VetsOpenTodayKeep this on the fridge. In an emergency, go now — do not wait.
Go to a 24/7 animal ER now if you see:
- Trouble breathing, choking, or gums that are blue, gray, or very pale
- Collapse, unconsciousness, or not being able to stand or walk
- A seizure now, one that lasts more than 5 minutes, or more than one in 24 hours
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, or major trauma (for example, hit by a car)
- A known or suspected toxin or poison swallowed
- Straining to pee with little or no urine, especially a male cat
- A swollen, hard, or painful belly, or trying to vomit with nothing coming up
- Trouble giving birth
- Signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, weakness, vomiting, or odd-colored, dry, or sticky gums
- Severe pain, sudden paralysis, or repeated vomiting with weakness, blood, or an inability to keep water down
- A serious eye or head injury
This is a starting point from published veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis. If something feels seriously wrong, treat it as an emergency.
Poison hotlines (24/7)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
- Pet Poison Helpline — (855) 764-7661. Their site lists a $99 USD per-incident fee (as of November 13, 2026; fees can change).
Do not give home remedies or try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison expert tells you to. Confirm these numbers on aspca.org and petpoisonhelpline.com.
My pet
My clinics
Regular vet
Urgent care / same-day vet
24/7 ER vet
vetsopentoday.com · Information only, not veterinary advice.
Typed details stay in this browser only, unless you print the card or copy them yourself. Nothing is sent to VetsOpenToday. You can also enter them on the emergency contacts saver.
Common questions
Is this fridge card veterinary advice?
No. It is a one-page reminder of publicly posted emergency signs and poison-hotline numbers, not a diagnosis and not veterinary advice. It cannot examine your pet. When in doubt, call a veterinarian or a 24/7 ER now.
Can I print my own vet's number on the card?
Yes. The card has blanks for your regular vet, a backup or urgent-care clinic, a 24/7 ER, and your pet's name, microchip, medications, and allergies. If you already saved those details in this browser on the emergency contacts page, the blanks fill in automatically so you can print them. You can also write them in by hand after printing. Details typed on the page stay in this browser only.
Do the poison hotlines charge a fee?
Yes, they may charge a consultation fee. ASPCA Animal Poison Control says a consultation fee may apply. Pet Poison Helpline lists a $99 USD per-incident fee on its website (as of November 13, 2026; fees can change). Confirm current numbers and fees on aspca.org and petpoisonhelpline.com.
Sources
The emergency signs summarize the same publicly posted guidance used on our urgent care or ER checklist. Hotline numbers and the Pet Poison Helpline fee were re-checked on November 13, 2026.
- AVMA, First aid tips for pet owners (seizures, bleeding, heatstroke, shock, poison-control numbers)
- University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Seeking emergency care for your pet
- University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, Urgent Care
- University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Primary, urgent or emergency care
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control (phone number re-checked November 13, 2026; a consultation fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline (phone number and $99 USD per-incident fee re-checked November 13, 2026)
For clinics near you, start on our city list. For a longer checklist, see Urgent care or ER? or take the symptom quiz.