Your pet’s visit to the ER.

Pet emergencies are stressful – especially if you’ve never been to an animal ER before. At BluePearl Tampa, our emergency medicine team is here 24/7 to provide urgent care and walk you through each step. Here’s what to expect when you bring your dog or cat to our emergency hospital.

An Associate smiles and laughs while hugging an orange feline patient in her arms.

Step 1: Check-in and triage.

When you arrive, you’ll check in at the front desk. A veterinary technician will quickly assess your pet’s condition and prioritize care based on urgency. This process, called triage, ensures that life-threatening emergencies are treated first.

Veterinary hospital Associates work in the exam and treatment area of the hospital surrounded by imaging equipment, computers, exam tables, and more.

Step 2: Examination and diagnostics.

Once your pet is stable or their turn comes up, an emergency vet will perform a full exam. We may recommend diagnostics such as:

  • Bloodwork or urinalysis
  • X-rays or ultrasound
  • Toxicology screening

We’ll explain all findings and obtain your consent before starting treatment.

Step 3: Treatment or hospitalization.

Some pets need medications and can go home. Others may require:

  • Overnight monitoring
  • Oxygen support or IV fluids
  • Pain relief or advanced diagnostics
  • Emergency surgery
  • Consult with specialists in internal medicine or surgery

You’ll receive updates throughout the process, no matter what your pet needs.

Step 4: Discharge and follow-up.

When your pet is ready to go home, we will:

  • Provide discharge instructions and medications
  • Explain diet, activity, and signs to watch for
  • Share records with your primary care vet for seamless follow-up

Tips for Tampa pet owners.

  • Save our phone number in case of future emergencies
  • Bring a list of your pet’s medications and allergies
  • Stay calm – we’re trained to help pets (and people) under pressure

A small black and white dog wears a blue inflatable e-collar while a veterinary Associate pets her gently.

What to expect during a Tampa pet emergency – FAQ.

At BluePearl Tampa, we follow a four-step emergency care process designed to quickly assess and treat pets in crisis. Whether your dog ate something toxic or your cat is suddenly lethargic, we’re equipped to help 24/7.

When you arrive, you’ll check in at the front desk. A veterinary technician will perform a quick evaluation — this is called triage. It helps us prioritize pets based on the severity of their condition. Pets with life-threatening issues are seen immediately, while others are evaluated in order of urgency.

Once your pet is stable or it’s their turn:

  • An emergency veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam
  • We may recommend tests like bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasound, or toxicology screening
  • Your pet may also receive oxygen therapy or IV fluids
  • We always review results with you before starting treatment

 

Our team will guide you through the diagnostic process and answer your questions along the way.

It depends on the condition. Some pets can return home the same day with medication and care instructions. Others may need:

  • Overnight observation
  • Pain management
  • Advanced diagnostics or emergency surgery
  • Consults with internal medicine or surgical specialists

 

You’ll receive timely updates and be involved in every decision.

When your pet is ready to go home, we’ll provide:

  • A personalized discharge plan with medications and at-home care instructions
  • Guidance on activity restrictions, diet, and signs to monitor
  • A summary of your pet’s visit sent directly to your primary veterinarian

 

We also welcome any follow-up questions you may have after the visit.

To stay ready for unexpected situations:

  • Save BluePearl Tampa’s phone number in your contacts
  • Bring a list of your pet’s medications, allergies, and health history
  • Stay calm — our team is trained to support both pets and their people during stressful moments

 

We’re here around the clock to help your pet get the urgent care they need — with empathy, skill, and speed.

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