Relocating to a new area is a big transition — not just for you, but for your pets too. One of the most important things every pet owner should do after moving to Southwest Florida is establish care with a local veterinarian and know where to go in case of an emergency.

 

At Paws in Paradise SWFL, my goal is to help pet lovers feel confident and prepared when making Southwest Florida home. That includes knowing your options for routine veterinary care, specialty services, and 24-hour emergency pet hospitals before you ever need them.

 

1. Routine Veterinary Care in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida is home to a wide range of veterinary clinics offering comprehensive care for dogs, cats, and in some cases exotic pets. Local veterinarians provide essential services such as:

• Wellness exams and preventive care

• Vaccinations and parasite prevention

• Dental cleanings and oral health care

• Spay and neuter services

• Diagnostics such as bloodwork and imaging

• Senior pet care and chronic condition management

Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian early helps ensure your pet’s medical history is well documented and makes it easier to access care quickly when something unexpected comes up.

Specialty & Advanced Veterinary Services

In addition to general veterinary clinics, many Southwest Florida practices offer or refer to specialty services, including:

• Dermatology and allergy treatment

• Orthopedic and soft tissue surgery

• Cardiology and internal medicine

• Oncology and cancer care

• Behavioral consultations

Having access to specialty care locally is a major benefit for pet owners, especially those relocating from other states and looking for continuity in advanced medical treatment.

24-Hour Emergency & Urgent Pet Care

Emergencies don’t follow a schedule — and knowing where to go ahead of time can save valuable minutes during a stressful situation.

Southwest Florida offers several 24-hour emergency veterinary hospitals and urgent care clinics equipped to handle situations such as:

• Accidents or injuries

• Sudden illness or distress

• Poison ingestion

• Breathing difficulties

• After-hours complications or severe pain

These facilities are staffed with trained emergency veterinarians and technicians and often have advanced diagnostic tools available on site.

Pro tip: As soon as you move, save the contact information and directions for your nearest emergency pet hospital in your phone. It’s one of the simplest ways to stay prepared.

Choosing the Right Veterinary Care for Your Pet

When selecting a veterinarian or emergency facility, consider:

• Proximity to your home

• Office hours and availability

• Emergency referral options

• Reviews and recommendations from local pet owners

• Experience with your specific type or breed of pet

Every pet — and every pet parent — has different needs. Finding the right fit can make all the difference in your overall experience.

A primary care veterinarian will be your partner in preventative health. Since SWFL is a growing area, it’s best to contact a few clinics and schedule a “meet and greet” before your pet is due for their next annual exam.

What to Look for in an SWFL Veterinarian:

• • Convenience: Find a practice conveniently located near your new home in Fort Myers, Naples, or Port Charlotte.

• • Services: Check if they offer a full range of services, including wellness exams, dental care, and digital radiology. Some hospitals, like Summerlin Animal Hospital, are even AAHA accredited, an industry standard for excellence.

• • Specialty Services: If you own an exotic pet (like a bearded dragon or hedgehog), ask if the staff has knowledge in exotic pet care, as some hospitals, like Verandah Pet Hospital, are equipped for these needs.

• • Pet Insurance Acceptance: Confirm their policies regarding pet insurance and credit options like CareCredit.

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2. Florida-Specific Health Risks (The Year-Round Threat)

In many parts of the country, parasite prevention is seasonal. In Florida’s subtropical climate, the warm, humid weather creates a thriving environment for pests all year long, making continuous prevention essential.

The Biggest SWFL Risks:

Health Concern	Why It’s a Threat in Florida	Preventative Action
Heartworm Disease	Transmitted by mosquitoes, which thrive year-round in the climate, putting even indoor pets at risk.	Year-round heartworm prevention is crucial. Discuss options with your vet, including monthly oral tablets or long-lasting injectable forms.
Fleas & Ticks	Ticks are abundant and can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease. Fleas are persistent year-round in the humidity.	Consistent use of a veterinarian-prescribed oral or topical preventive is a must, especially if your pet spends time outdoors.
Heat Exhaustion	The humidity and high temperatures can lead to heatstroke very quickly.	Never leave a pet in a vehicle. Exercise in the early morning or late evening, and always carry water for your pet during walks.
Snake Bites	Venomous snakes (like rattlesnakes) are present, especially in wooded or marshy areas.	Ask your veterinarian about the availability of snake avoidance training, which can be life-saving.

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3. Emergency Veterinary Care: Be Prepared

The most important step you can take is to know the closest 24-hour facility before an emergency happens. These facilities are built to handle critical emergencies like heatstroke, trauma, toxicities, and snakebite wounds.

 

Note: Emergency hospitals triage patients based on the severity of their condition, not on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

 

Essential SWFL 24/7 Emergency Pet Hospitals

County	Facility	Location Focus	Phone Number	After-Hours Schedule
Collier County	Emergency Pet Hospital of Collier County	6530 Dudley Drive Naples, FL 34105	(239) 263-8010	Mon – Thurs: 5 pm – 8 am Fri – Mon: 5 pm – 8 am (24/7 on weekends/holidays)
	UrgentVet	851 Vanderbilt Beach Road Naples, FL 34108	(239) 306-8600 [email protected]	Mon – Fri: 3 pm – 11 pm Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 8 pm Open All Holidays
Lee County	Fetch (Bonita Springs)	3364 Woods Edge Circle Bonita Springs, FL 34134	(239) 260-4100 – Call (239) 676-0012 – Text [email protected]	Mon – Fri: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Not 24/7 but extended hours
	SWFL Veterinary Specialists	28400 Old 41 Rd 1 Bonita Springs, FL 34135	(239) 992-8387	Open 7 Days A Week (24/7 including Sat & Sun)
	BluePearl Pet Hospital	9500 Marketplace Road Fort Myers, FL 33912	(239) 947-0588 [email protected]	Emergency 24/7 (By appointment)
	Fetch (Fort Myers)	3848 Colonial Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966	(239) 308-9770 – Call (239) 401-7999 – Text [email protected]	Open 7 Days A Week (24/7 including Sat & Sun)
	UrgentVet	6880 Daniels Parkway #2 Fort Myers, FL 33912	(239) 722-2100 [email protected]	Mon – Fri: 3 pm – 11 pm Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 8 pm Open All Holidays
Charlotte County	Veterinary Emergency Clinic	17829 Murdock Circle Port Charlotte, FL 33948	(941) 255-5222	Fri – Mon: 24 Hours. Tues – Thurs: 5 pm – 8 am