In an emergency, call us first
We’re open 24 hours a day, every day.
Call before you set off
We can give advice and be ready for you. If in doubt, call – we’d rather see your pet early.
Have a few answers ready
- What happened, and when it started
- Your pet’s species, breed, age and rough weight
- Anything they’ve eaten: what, how much and when
- Any medical conditions and medicines
- How they are right now
Don’t worry if you don’t know them all – just tell us what you can.
Keep everyone safe
- Stay calm and keep yourself safe. Injured pets can bite when scared.
- Move injured pets carefully, using a blanket or a firm board for larger dogs.
- Don’t give any medicines unless a vet tells you to.
Bring the packaging
If your pet has eaten something, bring the packaging, label or a sample of the plant with you.
Out-of-hours consultations start from £80. See all our prices
107–109 High Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1JT. Not registered with us? Call anyway – we’ll always help in an emergency. Can’t get to us? We also offer call-out visits.
For emergencies, always phone. Please don’t use email, the enquiry form or social media for urgent problems.
Pets have a funny habit of getting into trouble at 2am on a bank holiday. That's why our practice is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. No being sent to a clinic miles away, no waiting until morning. Just call us.
Why 24/7 care matters
In an emergency, every minute counts. Being able to come straight to a practice you know, with a team who may already know your pet and can see their records, can make a real difference. Our in-house lab and imaging mean we can investigate quickly, day or night.
What counts as an emergency?
Call us straight away if your pet:
- Is struggling to breathe or has blue, grey or very pale gums
- Has collapsed, is having a fit or can't stand
- Has been hit by a car or had a bad fall
- Is bleeding heavily
- Has eaten something poisonous
- Has a swollen, tight tummy and is retching without bringing anything up
- Is a male cat straining to wee with little or nothing coming out
- Is struggling to give birth
- Has heatstroke, or is panting heavily and can't cool down
For a full list, read our guide, Is It an Emergency? Signs You Shouldn't Ignore.
Did you know? Grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener found in some sugar-free foods) and lilies are among the most common poisons we see. Lilies are especially dangerous for cats, even the pollen.
Your questions answered
Do you charge more out of hours?
Out-of-hours consultations are priced differently from daytime appointments. See our pricing page for starting prices.
Do I need to be registered to use your emergency service?
Give us a call. We'll always help in an emergency and talk you through what happens next.
Do you see exotic pets in an emergency?
Yes, and small pets can go downhill quickly, so call as soon as you're worried.
Save our number now, and hope you never need it: 01843 808344.
General information only. This article is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment, and every animal is different. If you think your pet needs urgent attention, call us immediately on 01843 808344. Services and techniques described are subject to your vet's clinical judgement. Information correct at the time of publication (October 2026).