Emergency Vets


Emergencies can happen when we least expect them, but you can rest assured that our vets are here to help your pet, day or night.



If your pet has an emergency during our normal opening hours, please call our usual number for advice on what to do next.


Our trained and friendly reception team will ask a few questions about your pet’s symptoms to assess the urgency of the situation and advise you on the most appropriate next steps, including where your pet should be seen and whether any first-aid measures should be taken at home while you arrange veterinary care.




Out of Hours


What to do if your pet needs emergency care outside opening hours


Out-of-hours (OOH) care refers to veterinary services available when your usual practice is closed. This typically includes overnight periods, but may also cover weekends and bank holidays.


If your pet needs urgent veterinary attention outside normal opening hours, please call your usual practice first - You will be directed to the appropriate out-of-hours emergency veterinary service.


To ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while ensuring our team has adequate rest to continue delivering the high standard of care and service our clients expect, we provide out-of-hours veterinary care through a combination of on-site cover and the Somerset Veterinary Emergency Clinic (SVEC).


If your pet requires urgent veterinary attention outside our normal opening hours, please call your usual practice number for guidance, or contact SVEC directly on 01278 450080.

Overnight, SVEC operates from the premises of Quantock Vets in Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4BA.


If you believe your pet needs urgent attention, please call before travelling so the veterinary team can advise you on the next steps and prepare for your arrival. If possible, have details of your pet’s symptoms and any relevant medical history ready when you call.


We understand how worrying it can be when your pet needs urgent help. Our priority is to make sure you know where to turn for advice and that your pet receives the care they need as quickly as possible.



What does the Somerset Veterinary Emergency Clinic Offer my pet?


  • On-site emergency vets and nurses at all times
  • Open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for patient care
  • Registered veterinary and nursing staff specialists in small animal care: dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals, reptiles and domestic birds
  • Full surgical hospitalisation with hospital-standard facilities, treatment and equipment
  • Extensive diagnostic services: digital x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, on-site laboratory
  • Full intensive critical care and hospitalisation facilities and equipment
  • Large convenient Hospital car park
  • Easy access from M5 and A39 and ground floor site
  • Spacious waiting room with separate dog and quiet cat areas


How does the Somerset Emergency Clinic work?
First, call us:

You belong to a member practice so please call the practice number 01278 786602 or 01278 450080.

Let the Emergency Clinic know what has happened to your pet and describe their symptoms.

The vet or nurse will assess the pet’s condition and will provide advice and support initially over the phone prior to transportation to Quantock Vet Hospital if an emergency appointment is required.
An appointment will be made after agreeing on an expected arrival time.

When the patient arrives, an initial assessment will be made as to whether the patient can sit in the waiting room until a vet is available, or needs to be taken to a consult room, or should be immediately taken to the Prep room.

Once the vet has carried a full assessment, the treatment may be given there and then, you may be sent home with medications, or your pet may need to be admitted for further investigations and treatment

The Emergency Clinic operates on a triage basis. This means that in the most serious cases, where life-saving treatment may be needed, pets will be seen before other less critical cases. 

Payment will be made after treatment on the day.


If in doubt always call for advice

SVEC Website click here