How to find an emergency vets near you

How to find an emergency vets

• Call your usual veterinary surgery or any local vet – all vets should have an out of hours emergency vet they refer to and a contact number on their answer machine service. 
• Google Emergency Vets near you
• Take to Yappily’s vet search and save the emergency vet number so you always have it to hand

When to call an emergency vet

If you’re outside of your local vets opening hours and have concerns about your pet’s wellbeing, give the emergency vet a call. You can discuss symptoms with the vet on call and they will guide you on whether your pet needs emergency care or if it’s safe to wait until your local vet reopens. 

Find a vet near you. 

12 Signs your dog needs emergency vet care

• Not eating or drinking for an extended period
• Lethargic, overly sleepy 
• Wobbly on their feet, poor balance or disorientated
• Has an open wound
• Distended abdomen
• Difficulty breathing
• Eaten something potentially toxic (such as grapes, raisins, chocolate or medicine)
• Red or weepy eyes
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Whining, crying or showing signs of pain
• Your dog has had a seizure or fit
• Your dog has had a trauma such as an accident or dog fight

Some signs are more obvious than others, but if you’re worried – trust your gut and call. Calling the emergency vets for a chat is free, so don’t put it off. 

If in doubt, call the vet and ask!

Does pet insurance cover emergency visits?

Each pet insurance cover is different, but in general your insurance policy should cover emergency veterinary care. Check your policy documents for any exclusions to find out your cover. 

Emergency vet call out fees

Needing to see the emergency vets can be a big worry. Not only are you worried about your pets wellbeing, but you might also have fears about how much the emergency care is going to cost. 

Out of hours emegency vets do cost more than your standard local vets. But if you have an emergency during your regular vets opening hours, they will usually fit you in for no extra charge. 

The higher costs for emergency veterinary care usually apply outside of normal business hours.

Get prepared for potential emergency vet visits in future

If you’re reading this and not currently experiencing an emergency with your pet, now is the perfect time to get prepared for any future surprise vet visits. 

• Find emergency vets near you and save their numbers in your phone
• Save a copy of your pet insurance docs on your phone or print a copy
• Make a list of any regular medication your pet takes (save on your phone)
• Look up parking near your emergency vets so you’re prepped in advance
• Contact your local emergency vet to see if you can register 
• Get a first aid kit for minor injuries
• Take a canine first aid course

Take a canine first aid course

While many emergencies will need a veterinary professional to take care of your pet, taking a first aid course is invaluable. 

Being able to provide confident and effective first aid response in an emergency situation puts your mind at ease. Would you know what to do if your dog had a fit, needed CPR or injured themselves? 

Knowing how to provide first aid care to your dog will help you stay calm in an emergency and ensure your dog is in the best possible hands before you get them to the emergency vets. 

Find a vet near you.