371 clinics that handle emergencies · sorted by distance→
In an emergency, two things matter: getting your pet to a vet that can help, and staying calm enough to be useful on the way. Here’s how to tell when it’s urgent, what to do in the first few minutes, and how to find an after-hours clinic fast.
Signs it can’t wait
Call a vet immediately if you see any of these:
- Difficulty breathing, choking, or non-stop coughing
- Collapse, sudden weakness, or a seizure that doesn’t stop within a couple of minutes
- A bloated, hard or rapidly swelling belly — especially in deep-chested dogs
- Suspected poisoning (chocolate, rat bait, medication, snail bait, a toxic plant)
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, or straining and unable to urinate
- Heavy bleeding, a major injury, or being hit by a car — even if they seem fine afterwards
- Signs of heatstroke after a hot day: heavy panting, drooling, unsteadiness
When in doubt, phone a clinic and describe what you’re seeing. They would always rather you call.
The first few minutes
- Call ahead. Tell them what happened and roughly when. They’ll prepare and guide you.
- Keep your pet warm, still and quiet. Stress and movement can make things worse.
- Don’t give food, water or any medication unless a vet tells you to — some human medicines are toxic to pets.
- If it’s poisoning, bring the packaging or a photo of what they ate. It helps the vet act faster.
- Drive carefully. A second emergency on the way helps no one.
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Why “call ahead” really matters
Not every clinic is open after hours, and not every open clinic is set up for critical cases. Of the clinics we’ve listed, 371 state on their own website that they handle emergencies or after-hours care. Calling first means you don’t arrive at a closed door — or a clinic that has to send you somewhere else.
Be ready before it happens
Save your regular vet’s number and your nearest after-hours clinic in your phone now, while it’s calm. Know which direction you’d drive at 2am. A few minutes today is the difference between searching and acting when it counts.
Pet emergency FAQs
How do I know if it’s a real emergency?
Trouble breathing, collapse, a swollen or bloated belly, repeated vomiting, suspected poisoning, a seizure that doesn’t stop, heavy bleeding, or an inability to urinate are all reasons to call a vet straight away. If you’re unsure, call — a good clinic will tell you whether to come in.
Should I call before I drive over?
Yes. Calling ahead means the team can prepare and tell you the fastest safe thing to do on the way. It also confirms the clinic is open and can take your pet — not every clinic handles emergencies after hours.
What does an emergency vet visit cost?
After-hours and emergency care usually costs more than a standard daytime consult, and prices vary by clinic. Ask for an estimate when you call. We don’t publish prices because clinics rarely list them — always confirm directly.