Is your pet experiencing an emergency?

Our Accident and Emergency department in North Melbourne is open 365 days a year, including public holidays.

No booking is required for emergencies, but please try to ring ahead on 03 9328 3021 to let us know you are on your way, or if you are not sure whether it is an emergency, so we can prepare for your arrival.

Location: 24 Villiers Street, North Melbourne, VIC, 3051
Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Parking: Available on site.

How to prepare for an emergency visit with your pet

  • Secure your cat, rabbit, guinea pig, ferret or birds in a safe carrier
  • For dogs, please use a collar and lead or harness
  • Bring any relevant medical history or information about the incident (e.g., food wrappers or recent illnesses)
  • Call ahead, if possible, to let our team prepare for your arrival.

Pet emergency symptoms to watch for

If your pet shows any of the below symptoms, please bring them to our hospital in North Melbourne immediately. Every minute counts.

  • Major injuries (e.g., fractures, open wounds)
  • Difficulty breathing or choking
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness or extreme lethargy
  • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Difficulty urinating or defecating
  • Swollen or distended abdomen
  • Unexpected seizures or paralysis

For information about wildlife emergencies, click here.

First Aid

At some point almost every pet carer will be faced with their pet being injured. Refer to our First Aid icons that contain helpful and potentially life-saving information for quick reference in the event of an emergency or potential health risk for your pet.

Dogs Cats Other

*Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet.

After hours vet care

CARE Veterinary Hospital
5 Hood Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
03 9417 6417

Veterinary Referral Hospital
36 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong VIC 3175
1300 385 874

Animal Referral Hospital
72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields VIC 3040
03 9379 0700

Animal Emergency Centre (Frankston)
39 McMahons Road, Frankston VIC 3199
03 9770 5555

Animal Emergency Centre (Moorabbin)
248 Wickham Road, Highett VIC 3190
03 9532 5261

Animal Emergency Centre (Mount Waverley)
37 Blackburn Road, Mount Waverley VIC 3149
03 9803 8122

Advanced Vetcare
26 Robertson Street, Kensington VIC 3031
03 9092 0400

Pet Emergency & Specialist Centre
1103 Dandenong Road, Malvern East VIC 3145
03 9569 3677

Emergency care signs to watch out for

Difficulty breathing, seizures, or trauma

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, or has experienced trauma (such as a fall or car accident), please come straight to our emergency department. These are all signs of a pet emergency that need immediate care.

Ingestion of toxins (chocolate, lilies, grapes)

If your pet has eaten something toxic, including chocolate, lilies, grapes, medications, or household chemicals, seek help immediately. Early treatment can prevent serious complications. Try to bring along any wrappers or information about how much your pet has ingested, where possible.

 

Emergency vet services in Melbourne

Our emergency vet team in North Melbourne is available 365 days a year to provide urgent care for pets in critical conditions.

Our hospital is equipped for rapid assessment, stabilisation, and advanced treatment. We have pathology, ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan and a range of other services onsite to help us diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.

Experienced care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets

We treat dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles, and wildlife. Our clinicians are experienced in managing complex and species‑specific emergencies.

 

Preparing for your pet’s visit

What to bring during a pet emergency

If you are able to, please bring along:

  • Any medications your pet is currently taking
  • Any relevant medical history or information about the incident (e.g., food wrappers or recent illnesses)
  • A secure carrier or lead

These items help our team understand your pet’s health quickly, but don’t delay coming in if you can’t gather everything.

Transporting an injured animal safely

Keep your pet warm, supported, and as still as possible. Towels, blankets, or a sturdy box can help prevent further injury during transport.

 

After your emergency visit

Follow‑up care and monitoring

Our team will provide clear instructions on what to watch for at home and when to return. If you are concerned about something, you can always contact us to check on 03 9328 3021.

Managing recovery at home

Your pet will likely need rest, a quiet space, and if prescribed by your vet, medication to support their recovery. Contact us if anything changes or you’re unsure about your pet’s progress.

Scheduling routine checks after an emergency

Follow‑up appointments help ensure your pet is healing well and allow us to adjust treatment if needed. Your vet will let you know when is best to come back in so we can check in on your pet’s recovery. You can either schedule with our team on the day or book online.