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Choosing a vet
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**. For toxins, call **Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000** while you travel.
Key takeaways
- Go now for difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, dog bloat, blocked male cats, or rabbits not eating.
- Out of hours in the UK, use your vet's recorded message or the Vets Now clinic finder — phone ahead when you can.
- For toxins, call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 while travelling to a vet — do not wait for symptoms.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
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.