When should I take my pet to an emergency vet?

Go immediately for difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, bloat in dogs, a male cat straining to urinate with little output, or a rabbit that has stopped eating and passing droppings. If you are unsure, phone the practice — a triage call is cheaper than a night that started too late.

How do I find an out-of-hours vet in the UK?

Call your registered practice first; the answerphone names the night cover. If you have no usual vet, use the PETHEALTH+ out-of-hours directory or a dedicated emergency clinic. Phone ahead so the team can prepare and advise on safe transport.

Should I call before travelling?

Yes, when you can. Phone ahead so the team can prepare, tell you whether to come in, and advise on transport. Keep your pet calm and warm. Do not delay leaving if they cannot breathe or have collapsed.

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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 number or our **out-of-hours directory**. For toxins, call **Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000** while you travel. Skip this page if they are crashing — phone first.

Key takeaways

Go now for difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, dog bloat, a male cat that cannot urinate, or a rabbit not eating.
Out of hours, use your vet's recorded message or the PETHEALTH+ out-of-hours directory — phone ahead when you can.
For toxins, call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 while travelling — do not wait for symptoms, and do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.

The full guide

Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.

Read: When to See an Emergency Vet in the UK Check symptoms

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, a male cat straining to urinate with little output, or a rabbit that has stopped eating and passing droppings. If you are unsure, phone the practice — a triage call is cheaper than a night that started too late.
How do I find an out-of-hours vet in the UK?: Call your registered practice first; the answerphone names the night cover. If you have no usual vet, use the PETHEALTH+ out-of-hours directory or a dedicated emergency clinic. Phone ahead so the team can prepare and advise on safe transport.
Should I call before travelling?: Yes, when you can. Phone ahead so the team can prepare, tell you whether to come in, and advise on transport. Keep your pet calm and warm. Do not delay leaving if they cannot breathe or have collapsed.