Emergency Vet Visit: What Pet Owners Should Expect
If your pet needs emergency treatment, it can be a worrying and stressful time. Understanding what happens during an emergency veterinary visit can help you feel more prepared and ensure your pet receives the care they need as quickly as possible.
Whether your pet requires an urgent consultation, emergency surgery or inpatient hospital care, our experienced emergency teams are here to help.
Written by Gillian Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published May 2026 | Review date May 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Before You Travel
If possible, call your vet before travelling so the team can advise you, tell yu where to travel to and prepare for your arrival.
You may be asked:
What symptoms your pet is showing
When the problem started
Whether your pet is currently taking any medication
When You Arrive
When you arrive, a member of the emergency team will assess your pet to identify any urgent or life-threatening problems.
Pets with the most serious conditions will be prioritised for immediate treatment. This means some pets may be seen before others, regardless of arrival time.
Emergency Assessment and Treatment
Following the initial assessment, the vet will examine your pet and discuss their condition with you.
Depending on your pet's needs, their treatment plan may include:
Emergency medication
Diagnostic tests
Monitoring and supportive care
Emergency surgery
Admission for inpatient hospital care
If immediate treatment is required to stabilise your pet, this will be carried out as quickly as possible.
Keeping You Informed
The emergency team will explain your pet's condition, any recommended tests or treatment, and the available options for ongoing care.
Emergencies can be stressful and the team will keep you informed throughout your pet's treatment whenever possible.
If Your Pet Needs Hospital Care
Some pets require ongoing monitoring, treatment or recovery following emergency treatment or surgery.
If admission is necessary, the team will discuss your pet's care plan and provide updates on their progress.
Related pages: When is it a Pet Emergency?, What to do if You Need a Vet in an Emergency
Frequently Asked Questions: What to expect at an emergency vet visit
Do I need to be registered with Animal Trust Vets to access emergency vet care?
No. Our Pet A&E service is open to everyone and no prior registration is required.
Should I call before travelling?
Yes. If possible, please call your vet before travelling so the emergency team can advise you, tell you where to travel to and prepare for your arrival.
Will my pet be seen immediately?
Pets with life-threatening conditions are prioritised for treatment. This means some pets may be seen before others, regardless of arrival time.
Can my pet stay overnight at Animal Trust?
Yes. Our Pet A&E hospitals provide inpatient and overnight hospital care for pets that require ongoing monitoring or treatment.
Can your team perform emergency surgery?
Yes. Our experienced emergency teams can provide emergency procedures and ongoing surgical care where required.
What should I bring to an emergency appointment?
Your pet's welfare comes first. Do not delay travelling to the vet to look for paperwork or other items.
If readily available, it can be helpful to bring:
- Details of any medication your pet is taking
- Information about the illness or injury
- Packaging relating to any suspected toxin ingestion
If you do not have these items with you, please still seek veterinary attention immediately.