OUR SERVICES
With four emergency veterinarian locations in the Central Florida area, we are ready to handle any emergency your pet may have. Our clinics have the latest technology and experienced veterinarians available to quickly address any medical problem your pet may be experiencing.
CALL US NOW- (407) 644-4449
SEE OUR LOCATIONS
OUR SERVICES
With four emergency veterinarian locations in the Central Florida area, we are ready to handle any emergency your pet may have. Our clinics have the latest technology and experienced veterinarians available to quickly address any medical problem your pet may be experiencing.
CALL US NOW- (407) 644-4449
SEE OUR LOCATIONS
COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL EXAM
Every pet that sees a veterinarian at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic will receive a comprehensive physical exam, which is the crucial first step in diagnosing their condition. Our veterinarians perform a thorough “nose-to-tail” assessment to identify important clues, starting with vital signs like heart rate and breathing. This detailed, hands-on evaluation is the foundation of an accurate diagnosis, allowing our team to quickly develop a clear and effective treatment plan tailored to your pet’s urgent needs.
SURGERY & ANESTHESIA
Our surgical suite is fully equipped to handle a wide range of emergency procedures, with patient safety as our highest priority. We utilize advanced anesthetic protocols and continuously monitor your pet’s vital signs throughout any surgery. Before proceeding, our team will ensure you are fully informed by discussing the procedure, potential complications, and expected recovery time. Your pet’s comfort is paramount, which is why comprehensive pain management is a critical part of our care during and after surgery.
RADIOLOGY (X-RAYS) AND ULTRASOUND
Our advanced diagnostic imaging allows us to quickly and non-invasively assess your pet’s internal condition. We utilize a state-of-the-art digital radiology system that provides clear, high-quality X-rays in seconds—essential for diagnosing fractures, blockages, or lung issues. To complement this, our ultrasound technology offers a detailed, real-time view of abdominal organs and soft tissues. Our experienced veterinarians will promptly interpret these images and discuss the findings with you to create a clear plan for your pet’s treatment.
IN-HOUSE DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY
In a pet emergency, rapid diagnostics are critical. That is why all four VEC locations feature an in-house diagnostic laboratory, eliminating the dangerous delays of sending samples to an external lab. Our advanced equipment allows us to perform immediate analysis of blood work—including complete blood counts and chemistry panels—as well as urinalysis. This provides our veterinarians with vital information in minutes, allowing them to make a swift, accurate diagnosis and begin life-saving care without delay.
IN-HOUSE PHARMACY
Immediate access to medication is a critical part of your pet’s emergency care. To ensure treatment can begin without a moment’s delay, all four VEC locations maintain a fully stocked in-house pharmacy. Our inventory includes a comprehensive range of critical medications, such as IV fluids, pain relievers, antibiotics, and other life-saving emergency drugs. This vital resource allows us to initiate treatment instantly and provides you with the convenience of taking home any necessary prescriptions at the time of discharge.
OXYGEN THERAPY & BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS
We provide advanced life-support for our most critical patients, including oxygen therapy and blood transfusions. Pets suffering from respiratory distress, heart conditions, or shock can be placed in our specialized oxygen chambers to help stabilize their breathing and condition. For patients that have experienced severe trauma, anemia, or certain toxicities, a blood transfusion can be a truly life-saving procedure. Having these vital resources and necessary blood products readily available at all four VEC locations ensures we are always prepared to provide the highest level of emergency care.
We are open when you need us most.
Open Hours
OUR CASSELBERRY, VILLAGES, AND OAKLAND LOCATIONS ARE OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
OUR WATERFORD LAKES HOURS ARE LISTED BELOW
Weeknights: 6pm - 7:30am
Weekends: 6pm Friday - 7:30am Monday
Major Holidays: 24/7
Common pet emergencies
If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, call VEC at (407) 644-4449. We can guide you to the closest location where we always have veterinary staff available with access to services including diagnostics, fluid therapy, ultrasound, anesthesia, surgery, hospitalization, and medication.
Seizures
Seizures are scary for pet owners to watch, and they can result in serious injuries in a cat or dog whom has lost muscle control due to the seizure. While the cause of seizures—particularly those that do not come in clusters—is generally not life-threatening, it is best to see the veterinarian right away for a diagnosis.
Restlessness
If your dog appears restless, uncomfortable lying down, or is unsuccessfully trying to vomit, he may have gastric dilation, or bloat, which is an urgent situation that should be treated in the emergency clinic.
Loss of Appetite
Some pets will refuse their food from time to time, while others will never skip a meal, so you will want to consider your pet’s normal habits when determining if they have lost their appetite. If your dog or cat has not eaten for a full day, there is a significant chance that they are sick, and likely not drinking enough water.
Excessive Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
A dog or cat may occasionally have diarrhea or vomiting, but these symptoms can be a sign of emergency when they are persistent. Blood in the vomit or stool should be particularly concerning, since this may be a sign of internal bleeding.
Poisoning
Dogs and cats may get into foods or household chemicals that can be poisonous when ingested, so you should always keep an eye on what your pet eats around the house. Items like grapes, plants treated with herbicides, chocolate, and human medication can all be harmful to your pet, so you’ll want to call the veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has ingested something unsafe.
Loss of Appetite
Some pets will snub their food from time to time, while others will never skip a meal, so you will want to consider your pet’s normal habits when determining if he has lost his appetitie. If your dog or cat has not eaten for a full day, there is significant change he is sick and likely not drinking enough water.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there a veterinarian present at all times?
Florida law does not require an emergency clinic to have a veterinarian on premises during operating hours. VEC takes pride in the fact that from the moment we open our doors to the moment we close them one of our highly skilled veterinarians will be available for you and your pet.
Are the staff and veterinarians experienced in emergency medicine?
When you arrive at VEC, our main focus is the well-being of your pet. Knowledgeable receptionists and skilled veterinary nurses are the first of our highly trained, professional staff to greet you. A veterinarian, with extensive experience in emergency and critical care medicine, is always on staff during operating hours.
Do I Need an appointment?
Our receptionists and veterinary nurses perform the task of patient triage prior to patients meeting with the veterinarian. Triage is a process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their medical condition. Triage is important to ensure the most critical patients are quickly identified and attended to. As such, patients are not always seen in order of arrival and we are unable to take appointments.
What types of medical problems require immediate attention?
Some medical conditions may require immediate action by our veterinary staff. These may include excessive bleeding, active seizures, labored breathing, severe trauma and shock.
If my pet is critical and taken into the treatment area may I accompany my pet?
If staff determines your pet’s condition is critical, your pet will be transported immediately from the waiting or exam room into the Treatment Area of the hospital for rapid assessment and medical attention. Owners may not accompany patients into the Treatment Area during medical procedures due to insurance liability reasons. Staff will, however, keep you well informed of your pet’s status during this period. Once your pet is stabilized, we will make every effort to make visitation possible.
What if my pet is stable and the emergency is minor?
If your pet is in stable condition, you will both be placed into the first available exam room and given Client Information paperwork to complete. A veterinary nurse will ask you questions about your pet’s medical history, the current problems the pet is experiencing and obtain a body weight and temperature. Afterwards, the veterinarian will conduct a full physical examination of your pet and discuss recommended diagnostic testing and/or treatments based on the exam.
How much will diagnostics and treatment cost?
Comprehensive physical exams are $140 day or night.
Prior to performing any testing, medical procedures or treatments, our staff will provide an estimate of the anticipated costs associated with your pet’s care for your approval. Depending on the nature and severity of the illness afflicting your pet, the veterinarian may recommend outpatient treatment for minor emergencies or, for critical cases, advise that your pet remain hospitalized in our facility. Deposits are required for all hospitalized pets.
What forms of payment can i use? can i be billed for services or make payments?
VEC accepts all major credit cards, Care Credit, debit cards and cash for payment of services. We are unable to accept checks. Payment in full for your pet’s medical care is due at the time of discharge from the hospital. We do not offer payment plans or billing arrangements.
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