A Locally Owned 24/7 Emergency Veterinarian in Riverview
Providing Riverview and its surrounding communities with a local breed of emergency veterinary care
In house Diagnostics • X-Rays Radiologist Review • Point of Care Ultrasounds • Hospitalization• Transfusions & Antivenom• Emergency Surgery
Beacon Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Riverview provides 24/7 emergency and urgent care for dogs and cats with no appointment needed. Conveniently located on US-301 just south of Big Bend Road, we treat walk-in emergencies with surgery, in-house imaging, blood transfusions, and hospitalization. As a locally owned, veterinarian-led ER, we deliver expert care at a lower cost than corporate hospitals. Our team focuses on comfort for both pets and people, with overnight stays, drop-off options, and a supportive, compassionate approach. Discover why Riverview trusts Beacon as its local breed of emergency care.
We believe in modern medicine and old-fashioned snuggles.
At our animal hospital in Riverview, we blend expert emergency care with genuine warmth. We treat your pet like family and offer you the comfort and support you'd expect from a neighbor. Our goal is to make each ER visit as reassuring as possible—because here, you’re more than clients; you’re part of our community.
24/7 Walk-Ins
We're the only animal hospital with an emergency veterinarian in Riverview open around the clock, every day of the year. No appointment is needed—simply call or visit us when you need our services.
Immediate Care & Comfort
All visits to Beacon start with swift, caring attention for pets and their people.
No Pauses Ever
We will never refuse patients or refer them elsewhere. You can count on us for consistent, devoted care.
Locally owned & operated
Dr. Ellen Buerkett, a Palm Harbor native, and her husband, Nathan Buerkett, are proud local residents who are dedicated to serving their local community.
Stay or drop off
You’re welcome to stay with your pet in one of our comfortable exam rooms, equipped with cozy couches, or, if you prefer, you can drop them off and return at your convenience. If you choose to drop off, we’ll keep you updated on everything you need to know—from the comfort of your home or while you attend to your day.
Acute emergency care for your cutie.
The compassionate team of expert nurses, doctors, and staff at Beacon offer a wide range of emergency veterinary services. Our focus is on what truly matters: the well-being, comfort, and stress-free experience for your furry companion, and for you.
Compassion awaits you from the moment you arrive.
Imaging & Diagnostics
Critical Care & Hospitalization
End-of-Life Care
Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
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Nope! Walk-ins are always welcome — no appointment or referral is required. However, calling ahead can help our team prepare, gather important information, and potentially save time when you arrive.
📍 St. Petersburg: (727) 619-4800
📍 Riverview: (813) 808-8070
What matters most is getting your pet to us — so if you don’t have time to call, just come. We’ll be ready. -
We have two Beacon 24/7 pet emergency locations:
📍 St. Petersburg: 2909 4th St N, at the corner of 29th Ave N across from Fresh Market and near Trader Joe’s and Wild Fork. Our entrance & parking is behind the building off 29th Ave N.
📍 Riverview: 13141 US Highway 301 S, at the northeast corner of Big Bend and 301, in the same plaza as QDOBA.
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Beacon is an emergency hospital primarily focused on the treatment and care of dogs and cats. However, our doctors come from a variety of backgrounds and may feel comfortable treating other species depending on their experience. Our presiding doctors rotate, so we recommend calling ahead so we can assess our team’s ability to help with your pet’s species.
📍 St. Petersburg: (727) 619-4800
📍 Riverview: (813) 808-8070 -
Yes! Both of our locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including nights, weekends, and holidays. We’re always here when your pet needs us.
Cate C.
St. Petersburg, FL
“This vet was recommended and I was very pleased. The offices are super clean with very interesting artwork. They were kind and compassionate from the initial phone call to the front desk, the vet tech and the vet herself.”
Larry H.
St. Petersburg, FL
“They are a kind & caring vet staff, who are immensely competent, and whose treatment gave us priceless peace of mind that we chose the right vet hospital - as difficult as the situation was. We cannot thank you enough.”
No appointment needed.
St. Petersburg
2909 4th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL
727-619-4800
Riverview
13141 US-301
Riverview, FL 33578
813-808-8070