EMERGENCY VET CARE

BRISBANE AND GOLD COAST

Vet Emergency - Open Now

If your pet is unwell or injured, VSS is ready to help. Serving Brisbane and the Gold Coast for over 25 years, our 3 leading emergency vet hospitals are equipped to handle any situation. Whether it's a minor worry or a critical emergency, you can come straight in.

VSS Carrara

VSS Underwood

VSS Jindalee

Why Choose VSS For Emergencies?

Faster diagnosis: on-site advanced imaging, diagnostics and surgery (if required).
Faster diagnosis: on-site advanced imaging, diagnostics and surgery (if required).
Expert triage: your pet is assessed on arrival and prioritised by urgency.
Expert triage: your pet is assessed on arrival and prioritised by urgency.
Dedicated Emergency clinicians at each hospital, with experienced Surgeons and Specialists on site for seamless escalation.
Dedicated Emergency clinicians at each hospital, with experienced Surgeons and Specialists on site for seamless escalation.
Transparent costs, insurance support and flexible payment options.
Transparent costs, insurance support and flexible payment options.

What Happens When You Arrive?

Triage at reception

Our team will assess your pet immediately and prioritise urgent care. Life-threatening cases are seen immediately; all cases are seen as quickly as possible.

Examination and tests

A vet examines your pet and may recommend additional testing or imaging. If specialist input is needed, this happens in-house.

Treatment plan

We explain diagnostic findings and test results, outline options and costs, and begin treatment. If hospitalisation or surgery is required, we organise this promptly. When appropriate, we can transition your pet to a Specialist.

Communication with your regular vet

We keep your GP vet informed to ensure continuity of care.

On The Way To Hospital

On The Way To Hospital

Quick Guidance

  • Keep your pet warm, quiet and safely restrained.
  • Do not give food, water or human medications unless we advise you.
  • If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
  • For suspected toxin ingestion, bring the packaging if available.
  • Call us from the car if you’re unsure - we can guide you while you travel.
  • Call us if you need directions and to ensure time is saved upon arrival.
EMERGENCY VET CARE

VSS is open during business hours, Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 6 pm. Additionally, our surgeons are on call 24/7, and our advanced care nursing team supports our hospital inpatients round-the-clock. 

Our partners at Animal Emergency Service take emergency cases at each of our hospitals outside of VSS business hours, so you will receive expert emergency care at any of our hospitals 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. 

We will work with your family vet and keep them updated at all times regarding the care of your pet.

Many things can be managed on an outpatient basis following consultation, while patients with complex conditions can be transferred to our specialist teams, if required.

Consultation fees

  • Emergency team $190

  • Specialist/referral teams $260

Costs, Insurance And Paymen

Costs, Insurance And Payment

Don’t delay urgent care because of money worries. Many insurance policies cover emergencies; we can provide invoices and clinical notes for claims. Flexible payment options are available. Talk to our team on arrival. We are here to help your pet receive the care they need.

After Your Visit

After Your Visit

You’ll receive clear home-care instructions and warning signs to watch for. Where ongoing treatment is needed, we’ll either continue your pet’s care within VSS (if Specialist care is required) or coordinate closely with your regular vet.

Locations

Locations

VSS Underwood — Call > | Visit Google Map >
VSS Carrara — Call > | Visit Google Map >
VSS Jindalee — Call > | Visit Google Map >

After-Hours

After-Hours

If you need help outside of our regular hours of operation, our after-hours emergency partner (AES) takes over, at all our hospital locations. We’ll coordinate your pet’s ongoing care with them to ensure complete continuity of expert care.

Emergency Signs? Come Straight In!

(All Patients Welcome)

If your pet has had an accident or is showing concerning signs, don’t wait - come straight in.

We provide rapid triage and clear guidance from the outset. Straightforward cases are treated on the spot where appropriate, and complex conditions are escalated to our specialist teams.


  • Trouble breathing, fast/effortful breathing or collapse.
  • Continuous bleeding or wounds that won’t stop.
  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea.
  • Extreme weakness, sudden fatigue or inability to stand.
  • Straining to urinate or defecate or urinating blood.
  • Suspected toxin or poison ingestion (rat bait, snail pellets, human medication, grapes, chocolate, etc.) bring the packaging if possible.
  • Distress or drooling after eating a bone or foreign object.
  • Snake bite or suspected interaction (sudden collapse and/or progressive paralysis).
  • Overheating/heatstroke or hyperthermia.
  • Paralysis or not moving normally (seizures, severe pain, obvious lameness).
  • Animal altercations (dog or cat fights).
  • Motor vehicle accidents or any significant trauma.
  • You’re simply not sure, and you’re worried.

Don’t wait. We’d rather see your pet and find nothing wrong than risk waiting too long. If you’re unsure, call us while you’re on the way.

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Veterinary
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