Finding a 24-hour emergency vet in the UAE (and what to do before you get there)

Emergencies rarely wait for opening hours. A dog that swallows something on a Friday evening, a cat that cannot pass urine at two in the morning, a puppy that collapses after a hot walk: these are the moments when you need an answer quickly and your usual vet is closed. In a crisis you will not want to be searching through websites with a shaking hand.

This guide is meant to be read in advance. It explains how to find a clinic that is open round the clock, what to check on the phone, which signs mean you should go now, and what to do before you get there. It is general guidance and cannot replace a vet’s advice, so when in doubt, phone a clinic.

Which UAE clinics say they are open 24 hours?

A small number of clinics state on their own websites that they are open around the clock. Mori’s local guide records those statements, with the source and the date we checked, and we have found the following. These are the clinics’ own claims, so always phone before travelling.

You will see that most of the confirmed clinics are in Dubai, with two in the northern emirates, and that is a real gap. Several clinics offer an out-of-hours emergency phone line without being open 24 hours, and one clinic’s own pages disagree with each other about whether a branch is open all day and night. We list only what a clinic itself states, and we would rather show a gap than guess. You can filter for places open 24 hours in the local guide.

What does “24/7” actually mean?

It can mean a vet is on site all night, or it can mean the clinic takes emergency calls and a vet comes in. Both can be perfectly good care, but they are different when you are standing outside at 3 a.m. That is why the first thing to do is phone.

• Open 24 hours: the clinic is staffed around the clock, though a specific procedure may still need a specialist to be called in.
• Emergency line: a phone number answered out of hours, which may direct you to a partner clinic or a vet on call.
• Partner cover: your usual clinic hands emergencies to another clinic overnight.

Websites and directories are not always up to date. If a listing says one thing and a phone call says another, trust the call.

What should I ask when I phone?

Keep the call short and clear. Tell them your pet’s species, size and what has happened, and ask the questions below.

1. “Is a vet on site now, and can you see my pet?”
2. “Should I come straight away, and is there anything I should do on the way?”
3. “How long will it take to be seen, and is there an emergency fee I should know about?”
4. “Where do I park, and which door should I use at night?”

Ask them to repeat the address if you are unsure, and put it into your maps app before you leave. Keep the line open if you can, because they may give you instructions while you drive.

Which signs mean “go now”?

Vets commonly advise getting urgent help for any of the following. This is not a complete list, and if you are worried, that is reason enough to phone.

• Difficulty breathing, blue or very pale gums, or choking.
• Collapse, unresponsiveness or seizures.
• Suspected poisoning, for example chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener), grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, lilies (dangerous to cats), antifreeze, rat poison, or human medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
• Heavy bleeding that does not stop, or a serious wound.
• A road accident or a fall from a balcony or window, even if your pet seems fine.
• Heatstroke signs. See our guide to recognising and treating heatstroke in pets.
• A swollen, hard belly, or retching without bringing anything up, especially in deep-chested dogs.
• Straining to pass urine or being unable to, which is especially urgent in male cats.
• A snake or scorpion bite or sting.
• Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool or urine.

If you are wondering whether it is an emergency, phone. That is what the number is for.

What should I do before I leave?

Keep it calm and quick. Your pet takes cues from you.

• Phone the clinic first, so they can prepare.
• Bring what your pet swallowed, or its packaging, a photo of the label, or a sample of the plant.
• Do not give medicines and do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to. Some substances do more harm coming back up.
• Keep your pet warm or cool as needed, and as still as possible. For heat problems, start cooling on the way.
• Use a carrier or a secure lead. A frightened, hurt animal may bite, so handle with care. Another person can drive while you sit with your pet.
• Take the paperwork: vaccination record, medical history, regular vet’s name and any medicines your pet takes.

If you keep your pet’s records on your phone, for instance in Mori’s health records, you can show the vet vaccines, medicines and allergies in seconds.

How can I prepare now?

An emergency is much easier when you have done five minutes of thinking in advance.

1. Save your regular vet and one 24-hour clinic in your phone, labelled clearly.
2. Check the route and parking, and how long it takes at night.
3. Keep a pet carrier or secure lead where you can reach it quickly.
4. Keep a copy of your pet’s records on your phone and in a folder.
5. Ask your vet what they recommend for emergencies and which clinic they partner with.
6. Check your pet insurance for emergency cover and any rules about which clinics to use.

Maggy, the assistant in Mori, can also help you find a clinic quickly. If a message mentions signs of an emergency, she skips the chat and shows 24-hour clinics with phone numbers first, because that is what matters in that moment. She gives general guidance and cannot diagnose, so please always call a vet.