24-Hour Emergency Vet in Melbourne
8 emergency and after-hours clinics in Melbourne. Call ahead while you travel — it confirms a vet is on-site and lets the team prepare for your arrival. Listings are aggregated from public sources; hours and on-site cover can change, so always confirm by phone.
CARE — Centre for Animal Referral & Emergency
Open 24 hours, 365 days a year including public holidays — vets on-site around the clock
5 Hood Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066
Animal Emergency Centre — Mt Waverley
Open 24 hours, 7 days a year including all public holidays
37 Blackburn Road, Mount Waverley, VIC 3149
Animal Emergency Centre — Frankston
Open 24 hours, 7 days a year including all public holidays
39 McMahons Road, Frankston, VIC 3199
Veterinary Referral Hospital — Dandenong
24/7 emergency department; specialist referral services by appointment
36 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, VIC 3175
Animal Emergency Centre — Moorabbin
Open 24 hours, 7 days a year including all public holidays
252 Wickham Road, Highett, VIC 3190
Advanced Vetcare — Melbourne
Open 24 hours, 365 days a year — no appointment required for emergencies
160 Plenty Road, Preston, VIC 3072
University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital — Werribee
Open 24 hours for companion animal emergencies — teaching hospital with specialist capability
250 Princes Highway, Werribee, VIC 3030
Animal Referral Hospital — Essendon Fields
Open 24 hours, 7 days a year including all public holidays
72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields, VIC 3041
What to do in a pet emergency
What counts as a veterinary emergency?
Go to an emergency vet immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe, has collapsed or is unresponsive, is having a seizure, has bloated or is retching without vomiting, has been hit by a vehicle, is bleeding heavily, has eaten something toxic (chocolate, xylitol, rat bait, human medication), has heatstroke signs, or cannot urinate. When in doubt, call the nearest 24-hour clinic — describing the symptoms by phone is free and can save critical time.
Should I call ahead before going to an emergency vet in Melbourne?
Yes — always call first. It lets the clinic confirm a vet is on-site right now, prepare for your arrival, and give you first-aid or transport advice for the trip. Some clinics listed as 24-hour operate an on-call model after hours, so calling ahead avoids arriving at a closed door.
How should I transport an injured dog?
Keep the dog warm, still and as flat as possible. For a suspected spinal injury, slide the dog onto a firm board or a taut blanket held by two people. Muzzle gently if there is pain-biting risk (never if breathing is impaired or vomiting). Small dogs can travel in a secure carrier; keep the car cool and drive smoothly.
How much does an emergency vet visit cost in Melbourne?
After-hours consultation fees are higher than daytime rates, and treatment costs vary widely with the emergency — always ask for an estimate by phone and again on arrival. Clinics listed here are aggregated from public sources; confirm current fees directly with the clinic.
This page is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your pet is in danger, contact the nearest emergency clinic immediately. Browse the full vet directory for Melbourne.