Pet EMS services now offered throughout Tampa Bay area

Most pet owners consider their fur babies a part of the family. Vet Care Express Animal Ambulance has expanded to serve five counties in the Tampa Bay area to take care of citizens’ furry friends.

In Vet Care Express’ first five years, the service has helped more than 6,500 pet owners in Sarasota and Manatee counties “get their pets the loving care and transport that they needed to a veterinary facility,” according to a Vet Care Express release.

Time in emergency situations is critical and proper ambulance services can be the difference between life or death for a pet. Vet Care Express has partnered with emergency veterinary hospitals, family veterinarians, fire departments, emergency medical services, police departments, humane societies, animal services and rescue groups to create a care network for area pets and their families.

Vet Care Express Animal Ambulance provides emergency and non-emergency transport for pets in Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Keep the Vet Care Express number handy for any emergency pet situations: 941-592-5131.

Citizens in Manatee and Sarasota counties can call 911 for pet emergencies but it is recommended to call the Vet Care Express number directly. Dispatchers reached through 911 will refer callers to the Vet Care Express number.

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This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 2:50 PM with the headline "Pet EMS services now offered throughout Tampa Bay area."