Emergency care
Find out when your pet needs urgent care, how to get ready for the trip and what to expect when you arrive at our North Melbourne emergency department.
Emergency care
Open
No booking is needed for emergencies. If you can, give us a call before you arrive so our team can be ready for you.
We’re here when your pet needs us most
When your pet is sick or injured, you want help quickly. Our emergency team at North Melbourne is ready to care for them, with pathology, ultrasound, X-ray and CT all onsite so we can assess your pet, stabilise them and start treatment without delay. Whether it’s a small worry or something more serious, we’ll look after you both.
Symptoms that need urgent care
If your pet shows any of these signs, call us straight away on 03 9328 3021 or come directly to our North Melbourne hospital:
- Major injuries
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
- Trouble passing urine
- Unexpected or severe seizures
- Not able to walk
- A swollen belly
- Eating something poisonous
What to do in an emergency
If you can, call ahead on 03 9328 3021 so our team is ready for you when you arrive. There’s no need to book, just come in during opening hours.
When you arrive, our triage nurse will check your pet straight away, and the most urgent patients are seen first.
Not sure if it’s an emergency? Give us a call and we’ll help you decide what to do.
How to prepare for the trip
A little preparation can help things go smoothly when you arrive:
- Put cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and birds in a secure carrier.
- Bring dogs on a lead and collar, or a harness.
- Bring along any medical history you have.
- If your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, bring the packaging or a sample with you.
Is your pet in an emergency?
Please don’t book online for emergencies. Call us now or come straight to our North Melbourne hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pets do you treat in the emergency department?
Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles and wildlife. Our team is experienced with emergencies in all of them.
How do I transport an injured animal safely?
Keep them as still and warm as possible. Wrap smaller animals in a towel and put them in a carrier or sturdy box. For larger dogs, a blanket held by two people can work as a stretcher. Handle injured animals gently, as even a calm pet may bite when they’re in pain.
Where do I park in an emergency?
There’s parking onsite at our North Melbourne hospital, through the hospital entrance on Villiers Street.
Where do I take my pet outside opening hours?
Our emergency department is open 8:00am to 10:00pm. Outside these hours, please go to one of the 24-hour clinics listed on our After hours clinics page.
What happens after an emergency visit?
Before you go home, our team will explain how to care for your pet, what to watch for and when to come back. Your vet will let you know if your pet needs a follow-up visit. If anything changes or you’re worried, call us on 03 9328 3021.
What to do in a pet emergency
When your pet is suddenly sick or injured, getting help quickly matters. Lort Smith’s emergency vet care in Melbourne is at our North Melbourne hospital, open every day of the year from 8:00am to 10:00pm, with no booking needed. Call ahead on 03 9328 3021 if you can, bring any medical history and come straight in. We’ll always talk you through your pet’s treatment and costs before we begin.
As Australia’s largest not-for-profit animal hospital, choosing Lort Smith means your pet receives quality care while helping us support families doing it tough who rely on our services to care for their pets.