Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: A 24-hour online vet service can help after hours with questions like “does this need the ER tonight or can it wait until morning?” But it can’t replace an in-person exam. For true emergencies, like trouble breathing, collapse, bloat, urinary blockage, or poisoning, go straight to an emergency clinic and call on the way.
Go to an emergency clinic now, don’t wait online, if your pet has
- Trouble breathing, or blue, gray, or very pale gums
- Collapse, seizures lasting more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures
- A swollen belly with unproductive retching (possible bloat)
- Straining to urinate with little or no urine, especially male cats
- Suspected poisoning (also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, fees apply)
- Major trauma, heavy bleeding, or a suspected broken bone
- Heatstroke signs
- Sudden paralysis or inability to walk
Good uses for after-hours online advice
- Mild vomiting or diarrhea in an otherwise bright pet
- Minor cuts, scrapes, or insect bites
- Questions about whether a food is toxic, alongside a poison hotline
- Medication timing questions
- Deciding whether signs can wait for your regular vet
What online vets can and can’t do
- Can: help you judge urgency, answer general questions, advise on home care for minor problems, review photos and videos, and support follow-ups
- Can’t: examine your pet, listen to the heart and lungs, take temperatures, or run tests
- Prescriptions: in many US states, a vet must have examined your pet in person before prescribing. Some states now allow this to be established by telehealth. Rules vary and are changing
Be prepared
- Save your nearest 24-hour emergency hospital’s address and number
- Keep your pet’s records and medication list handy
- Know your pet’s normal breathing rate and gum color
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Guidelines for the use of telehealth in veterinary practice
- AVMA: Veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and state laws
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Emergency medicine in small animals
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.