Emergency Vet Near Me: What to Do When Your Clinic Is Closed

It is 11 p.m., something is wrong with your pet and your regular vet is closed. The first thing most people do is search for an emergency vet near me. This guide walks you through what to do, how to decide whether it is a true emergency and how to get help fast, even when your local clinic is closed.

Step 1: Decide if it is an emergency

Go to an emergency clinic right away if your pet has:

Trouble breathing, open-mouth breathing in a cat, or blue or pale gums
Collapse, unresponsiveness or a seizure lasting more than a few minutes
Suspected poisoning or eating a toxic item
A swollen, tight belly with unproductive retching
Heavy bleeding, major trauma or being hit by a car
Straining to urinate with little or no urine, especially in male cats
Signs of heatstroke
Severe pain or an eye injury

If your pet is showing any of these signs, do not wait. Head to the nearest emergency vet near me.

Step 2: Find an open clinic

24-hour emergency hospitals: staffed overnight, weekends and holidays
Veterinary specialty and referral centers, and university teaching hospitals, which often have emergency services
Your regular vet's voicemail or website, which usually lists an after-hours referral
Urgent care clinics: may have extended hours but are not always open overnight
Poison helplines, for suspected poisoning: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply)

Call ahead when you can. The team can prepare and tell you if they can see your pet.

Step 3: Get answers when it isn't clear

Many late-night worries are not obvious emergencies: a limp, an upset stomach, a rash or a pet that seems off. A licensed vet can ask the right questions, review photos and video, and help you decide whether to go in tonight, watch at home or book a regular visit. With Waggle Vet, you can chat with a licensed vet 24/7, with no appointment. Check current Waggle Vet access and eligibility terms. It works alongside your regular vet, and it is not a substitute for emergency care when your pet needs it.

What to bring to the emergency clinic

Your pet's medical records and vaccine history
A list of medications and supplements
Packaging from anything your pet may have eaten
Your regular vet's contact details
A way to pay, and your pet insurance details if you have them

Keeping records in a digital pet health vault means you can pull them up from your phone.

Transporting a sick or injured pet

Keep your pet as calm and still as possible. Use a carrier for cats and small dogs, and a blanket or sturdy board for large injured dogs. Protect yourself because even gentle pets may bite when in pain. Never muzzle an animal that is vomiting, having trouble breathing or unconscious; ask the emergency team about safe handling.

What emergency visits cost

Emergency exams, tests and treatment can cost hundreds of dollars or more, depending on the case and where you live. Ask for a written estimate and ask about payment options. Waggle also offers an Emergency Fund benefit for eligible members. Check eligibility in the app before relying on it.

Prepare before you need it

Save the address and phone number of your nearest 24-hour clinic
Keep a copy of your pet's records on your phone
Know where poison control numbers are saved
Set up a Waggle Vet account so help is ready any time

FAQs

Is there an emergency vet open now?

Search for a 24-hour clinic near you and call ahead to confirm they are open and can see your pet.

What if I am not sure it is an emergency?

Chat with a licensed vet first, but if your pet shows any severe signs, go straight in.

Can I wait until morning?

Only if a vet agrees your pet is stable. If you are unsure, ask.

Service limits and further guidance

Waggle Vet currently provides live chat guidance, not a promised live video or phone consultation. Access, response times and species support depend on current availability and eligibility. Do not assume medication can be prescribed: state licensure, a valid VCPR, veterinary judgment and federal requirements apply. An in-person examination may be needed.

AVMA: telehealth and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship

Sources checked October 14, 2026. These references do not constitute veterinary review or endorsement of this article.