums or tongue
- Swollen or bloated abdomen
- Injuries from a car accident or fall
- Difficulty giving birth
- Eye injuries or sudden blindness
- Heatstroke or hypothermia
- Allergic reactions
- Injuries from animal attacks
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention from an emergency vet.
After Hours Emergency Care
24 Hour Emergency Care
EPIC Specialty and Emergency Pet Care
3250 5th Ave N, St.
Petersburg, FL 33713
727-473-3845
Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch
15205 Garnet Trail
Bradenton, FL 34211
941-739-1800
Open 6:00 PM- 8:00 AM
Bradenton Veterinary Emergency
2910 Manatee Avenue W
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-0202
Poison Control
If you have a concern regarding accidental ingestion of food, medication, plants or any other toxin, please call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or visit: www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.The ASPCA is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You may also contact the Pet Poison Helpline* at 855-764-7661.
* A consultation fee may apply.
Using CareCredit® for Emergency Pet Care
Emergency pet care can be expensive, and it’s not always easy to come up with the funds on short notice. That’s where CareCredit® comes in. At Watson's Friends Animal Hospital, we accept CareCredit®, a healthcare credit card that can be used to cover the costs of emergency pet care. It offers special financing options and low monthly payments, making it easier to manage the cost of your pet’s emergency care.