Is There a 911 For Pet Emergency?

Pet Emergencies & Safety Lauren Dalton March 11, 2025

Knowing who to call can save their life when your pet faces a health crisis.

This guide answers the important question: 911 services are not for pets but for human emergencies only.

We’ll cover what is a true pet emergency, warning signs to watch for, steps to take during a crisis, and how to prepare beforehand.

With the right knowledge, you can act quickly when your furry family member needs help most.

Keep reading to learn exactly what to do when your pet needs urgent care.

Are There 911 Services for Pets?

There are no 911 services specifically for pets. The emergency number 911 is only for human emergencies and should not be used for pet-related issues.

Call your pet’s veterinarian or the closest veterinary hospital if your pet needs emergency care. Most vet offices have after-hours phone numbers for urgent situations.

Some cities also have specialized animal emergency clinics that operate 24/7.

Keep your vet’s contact information and the address of the nearest emergency animal clinic in an easily accessible place.

Quick action during a pet emergency can greatly affect your pet’s outcome.

Understanding Pet Emergencies

What Qualifies as a Pet Emergency?

A pet emergency is any situation that puts your pet’s life at risk or causes severe pain.

This includes breathing problems, major injuries, ingestion of toxic substances, severe vomiting or diarrhea, inability to urinate, seizures, collapse, or sudden inability to use limbs.

Always trust your gut feeling when something seems wrong.

Common Emergencies That Require Urgent Care

Common pet emergencies include blocked urinary tracts (especially in male pets), high fevers, open wounds, and broken bones.

Further emergencies include ingestion of toxic plants or chemicals, difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, and prolonged seizures.

Sudden paralysis, unexplained bleeding, or major physical trauma also need immediate medical attention.

Signs that Your Pet Needs Immediate Help

• Labored or rapid breathing
• Blue or pale gums
• Unable to stand or walk
• Not eating or drinking for 24+ hours
• Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
• Crying or howling in pain when touched
• Sudden swelling of the face, limbs, or body
• Dragging or inability to use back legs
• Straining to urinate or defecate with little or no output
• Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Seizures or collapse
• Exposure to known toxins
• Severe injury or trauma
• Eye injuries or sudden changes in vision

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

When facing a pet crisis, stay calm and act quickly:

• Secure your pet in a quiet, warm area
• Assess the situation – check breathing, bleeding, and responsiveness
• Call your vet while preparing to transport
• Keep your pet in a carrier
• Bring relevant items (medications, samples of vomit/stool, or suspected toxins)

When to Call Who

Regular vet (during business hours): urgent but stable situations like mild vomiting or limping.

Emergency pet hospital: life-threatening issues including breathing problems, severe bleeding, seizures, collapse, or suspected poisoning.

After hours: most regular vets will direct you to an emergency facility.

What to do if the Vet is Unavailable

Keep your cat calm and comfortable. Create a quiet, warm space away from other pets.

Limit food if stomach issues occur, but offer water. Clean wounds with mild soap and water, then apply light pressure to stop bleeding.

Watch breathing and gum color—pale or blue gums need immediate help. Use pet-safe carriers for transport if you find help.

Check online pet first aid resources. Ask local pet owners for backup vet contacts or temporary solutions. Document symptoms and response to aid treatment later.

Basic first aid tips

• Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth
• Choking: Open the mouth and try to remove visible objects carefully
• Not breathing: Perform rescue breaths by closing the mouth and breathing gently into the nose once every 4-5 seconds
• Burns: Flush with cool water
• Important: Never give human medications without veterinary approval

Preparing for Pet Emergencies

1. Creating a First Aid Kit

Assemble a basic pet kit with gauze pads, non-stick bandages, adhesive tape, cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, a digital thermometer, tweezers, scissors, an eye dropper, and a small towel. 

Add pet-safe cleaning wipes, a pet carrier, and any medications your pet takes regularly. Store this kit in an easy-to-grab lopet ion.

2. Training Yourself in Basic Pet First Aid

Look for pet first aid classes from local animal shelters or veterinary offices.

Many online courses also teach basic life-saving skills for pets.

Practice handling your pet calmly so they’re used to being touched during stressful situations.

3. Keeping Emergency Numbers and Addresses Accessible

Create a list with your regular vet’s phone number, the closest emergency animal hospital, and the Animal Poison Control Center.

Save these contacts in your phone and post a printed copy on your refrigerator.

Know the quickest route to emergency vet facilities and have a transportation plan ready.

Conclusion 

Being ready for pet emergencies means taking steps before a crisis happens.

Create a pet first aid kit, learn basic emergency skills, and keep important contact numbers handy.

Remember that 911 is not the right number to call for pet emergencies – instead, contact your regular vet during office hours or an emergency animal hospital for serious situations.

Knowing the warning signs and having a plan in place can provide the best chance for your pet during a health crisis.

Your quick thinking and preparation might make all the difference when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do Emergency Veterinary Visits Typically Cost?

Emergency visits cost $100-$200 for exams, up to $1,000+ total. Have insurance or emergency funds ready.

Can I Call Animal Control for a Pet Emergency?

No. Animal control handles strays and dangerous animals. Call your vet for pet medical emergencies.

What Should I Do If I Find an Injured Stray Animal?

Safely contain the animal, then call animal control, humane society, or wildlife center for help.