My pet ate something toxic—what should I do?

Call us or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Don't induce vomiting unless instructed—some substances cause more damage coming back up. Know what and how much they ate.

How much does a sick-pet visit cost?

Sick-pet visits start with an exam fee, then costs depend on diagnostics and treatment needed. We always discuss costs and get your approval before proceeding.

What should I bring to a same-day visit?

Bring any medications your pet takes, a sample of anything they may have ingested (packaging, plant, etc.), and your pet's medical records if available. Keep your pet restrained in a carrier or on a leash for safety.

How do I safely transport an injured pet?

For small pets, place them in a carrier lined with a towel. For larger dogs, use a blanket as a makeshift stretcher. Avoid putting pressure on injured areas. Muzzle a painful pet gently if safe to do so—even friendly pets may bite when in pain.

My pet is having a seizure—what should I do?

Do not restrain your pet or put anything in their mouth. Clear the area of objects that could hurt them, time the seizure, and keep the environment quiet and dark. If the seizure lasts more than 3 minutes or they have multiple seizures, go to VEG St. Petersburg or the nearest emergency vet right away.

What are signs that my pet needs to be seen right away?

Labored or rapid breathing, pale or blue gums, inability to stand or walk, bloated abdomen, uncontrolled bleeding, straining to urinate without producing urine, repeated vomiting or dry heaving, and sudden severe lethargy or collapse all require immediate veterinary attention.

Do you see both dogs and cats for sick-pet visits?

Yes. We see both dogs and cats for same-day sick-pet visits during business hours. Please call first so we can be ready for you.

What happens if my pet needs surgery after a sick-pet visit?

If surgery is needed and it's during our operating hours, we can often perform it here—including foreign body removal, wound repair, and laceration suturing. Complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Will I be able to stay with my pet during the visit?

We understand how stressful it is when your pet is sick. You're welcome to stay in our waiting area, and we provide frequent updates. For some procedures, our team needs space to work, but we keep you informed every step of the way.

Same-Day Appointments

Same-Day Sick-Pet Visits

Pet not feeling well? We offer same-day sick-pet visits during business hours. Call first—we'll do our best to fit you in so your pet gets the care they need today.

Sick-Pet Visit Hours

Mon–Fri: 8:00am–6pm | Sat: 8am–12pm

Call: (727) 327-5141

Sick-Pet Exams

Pain Management

Skyway Animal Hospital staff member holding a cat in the exam room

Call Us First

Same-Day Visits Available

Is This an Emergency?

Use this guide to help determine if your pet needs immediate care. When in doubt, call us—or VEG St. Petersburg after hours.

GET HELP IMMEDIATELY

Life-threatening emergencies

Seizures or collapse
Difficulty breathing or choking
Pale or blue gums
Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion
Severe bleeding that won't stop
Trauma (hit by car, fall, attack)
Unable to urinate or straining
Heatstroke or severe hypothermia

Go straight to VEG St. Petersburg (24/7): (727) 456-8323

Not Sure? Call Us: (727) 327-5141

URGENT - Same Day

Needs attention today

Eye injury or sudden vision changes
Limping or unable to bear weight
Vomiting or diarrhea (multiple episodes)
Fever or lethargy
Not eating for 24+ hours
Swelling or painful abdomen

Call for Same-Day Appointment

When in Doubt, Call

You know your pet best. If something seems wrong, trust your instincts and give us a call. We're happy to help during business hours; after hours, call VEG St. Petersburg.

Same-Day Sick-Pet Visits

Sick-Pet Care We Provide

During our business hours, we see sick and injured pets. Same-day appointments are available. Please call first so we can be ready for you.

Same-Day Sick Visits

Call us during business hours and we'll do our very best to fit you in. Calling ahead helps us prepare for your arrival.

Sick-Pet Exams

A thorough exam to find out what's wrong. Life-threatening cases are referred to VEG St. Petersburg (24/7).

In-House Diagnostics

In-house bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound to help find out what's wrong quickly.

Pain Management

Immediate pain relief and sedation for injured or distressed pets.

Wound Care & Suturing

Treatment of lacerations, bite wounds, and other injuries during business hours.

Toxin Exposure Treatment

Decontamination and supportive care for pets who have ingested poisons or toxins.

After Hours Care

After-Hours Emergency Partner

For emergencies outside our business hours, we trust and refer to VEG St. Petersburg—a specialty and emergency animal hospital in St. Petersburg.

VEG St. Petersburg

9675 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Call for After-Hours Care

Additional Emergency Hospitals:

Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists

1501A Belcher Road South, Largo, FL 33771

(727) 531-5752

VEG - Veterinary Emergency Group St. Petersburg

9675 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

(727) 456-8323

Note: These emergency hospitals are independently owned and operated. We coordinate care with them when needed, but they handle their own billing and treatment decisions.

Poison Emergency

ASPCA Poison Control

If your pet has ingested something toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

(888) 426-4435

*A consultation fee may apply. Available 24/7/365.

Before You Call

Have ready: your pet's species, breed, age, weight, and the name/amount of substance ingested.

What to Expect During a Sick-Pet Visit

We know a sick pet is stressful. Here's what happens when you bring your pet in for a same-day visit.

Call First

Call us at (727) 327-5141 before you come in. This lets us prepare and do our best to fit your pet in.

Arrival & Check-In

When you arrive, a team member will check in your pet. The sickest pets are seen first—please understand if another pet goes before you.

Exam & Comfort

Your veterinarian examines your pet and gives pain medication or other treatments as needed to keep them comfortable.

Diagnostics

We'll run necessary tests (bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound) to determine what's wrong. We'll keep you informed every step of the way.

Treatment & Updates

Once we have a diagnosis, we'll discuss treatment options and costs with you before proceeding with care.

Dr. Cartzendafner at the in-house lab running diagnostics for a sick pet

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Sick-Pet Visit FAQ

Common questions about sick-pet visits at Skyway Animal Hospital, and where to go after hours.

Difficulty breathing, seizures, severe bleeding, inability to urinate, ingestion of toxins, trauma, sudden collapse, or any situation where your pet seems in severe distress. When in doubt, call us!

No. During business hours (Mon-Fri 8:00am-6pm, Sat 8am-12pm) we offer same-day sick-pet visits—please call first. For after-hours emergencies, we refer to VEG St. Petersburg at 9675 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.

Yes, please! Calling ahead allows us to prepare for your arrival, give you guidance on immediate care, and ensure we have space. In a life-threatening emergency, go straight to VEG St. Petersburg (24/7).

Call us at (727) 327-5141 during business hours. We'll do our very best to fit you in same-day when your pet needs us.

Don't Wait When Your Pet Needs Help

If your pet is sick or hurt, call us during business hours and we'll do our best to see them today. After hours or in a life-threatening emergency, go to VEG St. Petersburg (24/7).

Call Now: (727) 327-5141

Mon–Fri: 8:00am–6pm | Sat: 8am–12pm | After Hours: VEG St. Petersburg

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