How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?

Facing a pet emergency can feel overwhelming and deeply stressful — after all, pets are family. While it’s impossible to prepare for every scenario, understanding what to expect can help you respond calmly and get your pet the urgent care they need. In this article, we’ll cover signs of a pet emergency, what steps to take and what you might expect in terms of treatment and cost. 

And remember: If you’re ever unsure or can’t reach your regular veterinarian, it’s always OK to trust your instincts and head to the emergency vet.

What Is an Emergency Vet?

Emergency veterinarians are specially trained to care for pets in their most critical moments — as in, when every second counts. Like general veterinarians, they complete rigorous education and licensing, but they also undergo advanced training in emergency and critical care to handle complex, life-threatening conditions. These dedicated professionals often work in emergency clinics or animal hospitals, collaborate with specialists and may see pets referred by your regular vet. The process is similar to how a family doctor might send a patient to the emergency room (ER) for a medical emergency.

How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?

The total cost of an emergency vet visit can vary greatly based on the injury, condition, pet insurance (if applicable) and whether your pet has a chronic condition that may require multiple emergency vet visits over their lifetime. The national average cost* of an ER exam for dogs is $125, but it could range from $96 to $236 depending on a number of factors. For cats, the average cost* for an emergency checkup is $121, with a range of $94 to $228.¹

Additional charges for services such as diagnostic tests, medications, treatments, hospitalization or surgery can also increase the cost of an emergency vet visit. If overnight hospitalization at a veterinary clinic is required, for example, the average nightly cost range for a dog is $222 to $567, and $99 to $243 for a cat.¹

Calculate the cost of an emergency exam for dogs near you*

Average Cost of an Emergency Vet Visit by State/District

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* for an emergency vet visit for a dog and for a cat in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹

Does Pet Insurance Cover Emergency Vet Visits?

Your pet insurance may cover part of the cost of an emergency veterinary visit as long as the visit is not associated with a preexisting condition. However, most plans require you to pay for the visit out of pocket — with the insurance company reimbursing you at a later date — so you will need to be prepared to pay for your pet’s care.

Payment options after an emergency vet visit

Facing a pet emergency is not only emotionally overwhelming — it can also be financially stressful. The cost of emergency care can vary widely, but in a crisis moment, worrying about money is often the last thing you need to think about, which is why planning ahead is so important. Building an emergency fund by setting aside a small amount of money each month, exploring financing options like the CareCredit credit card in advance and comparing pet insurance plans can all help you to prepare so that your pet gets the care they need without added stress.

Signs of a Pet Emergency

If your pet has had an accident or gotten into a fight with another animal, it’s completely natural to feel frightened and overwhelmed. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm — your presence and voice can help soothe your pet in a stressful moment.

Gently check for any signs of pain, difficulty breathing or visible wounds, and avoid touching injured areas if possible. If you can, carefully wrap them in a soft blanket or place them in a secure carrier to keep them safe and comfortable. Keep in mind that even the gentlest pets may react unpredictably when scared or in pain, so move slowly and protect yourself as you help them.

Any of these situations can be an emergency, and you should contact your veterinarian or head to the nearest emergency vet immediately:

• Abnormal behavior, including but not limited to sudden aggression, stiffness or difficulty moving around, panting, drooling or restlessness
• Accidental ingestion of poison or other foreign object
• Bloated or distended stomach
• Blood in stool
• Blood in urine
• Choking and/or difficulty breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Eye injury
• Fractured bone
• Heat stress or heatstroke
• Loss of consciousness
• Painful urination or bowel movement, or inability to pass urine or stool
• Refusal to drink water for 24 hours or more
• Seizures or convulsions
• Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few minutes, especially if the blood is coming from a wound or your pet’s nose, mouth or rectum
• Severe vomiting and/or diarrhea (more than twice in 24 hours or when combined with any other issue)

A Few Don’ts in the Event of a Pet Emergency

While it’s important to know what to do during a pet emergency, being aware of common mistakes can also help prevent the situation from getting worse.

• Don’t try to wait it out — anytime your pet appears to be in severe pain or discomfort, call your veterinarian immediately.
• Don’t give your pet human medication unless directed by a veterinarian.
• Don’t self-diagnose or treat without guidance from a veterinarian.
• Don’t attempt to forcefully restrain your pet.
• Don’t panic. This is one of the more difficult points on this list, but the calmer you can stay, the calmer your pet will stay, and the easier it will be to get them the care they need.

Preparing for an Emergency Vet Visit

A great way to prepare for a pet emergency is to think ahead and consider these steps:

1. Know the emergency clinics in your area, including addresses and phone numbers. Also note the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Center hotline (posting it on your refrigerator or keeping it in your phone is a great way to make it easily accessible in the event of an emergency).
2. Be ready to properly transport your pet with a crate (or a cardboard box in a pinch), blanket and possibly a muzzle — even the gentlest pet can get aggressive or snappy when they’re in pain.
3. Have important documents, such as medical records and vaccination history, easily accessible in your glove box or on your phone.
4. Contact the veterinary hospital to let them know you’re on your way.
5. Have someone else drive you, if possible.

You may also want to put together a pet first aid kit so you can treat minor injuries and provide initial support in an emergency until you can get professional veterinary care.

Typical Emergency Vet Visits

If you’re heading to an emergency vet, calling ahead will help the team prepare for your arrival and give your pet the quickest care possible. Waiting can be difficult, especially in a stressful moment, but the staff will prioritize cases based on urgency, just like in a human ER. From there, this is the general process:

1. Once your pet is ready to be seen, the emergency veterinarian and their team will begin by triaging any immediate concerns and gently assessing your pet’s condition. They’ll ask you some questions and perform a physical exam to better understand what’s going on, much like your regular vet does.
2. In many cases, additional diagnostics such as blood work, X-rays or ultrasounds may be needed to guide the best course of treatment. Your pet may also receive medications like pain relief or fluids to help stabilize them and keep them comfortable.
3. Depending on the situation, your pet may need to stay for continued care or be sent home with treatment instructions. Either way, the emergency team will ensure you’re supported every step of the way and will guide you in coordinating follow-up care with your regular veterinarian.

Key Takeaways for an Emergency Vet Visit

Emergencies are unpredictable, but a little preparation can go a long way in helping you stay calm and act quickly when your pet needs you most.

Here’s a checklist of the top takeaways to help you feel more confident and prepared if an emergency ever arises:

• Know where to find your closest emergency vet before you need them. In a true emergency, every second counts. Take time now to locate the nearest emergency veterinary clinic and save their contact info in your phone.
• Plan ahead for costs. Emergency care costs vary widely, with average exams ranging from $94 to $236 or more, plus extra charges for diagnostics, treatments or hospitalization. To help reduce your stress in a crisis, consider setting aside an emergency pet fund, exploring financing options like the CareCredit credit card and/or comparing pet insurance plans before an emergency happens.
• Recognize the signs of a pet emergency. If your pet shows signs like labored breathing, severe bleeding, vomiting/diarrhea, seizures, bloating or abnormal behavior, seek veterinary care immediately. Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t wait.
• Know what to expect at the emergency vet. Upon arrival, pets are assessed based on urgency. The vet may perform diagnostics, administer pain relief and recommend treatments. Your pet may need to stay overnight or be transferred to another facility, while others can return home with care instructions.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Pet Emergencies

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog's vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications and products at providers in the CareCredit network.** Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.