Emergency Vets in York: 24-Hour Care and Out-of-Hours Services

Finding an emergency vet at 2am is not how anyone wants to spend their evening. But if your dog's suddenly collapsed, eaten something they shouldn't have, or is in obvious pain, you need to know exactly where to go — and you need to know right now, not after 20 minutes of Googling.

This guide covers every emergency and out-of-hours vet option in and around York. I've included addresses, phone numbers, hours, and the honest details about what each place actually offers — because "emergency vet" can mean anything from a fully staffed 24-hour hospital to a recorded message redirecting you somewhere 30 miles away.

The main emergency vet in York is York Emergency Vets on Salisbury Road (YO26 4YN, 01904 891838), which provides dedicated out-of-hours care with on-site night staff. For a practice with its own 24-hour emergency line, Green Vets in Acomb (01904 393393) handles emergencies on-site for registered clients. The nearest fully 24-hour veterinary hospitals are Medivet Thirsk (01845 522297) and The Harrogate Vet (01423 637333).

When to Go to an Emergency Vet

Not every problem needs an emergency vet — but some absolutely do, and waiting until morning could be the difference between a treatable problem and something much worse.

Go straight to an emergency vet if your dog is:

• Having difficulty breathing — panting excessively, making unusual noises, or their gums look blue or very pale
• Having a seizure — especially if it lasts more than 3 minutes or they have multiple seizures in a row
• Bleeding heavily — from a wound that won't stop with firm pressure
• Unable to stand or has collapsed — sudden weakness or loss of coordination
• Retching without being able to vomit — this could be bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is life-threatening and time-critical
• Eaten something toxic — chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, rat poison, antifreeze, or medications
• Straining to urinate with nothing coming out — especially in male dogs, this can be a medical emergency
• Been hit by a car or had a major fall — even if they seem fine, internal injuries aren't always immediately obvious

Phone your regular vet first if:

• Your dog has vomited once or twice but is otherwise alert and drinking
• There's mild lameness that came on slowly
• There's a small wound that isn't bleeding heavily
• You're not sure whether it's urgent — your vet's out-of-hours line can usually advise

When in doubt, phone. Every out-of-hours provider listed below offers phone triage and can tell you whether you need to come in or whether it can wait until morning. Nobody will judge you for calling.

York's Main Emergency Vet Service

1. York Emergency Vets — Salisbury Road (YO26 4YN)

Phone: 01904 891838
Address: Salisbury Road, York, YO26 4YN
Hours: Evenings, nights, weekends, and bank holidays
Animals treated: Dogs, cats, small animals
Parking: On-site parking available

This is the primary out-of-hours emergency vet for York. If your regular vet is closed and you phone their number, there's a good chance you'll end up being directed here — Tower Vets, Minster Vets, Vets4Pets York, Battle Flatts, and Birchwood Vets all use York Emergency Vets as their out-of-hours provider.

The service operates from the RCVS-accredited hospital on Salisbury Road (the same building as Minster Vets' main branch). The key thing to know is that this isn't a skeleton crew — they have dedicated night vets and nurses who only work out-of-hours shifts, so they're fresh and experienced in emergency and critical care. All overnight patients are supervised around the clock.

They also have computer links to the other branch locations across York, so they can access your pet's medical records even at 3am.

• Dedicated out-of-hours emergency staff (not daytime vets doing overtime)
• RCVS accredited hospital
• 24-hour patient supervision for overnight stays
• Access to patient records from partnered York practices
• Free phone triage — they'll tell you if you need to come in

Consultation fees (via Vets4Pets referral, for guidance): approximately £190 before 11pm, £230 after 11pm. Fees may vary depending on which practice referred you — always ask when you call.

Caveat: This is not a walk-in service. You must phone first so they can assess the situation and prepare for your arrival. It's also not a 24-hour hospital in the traditional sense — it operates specifically during out-of-hours periods when regular practices are closed.

2. Green Vets — Acomb (YO24 3DJ)

Phone: 01904 393393 (24-hour emergency line for registered clients)
Address: 71 Green Lane, Acomb, York, YO24 3DJ
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm. 24-hour emergency line for registered clients.
Google Rating: 4.9 (270+ reviews)
Animals treated: Dogs, cats, small animals
Parking: Ample off-street parking

Green Vets is York's standout independent practice, and one of the few in the city that handles its own emergency calls for registered clients rather than outsourcing to an external provider. If you're registered with them, you can phone the practice number at any hour and speak to one of their own vets.

This matters because continuity of care during an emergency is genuinely reassuring — you're speaking to someone who might actually know your dog, and they can access all the records instantly.

Run by husband-and-wife team Rob and Anne, this is the practice that consistently gets described as "what a vet should be" by reviewers. The 4.9-star rating from 270+ reviews is not an accident. If you've read our best vets in York guide, you'll know they're top of that list too.

• 24-hour emergency line for registered clients only
• Own vets handle emergency calls (not outsourced)
• Cat Friendly Clinic Gold accreditation
• Independent, locally owned since 2019
• Competitive pricing compared to chain practices

Caveat: The 24-hour emergency line is only for registered clients. If you're not registered with Green Vets, you'll need to use York Emergency Vets or another provider. Occasionally, when they're unable to provide emergency cover at Green Lane, emergencies are redirected to Swift Emergencies in Wetherby.

Emergency Vets Near York

If you're on the outskirts of York or need specialist facilities, these options are within reasonable driving distance.

3. Swift Emergencies (Swift Referrals) — Wetherby (LS23 7GA)

Phone: 01937 374888
Address: Unit 706, Thorp Arch Estate, Wetherby, LS23 7GA
Hours: Out-of-hours emergency service (evenings, nights, weekends)
Animals treated: Dogs, cats, small animals

Swift Emergencies operates from world-class referral facilities at Thorp Arch Estate in Wetherby, about 25 minutes west of York. They're the backup emergency provider for Green Vets when the Acomb practice can't cover, and they also serve as the out-of-hours provider for several practices across Yorkshire.

Being a referral centre, they have specialist equipment and facilities that a standard practice doesn't — which can matter if your dog needs emergency surgery or intensive monitoring.

• Specialist referral-level facilities
• Dedicated emergency staff available 24/7
• Full reports sent to your daytime vet
• Serves multiple practices across Yorkshire

Consultation fees: Approximately £132 before midnight, £215 after midnight. Bank holidays: £170 before midnight, £238 after midnight.

Caveat: 25 minutes from York city centre — not ideal if you're in a rush. You generally need to be referred via your own practice rather than turning up directly. Always phone first.

4. Medivet Thirsk (Skeldale Veterinary Hospital) — Thirsk (YO7 3BT)

Phone: 01845 522297
Address: Lumley Close, Thirsk, YO7 3BT
Hours: Open 24 hours, 365 days a year
Animals treated: Dogs, cats, rabbits, exotics, birds, reptiles, small mammals
Parking: Phone to discuss parking options

This is the nearest fully 24-hour veterinary hospital to York — open around the clock, every single day, with clinical staff always on site. It's about 30 minutes north of York on the A19, which isn't close, but if you need a genuine 24-hour facility with no restrictions on timing, this is it.

The hospital has in-house lab testing, digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, flexible endoscopy, and surgical theatres including orthopaedic capabilities. For anything complex or requiring extended intensive care, Medivet Thirsk has the kit and the staff.

If you've ever watched "All Creatures Great and Small" — yes, that Thirsk. The Skeldale name isn't a coincidence.

• Genuine 24-hour, 365-day operation with on-site staff at all times
• In-house laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, and surgical facilities
• Treats a wide range of animals including exotics
• 24-hour intensive care monitoring

Consultation fees: £50 during standard hours, £130 out of hours (Sundays and bank holidays). These are base consultation fees — treatment, medication, and procedures are additional.

Caveat: 30 minutes from York. If you're in a genuine time-critical emergency (like suspected bloat), York Emergency Vets on Salisbury Road will be faster for most York residents. But for anything needing extended specialist care, the drive is worth it.

5. The Harrogate Vet — Harrogate (HG1 2AU)

Phone: 01423 637333 (24 hours)
Address: Adam House, Ripon Way, Harrogate, HG1 2AU
Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
Animals treated: Dogs, cats, small animals

The Harrogate Vet opened their purpose-built emergency facility relatively recently, ending a five-year gap where Harrogate had no local out-of-hours emergency vet and pet owners had to drive to Leeds, Thirsk, or Wetherby. The new facility on Ripon Way was a £1.6m build with modern equipment and dedicated emergency staffing.

It's about 30-35 minutes west of York, so similar distance to Thirsk but in the opposite direction. Worth knowing about if you're in the Knaresborough or Harrogate direction when something goes wrong. If you're near one of the parks on the western side of York or out walking in the Harrogate area, this is your nearest option.

• Purpose-built £1.6m emergency facility
• Own vets and nurses provide emergency cover (not outsourced)
• 24/7, 365 days a year
• State-of-the-art veterinary equipment

Caveat: Emergency service is for registered patients of The Harrogate Vet. If you're registered elsewhere, phone your own practice's emergency line first — they may still direct you here, but it's best to go through proper channels so your records are available.

More Practices and Their Emergency Providers

These are the main York practices and where they'll send you if you phone outside normal hours. This matters because your first call in an emergency should always be your own vet's number — they'll have your pet's records and can brief the emergency team.

Minster Vets (Salisbury Road, Copmanthorpe, Haxby, Old Earswick, Crockey Hill) — Uses York Emergency Vets. Phone 01904 643997 and you'll be directed to York Emergency Vets (01904 891838) outside hours. Minster Vets has been in York for over 100 years and their Salisbury Road branch is where York Emergency Vets actually operates, so the handoff is seamless. Google rating: 4.7.

Tower Vets (Fulford Road, Acomb, Haxby) — Uses York Emergency Vets. Phone 01904 653961 (Fulford) or your branch number. Part of VetPartners group. Google rating: 4.6 (Fulford). Their Fulford Road branch is one of the most-reviewed practices in York with 426+ reviews. Check our best vets in York guide for full details.

Vets4Pets York (Turner Close, YO31 9FD) — Uses York Emergency Vets. For advice when closed, you can also call 0333 332 4471. Extended daytime hours (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm) mean they cover more of the day than most. Emergency consultation fees via this practice: approximately £190 before 11pm, £230 after 11pm.

Vets4Pets Clifton Moor (Stirling Road, YO30 4XZ) — Also uses York Emergency Vets. Convenient if you're in the Rawcliffe, Clifton, or Haxby area during the day. Saturday opening 9am-5pm.

Birchwood Vets (Gate Helmsley, YO41 1NF) — Uses York Emergency Vets. Phone 01759 373611 or go direct to 01904 891838 out of hours. Located east of York, so if you're in the Stamford Bridge or Pocklington direction, be aware that getting to Salisbury Road will take 20-25 minutes.

Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic (Pocklington, Stamford Bridge, Strensall) — Uses York Emergency Vets. Phone 01759 307500 (Pocklington). York Emergency Vets offer free phone triage for Battle Flatts clients.

What to Expect at an Emergency Vet Visit

If you've never been to an emergency vet before, here's what typically happens — so you know what you're walking into.

Before you arrive: Phone first. Always. They need to know you're coming and what's wrong so they can prepare. They'll do a phone assessment and may give you immediate advice (like "don't let them eat anything else" or "keep them as still as possible").

When you arrive: You'll be triaged — the most critical cases are seen first, not first-come-first-served. If you're waiting and someone else goes in before you, it's because their pet's situation is more urgent. That's a good sign for your dog.

During the consultation: The vet will examine your dog, explain what they think is happening, and outline the treatment options with costs. Emergency treatment can be expensive — be prepared for this. They should always give you an estimate before proceeding with anything non-urgent.

Payment: Emergency vets typically require payment at the time of treatment. If you have pet insurance, you'll usually need to pay upfront and claim back. Bring your insurance details if you have them.

After the visit: The emergency vet will send a full report to your regular practice. If your dog needs follow-up treatment, your daytime vet will pick it up from there. Having a good relationship with a regular vet — someone who knows your dog's history — makes this whole process smoother. Check our best vets in York guide if you're still looking.

A Few Tips

1. Save the number now. Put York Emergency Vets (01904 891838) in your phone contacts before you need it. At 2am with a sick dog, you don't want to be searching for it.
2. Know your route. Salisbury Road is in the Acomb area, west of the city centre. If you're coming from the east side of York, it's a 15-20 minute drive. Check the route now so you're not relying on sat nav when you're panicking.
3. Phone before you drive. Every emergency vet listed here expects you to call first. They need to assess the situation, prepare for your arrival, and in some cases direct you elsewhere if they're already dealing with a critical case.
4. Bring your insurance details. Emergency treatment can easily run into hundreds of pounds. If you have pet insurance, having the policy number to hand speeds everything up — even though you'll likely need to pay upfront and claim back.
5. Keep a pet first aid kit. A basic kit with wound dressings, a muzzle (dogs in pain can bite), and a blanket for warmth and transport is worth having. The RSPCA has a good guide on what to include.
6. Don't give human medication. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to dogs. Don't give your dog anything unless a vet has told you to.

The Best of the Best

Best overall emergency vet in York: York Emergency Vets. They're the dedicated out-of-hours provider for most York practices, with specialist emergency staff and RCVS accreditation. For the majority of York residents, this is where you'll end up — and that's not a bad thing.

Best for registered clients: Green Vets. Having your own vet handle emergencies — someone who might actually know your dog — is worth a lot at 2am. The 24-hour line for registered clients is a genuine differentiator.

Best 24-hour hospital near York: Medivet Thirsk. The only truly round-the-clock option with on-site staff at all times. If your dog needs extended intensive care or specialist equipment, the 30-minute drive is worth it.

Best specialist facilities: Swift Emergencies, Wetherby. Referral-level equipment and dedicated emergency staff. Not the closest, but the facilities are hard to beat.

Best if you're west of York: The Harrogate Vet. Purpose-built emergency facility with 24/7 cover. If you're closer to Knaresborough or Harrogate, don't drive all the way back to York — go here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a 24-hour emergency vet in York?

York Emergency Vets on Salisbury Road provides dedicated out-of-hours emergency care with on-site night staff. However, it operates specifically during out-of-hours periods rather than as a continuous 24-hour clinic. The nearest fully 24-hour hospitals are Medivet Thirsk (30 minutes north) and The Harrogate Vet (30 minutes west), both staffed around the clock every day of the year.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost in York?

Emergency vet consultations in York typically cost between £130 and £230, depending on the time of night and provider. York Emergency Vets charges approximately £190 before 11pm and £230 after 11pm. These are consultation fees only — treatment, medication, surgery, and overnight stays are additional. Always ask for an estimate before treatment begins.

What should I do if my dog is sick in the middle of the night in York?

Phone York Emergency Vets on 01904 891838 — or phone your own vet's number, which will usually redirect you to the same service. Describe the symptoms clearly. The emergency team will assess whether your dog needs to come in immediately or whether it can wait until morning. Don't drive without calling first, as they need to prepare for your arrival.

Can I go to an emergency vet if I'm not registered there?

York Emergency Vets will see any pet in an emergency, regardless of which practice you're registered with — most York vets use them as their out-of-hours provider. Green Vets' 24-hour line is only for their own registered clients. The Harrogate Vet's emergency service is also for registered patients. When in doubt, phone your own vet's number first and follow their recorded message.

What counts as a pet emergency?

Genuine emergencies include difficulty breathing, seizures lasting more than 3 minutes, heavy uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, suspected poisoning, bloat (retching without vomiting with a swollen stomach), inability to urinate, and major trauma like being hit by a car. If you're unsure, phone the emergency line — they'll tell you whether to come in or wait. Never feel embarrassed about calling.

Is pet insurance worth it for emergency vet bills?

Emergency treatment can easily cost £500 to £2,000+ depending on the situation. Pet insurance typically covers emergency care and can make the difference between choosing the best treatment option and having to factor in cost under pressure. Most emergency vets require upfront payment with you claiming back from your insurer afterwards, so bring your policy details.

Emergency Vet Etiquette (The Practical Rules)

• Phone before you arrive. This isn't optional — it's how they prepare and prioritise.
• Be honest about what happened. If your dog ate your entire Easter egg stash, say so. The vet needs accurate information, not a sanitised version.
• Stay calm for your dog. They pick up on your stress. Easier said than done, but try.
• Don't argue about triage order. If someone goes in before you, their pet's situation is more critical. That's how emergency medicine works.
• Ask for a cost estimate. Before any non-urgent treatment, you have the right to know the cost. Good emergency vets will give you this automatically.
• Follow up with your regular vet. The emergency vet handles the crisis. Your regular vet handles the recovery. Make sure the handoff happens.

Final Thoughts

Nobody reads an article about emergency vets for fun. If you're here because your dog needs help right now, stop reading and phone 01904 891838.

If you're reading this as preparation (which is smart), the single most useful thing you can do is save that York Emergency Vets number in your phone and know how to get to Salisbury Road. Having a plan in place before an emergency happens makes everything less frightening when it does.

A clean, safe garden is one small part of keeping your dog healthy — and that's the bit we can help with. But the relationship with your vet, both regular and emergency, is the one that really matters. If you haven't found the right regular vet yet, our best vets in York guide is worth a read. And if your dog's the outdoorsy type, knowing the best dog walks around York means more exercise, better health, and hopefully fewer emergencies.

Have I missed an emergency vet option near York? Drop us an email or message on Instagram — I'll update this guide.

More York dog guides: Dog-Friendly Cafes · Dog-Friendly Pubs · Best Dog Parks · Best Groomers · Best Vets · Best Daycare

Written April 2026. Details verified via practice websites, RCVS Find a Vet, Google Reviews, and direct web sources. Always phone before visiting any emergency vet — availability and fees can change. In a genuine emergency, phone first and drive second.