Search
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 you might 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 consider 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.
While in the vet ER
When your pet arrives at an emergency clinic, the staff will prioritize care and guide you through the process:
- Triage and assessment. The veterinarian and team evaluate urgent concerns, ask questions and perform a physical exam.
- Diagnostics and treatment. This may include blood work, X-rays or ultrasounds, medications or fluids to stabilize and comfort your pet.
- Next steps. Your pet may stay for ongoing care or be sent home with instructions, and staff will advise on follow-up with your regular veterinarian.
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 $135, but it could range from $107 to $246 depending on a number of factors. For cats, the average cost* for an ER visit $143, with a range of $113 to $260.1
Additional charges for services such as diagnostic tests, medications, treatments, hospitalization or surgery can also increase the cost of an emergency vet visit.
Calculate the cost of an emergency exam for dogs near you*
Explore costs in your area
Average cost of an emergency vet visit by state/district
Below is a breakdown of the average costs* for an emergency vet visit for a dog and for a cat in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.1
| State/District | Average cost (dogs) | Average cost (cats) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $114 | $120 |
| Alaska | $160 | $171 |
| Arizona | $139 | $147 |
| Arkansas | $112 | $119 |
| California | $180 | $190 |
| Colorado | $137 | $145 |
| Connecticut | $146 | $153 |
| Delaware | $132 | $140 |
| District of Columbia | $183 | $193 |
| Florida | $133 | $141 |
| Georgia | $118 | $125 |
| Hawaii | $241 | $257 |
| Idaho | $132 | $140 |
| Illinois | $122 | $130 |
| Indiana | $117 | $124 |
| Iowa | $116 | $123 |
| Kansas | $113 | $119 |
| Kentucky | $120 | $127 |
| Louisiana | $119 | $127 |
| Maine | $142 | $149 |
| Maryland | $150 | $159 |
| Massachusetts | $188 | $200 |
| Michigan | $117 | $124 |
| Minnesota | $123 | $131 |
| Mississippi | $108 | $115 |
| Missouri | $115 | $122 |
| Montana | $135 | $142 |
| Nebraska | $121 | $129 |
| Nevada | $131 | $139 |
| New Hampshire | $146 | $154 |
| New Jersey | $148 | $157 |
| New Mexico | $121 | $128 |
| New York | $159 | $170 |
| North Carolina | $127 | $134 |
| North Dakota | $119 | $126 |
| Ohio | $122 | $130 |
| Oklahoma | $111 | $118 |
| Oregon | $144 | $153 |
| Pennsylvania | $124 | $131 |
| Rhode Island | $146 | $154 |
| South Carolina | $125 | $131 |
| South Dakota | $120 | $127 |
| Tennessee | $117 | $124 |
| Texas | $120 | $127 |
| Utah | $134 | $142 |
| Vermont | $149 | $156 |
| Virginia | $131 | $137 |
| Washington | $148 | $157 |
| West Virginia | $109 | $115 |
| Wisconsin | $125 | $133 |
| Wyoming | $124 | $131 |
Average cost for common emergency vet treatments
Below are the average costs* for some common procedures and treatments that may be performed during an emergency vet visit.1
| Emergency treatment | Average cost (dogs) | Average cost (cats) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasions/scrapes wound treatment | $182 | $118 | Abrasions and scrapes are surface-level wounds caused by friction or rough surfaces. These wounds typically need cleaning and protective bandages to prevent infection. |
| Bladder stone removal surgery | $2,331 | $2,096 | Bladder stones may require surgery to remove if they're causing pain, blockage or frequent urination. Surgery helps to prevent more serious complications. |
| Colitis treatment | $234 | $2152 | Colitis is inflammation of the colon, leading to diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Treatment may include medication, dietary changes and hydration support to help manage the symptoms. |
| Blood test (CBC) | $104 | $79 | A CBC blood test evaluates organ function, infection, hydration and red/white blood cell counts to guide treatment. |
| Blood test (chem panel) | $164 | $144 | A chemistry panel is used to help check the health of major organs. It measures things like kidney and liver function, blood sugar, proteins and electrolytes. |
| Hospitalization — vet clinic (per night) | $619 | $582 | Your pet may need to spend the night at a veterinary clinic for observation or recovery. |
| Intravenous (IV) catheter and one bag of fluid | $130 | $121 | An IV catheter is usually inserted into a vein to allow direct access to the bloodstream for medications or fluids. |
| Oxygen therapy (per visit, large dog) | $1,528 | $1,861 | A medical treatment that gives extra oxygen to pets with breathing problems through masks, nasal cannulas, or enclosed oxygen cages. |
| Pyometra surgery | $1,2182 | $2,116 | A potentially life-threatening condition in unspayed female pets, pyometra often requires emergency surgery to remove an infected uterus. |
| Puncture wound treatment | $857 | $173 | Puncture wounds are small but deep injuries caused by sharp objects like nails or bites. They need to be cleaned and sometimes require stitches to heal properly. |
| Sedation medication (injectable) | $146 | $123 | A sedative can help keep your pet calm and pain-free. |
| Severe diarrhea treatment | $1,455 | $9452 | Severe diarrhea can indicate serious infections or underlying health problems in dogs. Treatment often involves medication, fluids and possibly testing to determine the cause and provide proper care. |
| Upper respiratory infection treatment (dog) or cat flu (cat) | $6492 | $1922 | Upper respiratory infections can cause coughing sneezing and difficulty breathing in dogs and sneezing, discharge, fever and poor appetite in cats. Treatment may involve antibiotics, fluids and hospitalization for serious cases. |
| Standard X-Rays (emergency) - 2 to 3 views | $3342 | $3102 | Takes two to three images of a body area from different angles to help vets evaluate bones, organs and internal structures for injury or disease; shows structure but limited soft-tissue detail. |
| Stomach blockage surgery (dog, non-emergency; cat, emergency) | $2,217 | $2,367 | This procedure removes ingested objects from the stomach or intestines to prevent life-threatening blockages. |
| Ultrasound | $483 | $323 | An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your pet's internal organs, helping vets diagnose issues like tumors, heart problems or pregnancy. |
| Upset stomach treatment | $390 | $2342 | When your pet has an upset stomach due to the ingestion of something. Treatment addresses mild gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or loss of appetite, often through fluids, anti-nausea medication and diet adjustments. |
| Urine test (culture) | $78 | $94 | A culture urine test examines your pet’s urine for bacteria, blood or crystals that may indicate infections, stones or other health problems. |
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 may want to consider being prepared to pay for your pet’s care.
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.
Signs of a Pet Emergency
If your pet is injured or unwell, stay calm — your presence can help. Gently check for pain, breathing issues or wounds, but avoid touching injured areas. Keep your pet secure and comfortable, as scared or hurt animals may react unpredictably.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows any of the following:
- Bloated stomach
- Blood in stool or urine
- Choking or difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Eye injuries
- Fractures
- Heatstroke
- Ingestion of poison or foreign objects
- Loss of consciousness
- Painful or blocked urination/bowel movements
- Refusal to drink water for 24+ hours
- Seizures or convulsions
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea (more than twice in 24 hours or with other symptoms)
- Sudden behavioral changes (aggression, stiffness, restlessness, panting, drooling)
Preparing for an Emergency Vet Visit
You can prepare for a pet emergency by thinking ahead and considering these steps:
- Know the emergency clinics in your area, including addresses and phone numbers. Also note the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Center hotline. Posting this information on your refrigerator or keeping it in your phone is a great way to make it easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
- 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.
- Have important documents, such as medical records and vaccination history, easily accessible in your glove box or on your phone.
- Contact the veterinary hospital to let them know you’re on your way.
- 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.
Stay Prepared Before Emergencies Happen
Being prepared before an emergency happens can make a critical difference. Know where your nearest emergency vet is, plan for potential costs, learn to recognize serious symptoms and understand what will happen once you arrive.
With a little preparation, you can stay calm and act quickly when your pet needs urgent care.
CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Pets
Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.
CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
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.
Related Tags
Want to share this on social media?
ARTICLE
