Veterinary Emergencies & After-Hours Pet Care

Pet Emergency Care in Upper Tampa Bay: Oldsmar, Westchase, Town 'n' Country, Safety Harbor, Citrus Park, East Lake, Dunedin, Odessa, Palm Harbor and more

At Paws Bay Animal Hospital, we understand that pet emergencies can happen at any time. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency during our regular business hours, please call us immediately so we can prepare for your arrival and provide prompt veterinary care.

If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency when we are closed, please seek immediate care at a nearby emergency veterinary hospital. (See below)

Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Veterinary Care

Seek emergency veterinary attention immediately if your pet is experiencing:

  • Difficulty breathing or choking

  • Collapse or loss of consciousness

  • Severe bleeding that will not stop

  • Hit by a vehicle or significant trauma

  • Seizures

  • Suspected poisoning or toxin exposure

  • Inability to urinate

  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea

  • Bloated or distended abdomen

  • Extreme lethargy or weakness

  • Heat stroke

  • Difficulty giving birth

  • Sudden paralysis

  • Severe pain or distress

If you are unsure whether your pet's condition is an emergency, it is always safest to contact a veterinarian for guidance.

After-Hours Emergency Veterinary Hospitals

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) – Open 24 Hours

For life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate care at any hour, we recommend:

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)
16314 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33618

Phone: (813) 793-7555

VEG is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is equipped to handle a wide range of emergency and critical care cases.

UrgentVet Westchase

For urgent medical concerns that may not require a full emergency hospital visit:

UrgentVet Westchase
12950 Race Track Rd, Suite 119
Tampa, FL 33626

Phone: (813) 328-3288

UrgentVet provides after-hours and walk-in care for many non-life-threatening conditions.

Contacting Paws Bay Animal Hospital After Hours

If your pet's condition is stable and does not appear to be immediately life-threatening, you may still contact our team when we are closed.

You can leave us a message by:

  • Phone

  • Email

  • Text message/Vello (current clients only)

While we are unable to provide continuous emergency monitoring after hours, we will review messages and respond as soon as possible once available.

Please note that messages left after hours should not be used in place of emergency veterinary care for pets experiencing severe or life-threatening conditions.

Stable Conditions May Be Able to Wait Until We Open

Not every urgent concern requires an emergency hospital visit. If your pet is stable and comfortable, we may be able to schedule an appointment as soon as we reopen.

Examples may include:

  • Minor wounds

  • Ear infections

  • Urinary accidents

  • Mild limping

  • Skin issues

  • Vomiting or diarrhea in an otherwise stable pet

  • Some minor eye concerns

  • Non-emergency follow-up evaluations

If you are uncertain whether your pet can safely wait, please contact an emergency veterinary facility for guidance.

Emergency Surgery Options

Many emergency hospitals provide excellent care but often have significantly higher costs due to overnight staffing, specialty services, and advanced critical care capabilities.

For stable patients that can safely wait until regular business hours, Paws Bay Animal Hospital may be able to provide emergency surgical procedures and urgent medical treatment at a more affordable cost than a 24-hour emergency facility.

Depending on your pet's condition, this may include treatment for:

  • Wounds and lacerations

  • Abscesses

  • Foreign body concerns

  • Emergency soft tissue surgeries

  • Certain urgent abdominal procedures

  • Other surgical and medical emergencies deemed stable enough to wait

More surgery info

Patient safety is always our top priority. We will recommend referral to an emergency hospital whenever immediate treatment is necessary.

Our Commitment to Your Pet

Whether your pet requires emergency care, urgent treatment, surgery, or guidance on what to do next, our goal is to help you make the best decision for your pet's health and comfort.

If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please proceed directly to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

If your pet is stable and you would like to discuss your options, contact Paws Bay Animal Hospital and we will do our best to help as quickly as possible.