Emergency Vet FAQs

Answers When You Need Them Most

When a pet emergency strikes, your mind races with questions. Is this normal? Can it wait until morning? Where is the closest help? At the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida (VEC), we know that in these moments, you need clear, direct answers—not confusing medical jargon.

As a locally owned partner to over 180 area veterinarians, we are an extension of your family vet’s care. Whether you are driving in from Orlando, Casselberry, The Villages, Oakland, or Waterford Lakes, we are here to guide you through the uncertainty. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from concerned pet parents.

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Visiting VEC: The Basics

Do I need an appointment to be seen?

No. As an emergency hospital, we operate on a walk-in basis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You never need an appointment to access emergency veterinary services near me. However, we strongly recommend calling us at (407) 644-4449 before you leave home. This allows our team to prepare for your arrival and advise you on how to safely transport your pet.

Which VEC locations are open right now?

Emergencies don’t stick to business hours, and neither do we.

Open 24/7: Our Emergency Vet Casselberry, Emergency Vet Oakland, and Emergency Vet Villages locations are open 24 hours a day, every single day.
Nights & Weekends: Our Emergency Vet Waterford Lakes clinic is open weeknights (6 PM – 7:30 AM), all weekend (from Friday 6 PM to Monday 7:30 AM), and 24 hours on major holidays.

How long will I have to wait?

We use a triage system similar to a human ER. This means patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, not their arrival time. A pet in respiratory distress or with severe trauma must be treated immediately, which may mean a stable patient waits a little longer. If you are waiting, please take a deep breath—it means your pet is stable, which is a good thing.

Medical Questions & Symptoms

My pet is vomiting and has diarrhea. Is this an emergency?

Occasional upset stomach happens, but dog vomiting and diarrhea (or cat vomiting) can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration.

For Dogs: Watch for blood in the stool or vomit.
For Cats: If your cat is vomiting and also refuses to eat, this is urgent. Cats can develop a life-threatening liver condition (hepatic lipidosis) if they go without food for just a few days. Come in immediately if the vomiting is continuous, if there is blood, or if your pet is lethargic.

What about poisoning? (Chocolate, Plants, Lilies)

Time is critical. If your dog ate chocolate, xylitol (gum), or human medication, do not “wait and see.”

Cat Warning: For cats, Lilies are deadly. Even getting pollen on their fur and grooming it off can cause kidney failure. If you suspect any toxin ingestion, call our emergency vet clinics immediately. We can often induce vomiting and begin treatment.

How do I know if my pet is having a seizure?

A dog having a seizure (or a cat) may fall over, paddle their legs, snap their jaws, or lose consciousness. It is terrifying to watch. Keep your hands away from their mouth and ensure they can’t fall off furniture. If the seizure lasts more than a few minutes or if they have multiple seizures in a row (“cluster seizures”), this is a medical emergency.

What are the signs of bloat?

While this is primarily a canine issue, it is vital for large-breed owners to know. Watch for a distended (tight) belly, non-productive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up), and restlessness. If you see signs of dog bloat, drive to the nearest VEC immediately. This condition requires rapid surgical intervention.

Why is my male cat straining to use the litter box?

This is one of the most critical feline emergencies. If your male cat is going in and out of the box, crying, or straining without producing urine, he may have a urinary blockage. This is fatal if not treated within hours. Please do not assume it is just constipation—bring him to VEC immediately.

My cat is breathing with their mouth open. Is that okay?

Unlike dogs, cats should generally not pant. Open-mouth breathing in a cat can sometimes indicate respiratory distress or even heart failure. Cats may pant in response to stress, but it’s important to have this evaluated by a veterinarian during a routine exam to ensure there are no underlying health concerns.

Still Worried? Call Us.

You know your pet better than anyone. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. The team at Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida is ready to help you, whether it’s 2 PM or 2 AM.

Don’t panic. Just call (407) 644-4449.

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