Emergency vet care UK
An emergency vet visit costs an average of £276 before any treatment. Knowing where to go — and what to expect to pay — before a crisis happens is one of the most important things a pet owner can do.
CompareMyVet will show emergency and out-of-hours provision for every UK practice.
If your pet needs emergency care right now: Call your registered vet practice immediately — even outside hours, their voicemail or answerphone will direct you to their out-of-hours provider. Do not wait and do not search for a vet while driving.
Out-of-hours care covers any veterinary treatment needed outside a practice's normal opening hours — evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. It is significantly more expensive than daytime care because it requires specialist staff available around the clock in fully equipped facilities.
The base consultation fee is just the start. Diagnostics, treatment, medication, and overnight care are all charged on top. A single emergency can easily cost £500–£2,000, and complex surgery or intensive care can reach £4,000 or more.
| Service | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-hours consultation | £150–£350 | Base fee only, before any treatment |
| X-ray (emergency) | £200–£500 | Higher at specialist emergency centres |
| Emergency surgery | £800–£4,000+ | Depends heavily on complexity |
| Overnight hospitalisation | £300–£1,500/night | ICU care at the higher end |
| Emergency C-section | £1,400–£4,000 | Medium-sized dog |
Not all practices provide their own out-of-hours cover. Many refer to a dedicated emergency clinic — which may be further away and operated by a different company. It is important to know which provider covers your practice before you need them.
New CMA rule: Out-of-hours providers are now banned from imposing unreasonably long notice periods on practices wanting to switch provider. This protects practices' ability to find better out-of-hours services for their patients.
Pet insurance typically covers emergency and out-of-hours veterinary fees for accidents and illness. A basic policy starts from around £4–£8 per month — often less than a single out-of-hours consultation. If your pet is uninsured and you're facing a large emergency bill, ask the practice about payment plans before assuming you can't afford treatment.
Coming soon: CompareMyVet will show out-of-hours provision and emergency cover for every UK practice — so you can factor this into your choice of vet, not just your choice in a crisis. Join the early access list →