Public invited to sneak preview of new after-hours pet emergency clinic in Ocala

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and a group of Marion County-area veterinarians will host a sneak preview of their new after-hours pet emergency clinic in Ocala from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday (June 30).

Everyone is invited to come tour the facility and meet the UF veterinarians who will be providing care at the clinic when it opens for business July 2 at 3200 SW 27th Ave., near the Paddock Mall. Refreshments, including free slushies and hot dogs from Sonic, will be served. Radio station WOGK “K Country” will broadcast live from the site and feature prizes and giveaways.

The 5,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art clinic will provide basic to advanced emergency care between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the week, and around the clock on weekends and holidays, bridging the gap during time periods when veterinarians’ offices are typically closed.

The clinic came about as the result of a unique collaboration between a group of Marion County veterinarians and UF. The university will serve as a resource to these veterinarians, who will have the emergency clinic’s phone number on their answering machines after hours and will let their clients know the facility is available to meet their needs.

The clinic will be staffed by UF small animal emergency and critical care clinicians, with additional support personnel. The staff will rotate shifts in Ocala while continuing to provide services at the UF Small Animal Hospital in Gainesville. The phone number for the new clinic will be 352-512-0886.