Emergency Pet Care Resources in Lancaster County PA

Pet emergencies happen. A dog eats chocolate, a cat develops a urinary blockage, or your pet gets injured. Knowing where to go and what to do those first critical minutes can save your pet's life. Here's your guide to emergency pet care resources in Lancaster County.

24 Hour Emergency Veterinary Clinics

Save these numbers in your phone right now don't wait until you need them.

Lancaster Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center (LVESC)

Location: 1535 Highlands Drive, Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: (717) 569 7015
Hours: 24/7 emergency care

LVESC is the main 24 hour emergency hospital serving Lancaster, Lititz, Elizabethtown, and surrounding areas. They handle critical care, surgery, internal medicine, and emergency stabilization.

VCA Smoketown Animal Hospital

Location: 2975 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: (717) 394 6331
Hours: Extended hours, emergency availability (call first)

Nearby Emergency Options

If you're in northern Lancaster County near Hershey, you may be closer to:

• Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (VSEC): Mechanicsburg, PA (717) 691 8029
• Hope Veterinary Specialists: Malvern, PA (610) 725 5252 (for specialized emergencies)

When to Seek Emergency Care

Not every problem requires an emergency vet, but some absolutely do.

Life Threatening Emergencies

• Difficulty breathing: Gasping, blue gums, choking sounds
• Unconscious or unresponsive: Cannot wake them, limp body
• Severe bleeding: Won't stop after 5 minutes of pressure
• Hit by a car: Even if they seem fine internal injuries may not be obvious
• Seizures: Especially if lasting more than 2 3 minutes or happening repeatedly
• Bloated or hard abdomen: Especially large breed dogs can indicate life threatening bloat
• Cannot urinate: Especially male cats this is life threatening
• Heatstroke: Excessive panting, bright red gums, collapse (learn more in our pet first aid guide)
• Poison ingestion: Chocolate, xylitol, antifreeze, rodent poison, toxic plants

Urgent But Not Immediately Life Threatening

These need vet attention within a few hours:

• Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Eye injuries or sudden blindness
• Severe lameness or inability to walk
• Straining to urinate or defecate
• Sudden behavior changes (aggression, lethargy, hiding)
• Suspected broken bones

Pet Poison Control

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Phone: (888) 426 4435
Hours: 24/7
Fee: $95 consultation fee (credit card required)

Veterinary toxicologists available around the clock. They'll advise you on whether your pet needs emergency care and what steps to take.

Pet Poison Helpline

Phone: (855) 764 7661
Hours: 24/7
Fee: $85 per incident

Common Pet Toxins

• Foods: Chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol (sugar free gum), onions, garlic
• Medications: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants
• Household items: Antifreeze, rodent poison, cleaning products
• Plants: Lilies (toxic to cats), sago palms, azaleas
• Seasonal hazards: Ice melt, fertilizers, mulch

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

Step 1: Stay Calm

Your pet picks up on your stress. Take a deep breath and assess the situation calmly.

Step 2: Call Ahead

Call the emergency vet before you leave. They can prepare for your arrival and give guidance on immediate care or safe transport.

Step 3: Safe Transport

• For injured pets, minimize movement use a blanket as a stretcher for large dogs
• Keep cats and small animals in a secure carrier
• If your pet's in pain, protect yourself use a towel or blanket for handling
• Bring any toxin packaging or samples if poisoning is suspected

Step 4: Bring Important Information

• Your pet's medical records if available
• List of current medications
• Your regular vet's contact information
• Payment method (emergency care requires payment at time of service)

Pet First Aid Basics

Basic first aid knowledge can stabilize your pet until you reach the vet. Read our complete pet first aid guide for details on handling choking, controlling bleeding, recognizing shock, and building a proper first aid kit.

Emergency Care Costs

Emergency vet care is expensive. Expect:

• Emergency exam fee: $150 250
• Diagnostic tests: $200 500+ (bloodwork, X rays, ultrasound)
• Treatment: Varies widely depending on condition
• Hospitalization: $500 2,000+ per day for intensive care

Most emergency clinics require payment at time of service. Consider pet insurance or setting aside an emergency fund.

Prepare Before an Emergency

Keep Information Accessible

• Post emergency vet numbers on your refrigerator
• Save them in your phone contacts
• If you use a pet sitter, make sure they have all emergency contacts
• Tell neighbors and family where your emergency vet is

Authorize Your Pet Sitter

If your pet has an emergency while you're away, your sitter needs authorization to seek vet care on your behalf. Discuss emergency protocols during your consultation and provide written permission. I always confirm emergency plans before clients travel including your budget for emergency care and how to reach you.

Microchip Your Pet

If your pet escapes during an emergency or gets lost while injured, a microchip ensures they can be reunited with you. Register the chip and keep your contact information current.

Lost Pet Resources

If your pet goes missing during an emergency or stressful event:

• Lancaster County Animal Shelter: Report lost pets and check for found pets
• Humane League of Lancaster County: (717) 393 6551
• Local Facebook groups: "Lost and Found Pets of Lancaster County PA"
• Nextdoor app: Post in your neighborhood network

Non Emergency Veterinary Care

For situations that need care but aren't emergencies, contact your regular vet. Many practices offer same day sick appointments. If you're new to the area, read our guide to moving to Lancaster PA with pets for vet recommendations.

Need a reliable pet sitter prepared for emergencies? Contact me at (223) 221 1872. I keep emergency contacts on file, know pet first aid, and am authorized to seek emergency care for your pet if needed. Serving Lancaster, Lititz, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, and all of Lancaster County.