24-Hour Emergency Vets in Austin: Where to Go When Your Dog Needs Help

Top 24-Hour Emergency Vets in Austin

1. Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (AVES)

AVES is Austin’s largest and most comprehensive emergency and specialty animal hospital. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it combines emergency care with board-certified specialists in orthopedics, oncology, internal medicine, neurology, and neurosurgery. AVES recently relocated to a new, larger facility in North Austin (May 2026) with expanded ICU capacity and advanced diagnostic equipment.

Address: 7501 North Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78731 (Shops at Ladera Bend)

Phone: (512) 343-2837

Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Services: Emergency and critical care, orthopedic surgery, oncology, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, advanced diagnostics (MRI, CT, digital x-ray, ultrasound), in-house laboratory, blood transfusions, and 24/7 hospitalization.

What to expect: AVES operates on a triage system, meaning the most critical cases are seen first. Wait times vary depending on caseload. The emergency team will assess your dog’s vital signs upon arrival and keep you informed of the estimated wait. For non-life-threatening issues during peak hours, expect a 1 to 3 hour wait. They are happy to meet you in the parking lot if your dog cannot walk in.

2. Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) – Arboretum

VEG Arboretum provides 24/7 emergency veterinary care with a unique open-access philosophy: pet owners stay with their pet throughout the entire visit, including treatment and diagnostics. There is no back room where your dog is taken away from you. VEG treats dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and exotic pets.

Address: Near The Arboretum shopping center, Austin, TX (exact address confirmed on VEG website)

Phone: (737) 273-7584

Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Services: Emergency triage and stabilization, urgent care, digital x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, surgery, in-patient hospitalization, and critical care monitoring.

What to expect: The defining feature of VEG is that you stay with your dog. You will be in the treatment area alongside the veterinary team. This can be reassuring for both you and your dog, especially for anxious pets. The lobby is designed with comfort in mind, but during a true emergency, your dog is taken directly to the treatment floor.

3. Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) – South Lamar

VEG’s South Lamar location brings the same 24/7 open-access emergency model to South Austin. This location serves the Zilker, Bouldin Creek, and South Congress neighborhoods, providing a closer option for residents south of the river who previously needed to drive to North Austin for emergency care.

Address: 4211 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Phone: (737) 204-2256

Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Services: Same as VEG Arboretum: emergency care, urgent care, diagnostics (x-ray, ultrasound), surgery, and hospitalization. The open-access model means you remain with your dog at all times.

What to expect: Same VEG experience as the Arboretum location. This is the closest 24/7 emergency option for South Austin, Westlake, and Sunset Valley residents. Call ahead so the team can prepare a treatment bay before you arrive.

Non-Emergency Alternatives: When an Emergency Vet Austin Visit Is Not Necessary

Not every concern requires a 24/7 emergency hospital. For non-urgent issues during regular business hours, these options can save you time and money:

• Your regular veterinarian: Always the first call for non-urgent concerns. They know your dog’s history and can advise whether you need emergency care.
• Urgent care clinics: Several Austin veterinary clinics offer same-day urgent care appointments during business hours for issues like mild vomiting, minor wounds, ear infections, or limping that is not severe. Call your regular vet first, they may have same-day availability or can refer you.
• Northwest Austin Veterinary Center: (512) 250-8048. Provides emergency care for existing patients during business hours Monday through Saturday. Call before arriving.
• Telehealth options: Several services offer video consultations with licensed veterinarians. These can help you determine whether an in-person visit is needed, but they cannot replace emergency care for true emergencies.

What to Bring to an Emergency Vet in Austin

When heading to an emergency vet, being prepared saves precious time:

• Your dog’s medical records if available, including vaccination history and any ongoing medications.
• Any packaging or sample of what your dog ate (toxic food, medication bottle, plant sample, etc.). This is critically important for toxin cases.
• Payment method. Emergency vet care requires payment at the time of service. Most accept credit cards and CareCredit. Pet insurance policyholders should bring their policy information.
• A leash and carrier. Even if your dog is normally calm, pain and fear can change behavior.
• Your phone. You may need to contact family members or your regular vet for information.

What to Expect: Cost and Wait Times

Emergency veterinary care in Austin typically starts with an examination fee ranging from $150 to $250 depending on the clinic and time of visit (overnight and weekend rates may be higher). Diagnostics like x-rays ($200-$500), blood work ($150-$400), and ultrasound ($300-$600) are additional. Surgery and hospitalization can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on complexity.

Wait times follow a triage system. A dog in respiratory distress or active seizure will be seen immediately. A dog with mild vomiting who is still alert may wait 1 to 3 hours during busy periods. Call ahead so the team knows you are coming and can advise on expected wait time.

Pet insurance note: If you have pet insurance, most Austin emergency hospitals can provide the itemized invoice and medical records needed to file a claim. Unlike human health insurance, you typically pay upfront and get reimbursed by the insurance company. Keep all documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest 24-hour emergency vet to downtown Austin?
VEG South Lamar (4211 S Lamar Blvd, (737) 204-2256) is approximately 10 minutes from downtown. AVES (7501 N Capital of Texas Hwy) is about 15 minutes from downtown via MoPac.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost in Austin?
An emergency exam fee typically ranges from $150 to $250. Diagnostics, medications, and procedures are additional. A straightforward visit (exam plus basic blood work) may cost $400-$700, while surgery and hospitalization can reach several thousand dollars.

Should I call the emergency vet before arriving?
Yes, always call ahead. This allows the team to prepare for your arrival, advise you on any immediate steps to take, and confirm they have capacity. For poisoning cases, they may instruct you to call poison control while en route.

Can I stay with my dog during emergency treatment?
At VEG locations, yes, you stay with your pet throughout the visit. At AVES and most traditional hospitals, you may be asked to wait in the lobby during certain procedures. Ask about visitor policy when you call ahead.

What payment options are available at Austin emergency vets?
All major emergency hospitals in Austin accept credit and debit cards, cash, and CareCredit (a healthcare credit card with promotional financing). Some accept pet insurance direct pay, but most require you to pay upfront and get reimbursed. Always confirm payment options when you call.

Written by the Puptify Team. Updated July 2026. Clinic information verified against practice websites and public listings. Always call ahead to confirm current hours and availability.

• Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (AVES)
• VEG Arboretum – Austin
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center