When should I take my pet to an emergency vet?

Go immediately for difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, bloat in dogs, blocked bladder in male cats, or if your rabbit stops eating and passing droppings.

What is Vets Now in the UK?

Vets Now operates out-of-hours emergency clinics across the UK when your daytime practice is closed. Use their online clinic finder for the nearest location.

Should I call before travelling?

Yes — phone ahead so the team can prepare and advise on safe transport. Keep your pet calm and warm during the journey.

Is the PDSA open for emergencies?

PDSA provides care for eligible clients — check your local PDSA eligibility. Others should use their registered vet's out-of-hours service or Vets Now.

Pet Care

When to See an Emergency Vet in the UK — Signs You Should Not Wait

Published 1 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20262 min read

Quick answer

Take your pet to an emergency vet immediately if they have difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning, a bloated dog abdomen, a male cat unable to urinate, or a rabbit not eating or passing droppings. In the UK, use your vet's out-of-hours service or the Vets Now clinic finder when your practice is closed.

Dog emergencies — go now

Bloat (GDV) — swollen abdomen, retching without vomit
Collapse or inability to stand
Difficulty breathing or blue/pale gums
Seizures or repeated tremors
Known toxin ingestion — chocolate, xylitol, grapes, rat poison
Heatstroke — heavy panting, collapse in warm weather
Uncontrolled bleeding

See our guides: Bloat in dogs · Chocolate poisoning

Cat emergencies — go now

Straining to urinate with little output (especially males)
Open-mouth breathing or rapid breathing
Not eating for 24 hours
Lily or antifreeze exposure
Collapse or severe pain

See our guides: Cat straining to urinate · Cat breathing fast

Rabbit emergencies — go now

Not eating or no droppings for 12 hours
Gut stasis signs — hunched, bloated, painful
Flystrike — maggots on rear (UK summer emergency)
Head tilt with rolling — urgent neurological care

See: Rabbit gut stasis UK

How to find emergency care in the UK

Daytime — call your registered veterinary practice
Out of hours — follow your vet's recorded message or use Vets Now
Poisoning — call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 while travelling to a vet

Bring vaccination records, medication list and insurance details if available.

What is not usually an emergency

Single episode of mild diarrhoea in an otherwise bright dog, one skipped meal without other signs, or minor skin scratches may wait for a same-day or next-day appointment — but trust your instinct if you are worried.

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I take my pet to an emergency vet?: Go immediately for difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, bloat in dogs, blocked bladder in male cats, or if your rabbit stops eating and passing droppings.
What is Vets Now in the UK?: Vets Now operates out-of-hours emergency clinics across the UK when your daytime practice is closed. Use their online clinic finder for the nearest location.
Should I call before travelling?: Yes — phone ahead so the team can prepare and advise on safe transport. Keep your pet calm and warm during the journey.
Is the PDSA open for emergencies?: PDSA provides care for eligible clients — check your local PDSA eligibility. Others should use their registered vet's out-of-hours service or Vets Now.