Emergency Pet Care Resources in Lancaster County PA

Pet emergencies happen when you least expect them. A dog eats chocolate, a cat develops a urinary blockage, or your pet is injured in an accident. Knowing where to go and what to do in those critical first minutes can save your pet's life. Here's your complete guide to emergency pet care resources in Lancaster County PA.

Emergency Veterinary Clinics in Lancaster County

These facilities provide 24-hour emergency care for dogs, cats, and other pets. Save these numbers in your phone 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 primary 24-hour emergency veterinary 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 the northern part of 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 Veterinary Care

Not every situation requires an emergency vet, but some absolutely do. Go to an emergency clinic immediately if your pet:

Life-Threatening Emergencies

• Difficulty breathing: Gasping, blue gums, choking sounds
• Unconscious or unresponsive: Cannot wake them, limp body
• Severe bleeding: Bleeding that won't stop after 5 minutes of pressure
• Hit by car: Even if they seem fine, internal injuries may not be visible
• Seizures: Especially if lasting more than 2-3 minutes or happening repeatedly
• Bloated abdomen: Especially in large-breed dogs, can indicate life-threatening bloat (GDV)
• Cannot urinate: Especially male cats, this is a medical emergency
• 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 situations need veterinary 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 Resources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

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

The ASPCA Poison Control Center has veterinary toxicologists available around the clock. They'll advise you on whether your pet needs immediate emergency care and what steps to take.

Pet Poison Helpline

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

Common Pet Toxins in Pennsylvania

• 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 as calmly as possible.

Step 2: Call Ahead

Call the emergency vet clinic before you leave. They can prepare for your arrival and provide 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 is aggressive due to 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 guide to pet first aid basics every PA pet owner should know, which covers:

• How to handle choking
• Controlling bleeding
• Recognizing shock
• What to include in a pet first aid kit

Emergency Care Costs

Emergency veterinary care is expensive. Expect to pay:

• 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 the time of service. Consider pet insurance or setting aside an emergency fund for unexpected vet bills.

Prepare Before an Emergency Happens

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 located

Authorize Your Pet Sitter

If your pet has an emergency while you're away, your pet sitter needs authorization to seek veterinary care on your behalf. Discuss emergency protocols during your initial consultation and provide written permission. At Big Mike's Pet Sitting, we always confirm emergency plans before you 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.

Lancaster County Animal Shelters and Lost Pet Resources

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

• Lancaster County Animal Shelter: Report lost pets and check 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 veterinarian. Many practices offer same-day sick appointments. If you're new to the area, read our guide on moving to Lancaster PA with pets for vet recommendations and how to establish care.

Need a reliable pet sitter who's prepared for emergencies? Contact Big Mike's Pet Sitting at (223) 221-1872. We keep emergency contacts on file, know pet first aid, and are authorized to seek emergency care for your pet if needed. Serving Lancaster, Lititz, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, and all of Lancaster County.