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We see all pets; cats, dogs and exotic pets (birds, lizards, monkeys, snakes, rabbits and other small animlas). If your pet has had an accident, is struggling to breathe, collapsed, bleeding heavily, having seizures, is in severe pain, or you suspect poisoning, call immediately. We’ll guide you on what to do, while also getting prepared with staff, equipment and schedules to deal with your emergency and help your pet as quickly as possible.

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​Call: 01 623 7044.     Out of hours: Call 01 260 9920 for the Pet Emergency Hospital (UCD)

Map: HERE

Address: Old Lucan Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, D20 HC86
Email: info@palmerstownvets.ie

Opening hours:

Monday - Friday : 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9.30 am - 4.00 pm
Bank holidays: 11.00 am - 3.00 pm 

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Safety disclaimer: For an emergency, phone immediately.

If your pet has any of the following, call straight away:

• Difficulty breathing, blue/pale gums, or severe coughing/choking

• Collapse, extreme weakness, or unresponsive/unconscious

• Seizures (fits) or repeated seizures

• Heavy bleeding, deep wounds, or bleeding that won’t stop

• Road traffic accident, fall from height, or suspected broken bones

• Suspected poisoning (including human meds, rat poison, lilies, chocolate, grapes/raisins)

• Swollen abdomen/retching with no vomit (bloat), especially in large dogs

• Heatstroke (overheating, distress, collapse) (cool slowly, not quickly)

• Straining to urinate, unable to pass urine, or crying in the litter tray (especially male cats)

• Severe pain (crying, restlessness, guarding, sudden aggression)

• Eye injuries, sudden cloudiness, squinting, or eye protrusion

• Repeated vomiting/diarrhoea, especially with blood or in puppies/kittens

• Labour problems: active straining with no pup/kitten, or mum in distress

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If you’re unsure, call — don’t wait. It’s always better to check.

Call us for advice if you’re seeing:

• Mild vomiting once or twice but otherwise bright

• Limping but still weight-bearing

• A minor wound that’s not bleeding heavily

• Ear irritation, mild skin flare-ups, or a small lump that’s unchanged

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If your instinct says “something isn’t right,” trust it and phone.

• Call first. Tell us what’s happening so we can advise and be ready.

• Keep your pet warm, quiet and still. Stress and movement can make things worse.

• Do not give human medication. Many common painkillers are toxic to pets.

• Food/water:

• Do not offer food if your pet is vomiting, very drowsy, struggling to breathe, has a swollen belly, may need sedation, or might need surgery.

• Small sips of water may be ok in some cases — ask when you call.

• If there’s bleeding:
  - Apply firm pressure with a clean towel or bandage for 5–10 minutes without constantly checking.
  - If blood soaks through, add another layer — don’t remove the first.

• If poisoning is suspected:
  - Remove access to the toxin.
  - Bring the packaging/label, plant sample, or photo of what was eaten.
  - Don’t try home remedies unless a vet tells you to.

• Muzzle guidance (dogs):
  - Even gentle dogs may bite when in pain, use a muzzle but only if safe. DO NOT USE if your dog is vomiting, struggling to breathe, or has facial trauma.

What should I bring?

If safe: bring your pet’s medications, any recent notes/results and details of what happened and when. 

For dogs

• Use a lead and harness. Lift carefully using a towel under the chest/abdomen if needed.

• If a back/neck injury is possible (after a fall/accident), move as little as possible and use a flat surface (board/blanket) to carry.

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For cats

• Use a secure carrier. Use a well-ventilated box lined with a towel.

• Covering the carrier with a light towel can help reduce stress.

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For small pets (rabbits/guinea pigs/birds)

• Keep warm and quiet in a secure box/carrier with bedding.

• Bring a companion (bonded rabbits) if advised, and any food they’re used to.

Our first priority is stabilising pets who need urgent help. Waiting times depend on triage - that means the sickest pets are treated first, even if they arrived after another patient. Life-threatening cases are seen first. 

• A vet or nurse will assess your pet’s breathing, circulation, pain and temperature.

• If needed, we start urgent treatment right away (oxygen, pain relief, fluids, etc.).

• Once your pet is stable, we’ll discuss next steps, including tests and treatment options.

You’ll be asked for permission before non-urgent tests or procedures are done. You can also ask for an estimate once your pet is stable enough for planning.

To help us move quickly, be ready to share:

• What you noticed and when it started

• Any vomiting/diarrhoea, urination, or appetite changes

• Any possible toxin exposure (human meds, chocolate, plants, chemicals)

• Current medications and medical history

• Your pet’s age, breed, and approximate weight (if known)

When Palmerstown Veterinary Hospital is closed, emergencies are seen by Pet Emergency Hospital (UCD) as shown above.

What this means for you

• You’ll get urgent care from the out-of-hours vets.

• Where possible and with your consent, records/notes from the emergency visit can be shared back to us so we can support follow-up care.

• After an out-of-hours visit, we recommend booking a follow-up appointment with us.

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Out of hours: Call 01 260 9920 (Pet Emergency Hospital, UCD).

Emergency and out-of-hours care often costs more than routine visits. This is usually due to staffing, specialist equipment and the need for immediate treatment.

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What you can do:

• Ask for an estimate once your pet is stable and the vet understands what’s needed.

• Tell us early if you have financial concerns — we’ll discuss options and priorities - Klarna with payment plans works well for many clients.