24-Hour Emergency Veterinarians in Halifax and HRM

Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital

Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital provides emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its Halifax facility serves pet owners from Halifax, Bedford, Clayton Park, Spryfield, Dartmouth and surrounding communities.

In addition to emergency medicine, Coastal Care offers critical care, surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging and other specialized veterinary services. The hospital also provides veterinary care for certain exotic pets.

Address: 168 Hobsons Lake Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 0G4
Emergency hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 902-703-2323
Directions: View Coastal Care on Google Maps

Coastal Care may be particularly convenient for dog owners in Bayers Lake, Clayton Park, Bedford, Timberlea, Tantallon, Spryfield and the western side of Halifax.

Metro Animal Emergency Clinic

Metro Animal Emergency Clinic is a dedicated emergency and critical-care veterinary hospital in Burnside, Dartmouth. It provides 24-hour care to animals from across Halifax Regional Municipality and surrounding areas.

Its emergency capabilities include an in-house diagnostic laboratory, digital radiology, ultrasound, emergency surgery, endoscopy, electrocardiography and blood transfusion services.

Address: 201 Brownlow Avenue, Unit 32, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1W2
Emergency hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 902-468-0674
Directions: View Metro Animal Emergency Clinic on Google Maps

Metro Animal Emergency Clinic is conveniently located for residents of Dartmouth, Burnside, Bedford, Sackville, Fall River, Cole Harbour and eastern HRM.

Maritime Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centre

Maritime Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centre is a 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital located near Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth.

The centre provides emergency medicine, intensive care, surgery, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation and treatment for exotic animals. Its facilities include separate canine and feline critical-care areas, an in-house laboratory, surgical suites, ultrasound, digital radiology and a blood bank.

Address: 39 MicMac Boulevard, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4Y8
Emergency hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 902-932-0838
Directions: View Maritime Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centre on Google Maps

Its Dartmouth location may be especially convenient for dog owners in Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, Woodside, Portland Hills and nearby communities.

Extended-Hours Urgent Veterinary Care in Halifax

4 Paws Veterinary Hospital

4 Paws Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary hospital on Lady Hammond Road. It is open seven days a week and provides urgent veterinary care during its operating hours.

Although the clinic has previously been referred to as “4 Paws 24 Hour Veterinary Hospital,” its currently published schedule does not indicate continuous 24-hour service. Dog owners should call to confirm that the hospital is open and able to accept their pet before travelling.

Address: 6410 Lady Hammond Road, Halifax, NS B3K 2S3
Published hours: Daily, generally 7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Phone: 902-225-7543
Directions: View 4 Paws Veterinary Hospital on Google Maps

Because hours and patient capacity can change, confirm availability by phone. If 4 Paws is closed—or your dog requires intensive 24-hour treatment—contact one of HRM’s 24-hour emergency hospitals.

What Is Considered a Veterinary Emergency?

Take your dog to an emergency veterinarian—or call one immediately—if your dog is experiencing:

• Difficulty breathing, choking or blue, grey or unusually pale gums

• Collapse, unconsciousness or an inability to stand

• Severe bleeding or bleeding that will not stop

• Being struck by a vehicle or sustaining another serious injury

• Repeated seizures or a seizure lasting several minutes

• Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a dangerous substance

• A swollen abdomen accompanied by unsuccessful attempts to vomit

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood

• Inability to urinate or obvious pain while attempting to urinate

• Serious wounds, animal bites or suspected broken bones

• Heatstroke or dangerously high body temperature

• Sudden paralysis, extreme weakness or loss of coordination

• Severe pain, distress or rapidly worsening symptoms

• Eye injuries or sudden loss of vision

• Complications during labour or difficulty delivering puppies

If you are uncertain whether the problem is an emergency, call your regular veterinarian or an emergency hospital. Describe your dog’s symptoms, when they began and whether they are getting worse.

What Should You Do During a Dog Emergency?

1. Call the veterinary hospital

Call ahead unless doing so would cause an unsafe delay. Tell the clinic:

• Your dog’s symptoms

• When the problem started

• Your dog’s approximate age, breed and weight

• Any known medical conditions

• Medications your dog currently takes

• What your dog may have eaten or been exposed to

• How long it will take you to reach the hospital

The veterinary team may provide transportation instructions or direct you to the most appropriate facility.

2. Transport your dog safely

An injured or frightened dog may bite, even if it is normally gentle. Approach carefully and keep your face away from its mouth.

If your dog cannot walk, use a blanket, sturdy board or other flat surface as a temporary stretcher. Avoid unnecessary movement when a spinal injury or broken bone is possible.

Do not muzzle a dog that is vomiting, unconscious or having difficulty breathing.

3. Bring useful information

If it can be done safely, bring:

• Your dog’s medications

• Relevant veterinary records

• Pet insurance information

• The container or label from a suspected poison

• A photograph or sample of the substance involved

• A list of your dog’s allergies and medical conditions

• Contact information for your regular veterinarian

Do not delay emergency treatment while searching for paperwork.

What Should You Do If Your Dog May Have Been Poisoned?

Call an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop, because some toxins can cause serious internal damage before visible signs appear.

Do not induce vomiting or give milk, food, activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide or another home treatment unless a veterinarian or qualified animal-poison specialist specifically instructs you to do so. Inducing vomiting can make certain poisonings more dangerous.

Two 24-hour animal-poison resources are:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

• Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661

Consultation fees may apply. Have your dog’s approximate weight and the product package, ingredient list or medication strength available when you call.

What Happens When You Arrive at an Emergency Vet?

Emergency veterinary hospitals use a triage system. A veterinary professional will assess your dog and determine how urgently treatment is needed.

Pets are not necessarily treated in their order of arrival. Dogs with life-threatening breathing problems, major trauma, severe bleeding or other critical conditions will generally be treated before stable patients.

After the initial assessment, the veterinarian may recommend:

• A physical examination

• Blood or urine testing

• X-rays or ultrasound

• Pain medication

• Intravenous fluids

• Oxygen therapy

• Monitoring or hospitalization

• Surgery or another emergency procedure

The veterinary team should explain its initial findings, recommended tests, treatment options and estimated costs before proceeding whenever the circumstances allow.

Do You Need a Referral to Visit an Emergency Veterinarian?

You generally do not need a referral to bring your dog to an emergency veterinary hospital in Halifax or Dartmouth. Owners can contact an emergency clinic directly when their pet has an urgent or life-threatening problem.

Certain specialty services, however, may require a referral from your regular veterinarian. Call the hospital if you are unsure which type of appointment your dog needs.

Should You Call Your Regular Veterinarian First?

If your regular veterinarian is open, call the clinic and explain your dog’s condition. Many general veterinary hospitals can handle urgent problems during regular hours or help determine whether your dog needs a dedicated emergency facility.

Go directly to an emergency hospital when your regular veterinarian is closed, cannot see your dog promptly or recommends emergency treatment. For severe breathing problems, major trauma, collapse or uncontrolled bleeding, avoid delaying care while attempting to schedule a routine appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Veterinarians in Halifax

Is there a 24-hour emergency veterinarian in Halifax?

Yes. Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital on Hobsons Lake Drive provides 24-hour emergency veterinary care in Halifax.

Are there 24-hour emergency vets in Dartmouth?

Yes. Metro Animal Emergency Clinic on Brownlow Avenue and Maritime Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centre on MicMac Boulevard both advertise 24-hour emergency veterinary care.

Which emergency vet is closest to Bedford?

The closest hospital depends on where you are in Bedford and current traffic conditions. Coastal Care in Halifax, Metro Animal Emergency Clinic in Burnside and Maritime Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centre in Dartmouth all serve Bedford-area pets. Call ahead and use current driving directions before leaving.

Can I bring my dog to an emergency vet without an appointment?

Emergency hospitals generally accept patients without a scheduled appointment, but you should call before arriving whenever possible. Calling allows the hospital to prepare for your dog and confirm its current capacity.

Why might I have to wait at an emergency veterinary hospital?

Emergency hospitals treat patients according to medical urgency rather than arrival time. A stable dog may wait while veterinarians treat another animal with a life-threatening condition.

Can an emergency veterinarian treat cats and exotic pets?

All the hospitals listed provide care for dogs and cats. Coastal Care and Maritime Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centre also advertise veterinary services for certain exotic pets. Call first to confirm that the appropriate veterinarian is available for your animal’s species.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost in Halifax?

Costs vary according to the examination, diagnostic testing, medication, treatment and hospitalization required. Ask for an estimate after your dog has been assessed. Emergency hospitals may require payment or a deposit when treatment is authorized.

Save These Emergency Veterinary Numbers

Pet emergencies are stressful, and searching for help is harder when every minute feels important. Save these numbers in your phone now:

• Coastal Care: 902-703-2323

• Metro Animal Emergency Clinic: 902-468-0674

• Maritime Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centre: 902-932-0838

• 4 Paws Veterinary Hospital: 902-225-7543

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435

• Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661

You may also want to keep your dog’s regular veterinarian, medical history, medications and pet-insurance information somewhere that every member of your household can access.

A LocalDog Note

LocalDog provides this Halifax and HRM emergency-veterinarian guide for general information and local-resource discovery. It is not veterinary advice and cannot diagnose your dog’s condition.

Emergency hours, services and patient capacity can change without notice. Always call the veterinary hospital directly for its latest availability. If you believe your dog’s life may be in danger, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.

Clinic details last reviewed September 14, 2026.