24 Hour Emergency
Cat laying down

Out of Hours Vets

If it's the middle of the night and your pet is sick, we don’t want you to be worrying about the cost of treatment as well. That’s why at Medivet, our emergency consultation fee is a fixed £130, more than 35% cheaper than the national average. Available between 7pm - 9am, at 25 Medivet clinics across the UK. Find your local 24 Hour Medivet below.

Search

Search

What Are Out of Hours Vets?

Out of hours vets are veterinary clinics that provide emergency care outside regular surgery hours. This includes evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and overnight. Out of hours services exist because pets can fall seriously ill or get injured at any time, and some conditions cannot wait until morning.

At Medivet, our out of hours teams include experienced vets and veterinary nurses trained in emergency and critical care. Many of our clinics provide their own out of hours service or share a computer system with the local Medivet 24-hour centre, which means your pet's medical records are immediately accessible. This continuity of care helps our vets make faster, safer decisions when every minute counts.

iStock-1498133178_PUR 585x330.jpg

When to Visit an Out of Hours Vet

You should contact an out of hours vet immediately if your pet shows signs of a life-threatening condition. These include severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, seizures, or collapse. Poisoning, bloat, road traffic accidents, and eye injuries also require urgent attention.

Call before you travel. The vet or nurse can assess the situation over the phone and prepare for your arrival - the vet or nurse may give you some first aid advice over the phone. In some cases, phone triage may determine that your pet can safely wait until morning with home care advice. This saves you an unnecessary journey and helps the emergency team prioritise critical cases.

Common emergencies we see out of hours include:

  • Road traffic accidents and major trauma
  • Breathing difficulties or choking
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhoea, especially with blood
  • Bloat or distended abdomen
  • Poisoning or toxic ingestion
  • Eye injuries or sudden blindness
  • Inability to urinate or pass faeces
  • Collapse or extreme weakness
  • Animals in obvious discomfort or pain
  • Bleeding
  • Pregnant animals who may need assistance with the delivery of young

If you have any concerns about your pets welfare, it is always wise to call your out of hours vet who will be able to advise as to if your pet should be seen or can safely wait until the morning.

shutterstock_1392139112_PUR_DIGITAL_ONLY 585x330.jpg

Medivet's Approach to Out of Hours Pricing

Emergency veterinary care requires trained teams, equipment, and 24/7 availability. Out of hours fees reflect these additional resources. Medivet is committed to transparent pricing, so you know what to expect before treatment begins.

We offer a fixed consultation fee of £130, 35% lower than the national average.*

Our vets will always discuss treatment options and associated fees with you. If multiple approaches are possible, we will explain the differences so you can make an informed choice. 

If you are struggling to afford emergency care, speak to the team. We can discuss which treatments are essential immediately and what can wait. Charities such as PDSA or the Blue Cross may also offer support for eligible pet owners.

magnifics_upscale-precision--GettyImages-1183371825_PUR 585x330.jpg

Finding an Out of Hours Vet Near You

If your regular vet is a Medivet clinic, we will provide you with an out of hours contact number. Save this number in your phone during a routine appointment so you have it ready in an emergency. Many of our clinics run their own out of hours service, which means familiar faces and access to your pet's full medical history.

If your regular vet is not a Medivet clinic, they should provide an emergency number that redirects to an out of hours provider. Some vets use external emergency clinics, while others operate on-call rotas. Always call your regular vet first, even outside hours, as their voicemail or answering service will direct you to the correct emergency contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can take your pet to any veterinary clinic in an emergency, even if you are not registered there. Vets are legally obliged to provide first aid to any animal who is in urgent need. However, calling ahead helps the team prepare, and your regular vet's clinical records will not be immediately available at an unfamiliar clinic.

Emergency vet visits typically include a consultation fee plus charges for diagnostics, treatment, and medication. Fees vary by location, time, and the complexity of the case. Medivet provides transparent estimates before treatment begins so you can make informed decisions about your pet's care.

Vets will discuss all treatment options and their associated fees with you. Essential stabilisation and pain relief are prioritised. Third-party finance, and charity support may be available. Some charities may offer assistance to eligible pet owners. Your vet can provide details.

There is no single free 24-hour vet helpline for the UK. Your regular vet's out of hours number is the best first contact. Many pet insurance policies include a free 24-hour advice line. Medivet clinics provide out of hours contact details to registered clients.

Veterinary emergencies include conditions that threaten life, cause severe pain, or risk permanent damage. Examples are breathing difficulties, seizures, major trauma, poisoning, bloat, heavy bleeding, eye injuries, collapse, or inability to urinate. If you are unsure, call for advice.

Out of hours care requires trained staff, advanced equipment, and 24/7 availability. Emergency vets must cover higher staffing costs, maintain critical care facilities, and stock emergency medications. These resources are essential to provide immediate, life-saving treatment when your regular vet is closed.

Calling an emergency vet for advice is usually free. The vet may be able to guide you over the phone or assess whether your pet needs an immediate visit. Consultation fees usually apply only when you bring your pet in for examination and treatment.

Speak to the vet immediately. They can prioritise essential treatment and discuss payment plans or third-party finance options. Charities such as PDSA and Blue Cross may help eligible owners. Delaying treatment can worsen your pet's condition and increase long-term costs.

Pet insurance usually excludes pre-existing conditions, routine care such as vaccinations and neutering, preventable diseases, elective procedures, and breeding-related costs. Check your policy for specific exclusions. Out of hours emergency treatment for new conditions and accidents is generally covered.

Terms and Conditions

Emergency/out-of-hours charge only. See individual practices' webpages for our fees during regular working hours. This fee covers the cost of a consultation out of regular working hours with a vet, only; any treatment, further tests, or examinations required will be chargeable at the out-of-hour rate. Medivet reserves the right to change the fee at any time without prior notice. MHP members receive 10% discount. Medivet Nantwich 24 Hour is excluded and charges a higher amount. Please see charges on the practice webpage. 

35% comparison saving based on the average out-of-hours consultation fee costs of more than 48+ clinics nationwide, using publicly available pricing from Medivet's own research, and supported by multiple independent third-party data - figures correct of January 2026.