Veterinary Emergency Referral Center

07/11/2025

Did you know 1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime? Even more heartbreaking - only 1 in 10 are ever found. 💔

July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month, serving as a reminder to take proactive steps to protect your pet. Here are some tips on how to keep them safe:

🐶 Train your pet to come to you on voice command
🦮 Keep pets on a leash in unfenced areas
🐾 Microchip your pet and keep your contact information updated
🐕‍ Get your pet a secure and updated ID tag

If your pet goes missing:
File a lost animal report with local police, post on community social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor, check with neighbors about yard searches and security footage, scout local parks and trails, and contact all animal shelters in your area.

If you find a lost animal:
VERC is open 24/7 and able to scan for a microchip to contact owners to reunite with their Furry Friend.

07/09/2025

⚠️ Heat stroke happens fast. Treatment needs to be FASTER.

Avoid this summer emergency by:
🌡️ Protecting your pet
Limit heat exposure and never leave them in a parked car.

🌡️ Recognizing early signs
Panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, or pale/red gums.

🌡️ Knowing what to do
Move to a cool area, wet them down, offer water, and head to the ER.

Heat stroke can be fatal—but it’s preventable. If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, contact VERC at 850-477-3914 We are open 24/7

07/04/2025

From everyone at VERC, we wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July!

A reminder that our hospital will be open today and this weekend for any pet emergency needs. Wait times can be longer during holiday weekends and we appreciate your patience.

07/03/2025

Fourth of July festivities are fun and filled with celebrations, but don't forget the safety of your furry family members. 😺🐶🎇

Safety reminders:
🧨Take your pet for a walk or play with them to get some energy out before the celebrations begin.
🧨Don't leave your pet outside during fireworks. Keep them inside in a safe place and maybe with their favorite toy.
🧨Keep party food and alcohol out of paws reach.
🧨Make sure your pet is wearing ID tags and their microchip information is up to date.
🧨Clean up hazardous foods, drinks, and decor immediately after festivities.

We will be OPEN July 4th and all weekend for any emergency needs.

07/01/2025

Are you an experienced Veterinary Technician looking for opportunities? VERC is seeking skilled technicians! Earn $20–$24/hr, with potential for higher compensation based on skills. Join a team that values top-quality medicine and continuous growth.

06/28/2025

Loud noised and lights of fireworks can be scary to many pets and result in them running away or accidentally harming themselves. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe this holiday during fireworks:

🎇Animal control officials across the country see a 30-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th. Keep your pet on a leash and be sure that they have proper ID tags and current microchip information.

🎇Keep pets inside, away from the fireworks, and create a cozy place for them to feel comforted. Pets have been known to leap through windows or eat through crates to get away from the noise of fireworks. If your pet gets anxious with loud noises, consult your veterinarian about therapy options to desensitize your pet.

🎇You might be outside awaiting fireworks for a long period of time and too much heat can be dangerous to pets. If your pet must be outside with you, ensure they can take frequent breaks from the heat and have plenty of fresh water.

06/23/2025

Tomatoes are a popular garden crop this time of year. However, green tomatoes contain solanine which can put our pets at risk. 🍅 In most cases, we can see gastrointestinal irritation even with a small amount ingested.

Symptoms with larger ingestions can include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, confusion, dilated pupils, depression, and increased heart rate.

If you suspect your pet has consumed green tomatoes, immediately contact VERC at (850) 477-3914. You can also connect with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

06/22/2025

Join the Hotel for Dogs and Cats for their 16th Anniversary Pawty!

Where:
At the Hotel for Dogs and Cats
2629 Creighton Rd
Across from Walmart at the light, behind Truist Bank

What's Happening?
-Sweet Love - ice cream truck! Free ice cream for you and Pup cups for your dogs! (sponsored by Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital PA)
-The K9 officers will be there to enjoy the festivities as well as show what they are about.
-Pools for dogs who want to swim
-Free large consignment shop for dogs and cats! The racks are packed with cute clothes and shelves loaded with toys, leashes and collars
-Cake and goody bags

It's sure to be a great time!

06/20/2025

It's the first day of summer!

As temperatures rise, keep your furry friends safe and comfy outdoors with these easy tips!

🔥 Avoid long playtime or walks during the hottest hours
🌡️ Humidity can make it harder for pets to cool down—watch out, especially for flat-faced breeds!
🌳 Always provide plenty of shade and fresh water
🚗 NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked car—it can be deadly!

Keep your pets happy and healthy all summer long!

06/19/2025

06/17/2025

⚠️ Did you know? Many common household medications can be toxic to pets—and ibuprofen is at the top of the list.

Even small amounts can lead to stomach ulcers or kidney failure in dogs and cats. Keep your pets safe with these tips:

✅ Keep all medications both for humans and pets away from your animals.

✅ Never leave pills OR pill bottles sitting on the counter or in a place that a pet can reach them.

✅ If you accidentally drop a pill when taking it out of the bottle, quickly pick it up so you know your pet won't find and eat it.

✅ Never give a medication to your pet without consulting a veterinarian first.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a human medication or a medication meant for another pet in your household, immediately contact VERC at 85-477-3914. You can also connect with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible pet dads!

Today, we’re celebrating the dads who:
⚾ Toss the ball one more time (even after a long day)
🍖 Sneak extra treats when no one’s looking
❤️ And love their furry kids like family

Your pack is lucky to have you!