ABOUT US
We’re a different breed.
Beacon. A different breed of care.
What kinds of people know their personal space also belongs to their cat?
And that a dog’s wet nose nuzzles and kisses are the best kind of love?
What faithful human understands the healing powers of modern medicine and a flurry of snuggles?
And that all care begins with compassion and honest concern for everyone—on two legs and on four.
You’re that kind of people—and so are we!
You. Us.
Yes, we do things a little differently.
Stepping out of the box allows good things to happen.
We keep our doors, our hearts, and our minds open—always.
That’s just who we are at Beacon.
You, your pet, Beacon—we’re a unique breed when you put us all together.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Ellen Buerkett
Owner/ER Veterinarian
“We’re from the area. We’re your neighbors. And we want to serve the people and pets of our community.”
Born and raised in Pinellas County, Dr. Buerkett is a proud Florida native who pursued her undergraduate and her veterinary degrees at the University of Florida. She and her husband, Nathan, have since settled in St. Petersburg with their three children, Alexander, Audrey, and Christian.
Dr. Buerkett's extensive experience in emergency veterinary care in Riverview includes specialized training and a focus on emergent surgeries. Previously, she’s held roles as an emergency doctor, an intern manager, as well as a medical director. She is devoted and passionate about practicing and teaching veterinary medicine and emergency pet treatment.
Dr. Buerkett has a deep commitment to meeting the urgent veterinary needs of her community and is dedicated to cultivating a supportive and fulfilling work environment where the team at Beacon can thrive in their careers and find long-lasting satisfaction in providing Riverview with emergency veterinary care.
Nathan Buerkett
Owner / Director
“We are proud to serve our community, and love working with such talented people.”
Nathan Buerkett is the director of Beacon, and is a driven leader passionate about working alongside skilled individuals to make a positive impact in our community. In his role as director, he brings his extensive experience as a business owner, unwavering dedication to quality, and community-focused values to every facet of his work.
Education:
Nathan Buerkett is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Personal:
A family man at heart, Nathan cherishes moments spent with his wife, Dr. Ellen Buerkett, and their three children. When he's not at Beacon, you might find him cheering on his favorite baseball team or exploring new destinations with his loved ones.
Why ER Medicine?
Nathan's commitment to emergency veterinary care in Riverview is rooted in the profound impact it has on the lives of animals and their families. He finds deep satisfaction in being part of a team that provides critical care and support for animals and their people.
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Cristina Kip
Hospital Manager
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Karly Kasza
Nursing Director
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Christina Crowell
Inventory Manager
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Allison Bauer
Marketing Director
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Dr. Megan Sawyer
Surgeon + ER Veterinarian
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Dr. Brigitte Reinmuller
ER Veterinarian
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Dr. Clarence Williams
ER Veterinarian
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Dr. Michelle Kenig
ER Veterinarian
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Dr. Natalie Queirolo
ER Veterinarian
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Dr. Meghan Mathews
ER Veterinarian
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Dr. Paige Wisniewski
ER Veterinarian
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our commitment to our community is unwavering—we're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We're always here to help, no matter when your pet's emergency arises.
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No appointment is needed at our emergency, walk-in animal hospital in Riverview. We operate on a triage basis to prioritize the most urgent cases. However, a quick call beforehand allows us to prepare for your pet's arrival and streamline the check-in process.
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We understand your concern about wait times and share your commitment to the well-being of your pet. We urge you to bring your pet to Beacon as soon as possible.
Upon arrival, our veterinary team will promptly assess the condition of your companion, and will discuss the next steps, including any potential wait times. If you need to drop off your pet, we'll keep you updated every step of the way. If you choose to stay, we'll ensure you and your pet are comfortable while you wait.
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To make emergency care accessible, we offer three convenient financing options: All Pet Card, Care Credit, and Scratch Pay. We're happy to discuss these options and assist with applications at our facility. Call us at 727-619-4800 with any questions.
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Many of our doctors have experience treating exotic pets. However, because the schedules of our doctors vary, we recommend calling ahead to discuss the specific needs of your pet to ensure we can provide the best care possible. Please note that we do not treat primates; we suggest contacting the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine for any primate care.
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If you're worried about your pet, we are too. We recommend visiting our walk-in animal hospital in Riverview as soon as possible. While we're happy to answer questions over the phone, an in-person visit offers the most accurate assessment and peace of mind regarding your pet's health. We're open 24/7, so don't hesitate to come in whenever you need us.
No appointment needed.
13141 US-301, Riverview, FL 33578
(813) 808-8070