In the beautiful setting of Dubrovnik and the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, the 22nd European Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Congress – EVECC 2025 – was held from the 4th to the 7th of June, along with the 4th VECCUS Symposium on the use of ultrasound. The congress was organized by the European Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (EVECCS) and the European College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ECVECC). The congress in Dubrovnik brought together leading experts and clinicians to advance clinical practice in veterinary emergency care.
A Veterinary Congress Bridging Science, Practice, and Generations of Professionals
The congress program was diverse and tailored to all levels of professional experience: students, specialists, residents, and veterinary nurses – all had their own thematic sections. A wide range of clinical issues related to emergency and intensive care was covered through various formats and four themed sections: the main section, the advanced section, the nurse section, and a fourth section that changed daily.
The congress also offered a variety of hands-on workshops including RECOVER instructor certification and BLS/ALS CPR training, as well as numerous ultrasound lab exercises. Building on the success of previous years, the VECCUS Symposium evolved and diversified this year to cover a wide range of ultrasound applications in veterinary medicine.
The keynote lecture on the link between human and veterinary intensive care medicine was delivered by Croatian nephrologist Vedran Premužić from the Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb. Other notable speakers included Dan Chan, professor of emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College in London; Alessio Vigani from the University of Zurich, a specialist in extracorporeal therapies; Julie Combet-Curt from the referral clinic Fregis in Paris; Kathrine Blackie from the Linnaeus Group; and emergency veterinary care experts Samantha Barber and Marlaina Hrosch.
Networking and Cultural Experience: Dubrovnik as Inspiration
In addition to the rich congress program, participants enjoyed numerous social events that offered opportunities for networking and relaxation after the workday. At the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, a welcome cocktail was held, followed by a gala dinner and dance party at Coral Beach Club Dubrovnik at sunset. The traditional congress gathering titled Get-together-pub took place at Ponat Beach Bar.
Moreover, in collaboration with the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, a guided city tour in English with certified guides was organized, providing participants with a glimpse of the beauty of the Old City and an opportunity to get to know the local culture and history.
This combination of top-level education and unforgettable social activities made the EVECC Congress in Dubrovnik an exceptionally valuable experience for all participants. The congress opened new directions in veterinary emergency care and strengthened connections within the professional community.
