Emergency Department — Open 24/7
Walk in at any time. No appointment needed.
Here when your Pet Needs Us Most
When your pet needs urgent care, MASH is here around the clock, every day of the year. Our emergency department operates like a hospital A&E — your pet will be triaged on arrival and seen in order of clinical urgency, ensuring the most critical cases are always attended to first.
What To Do In An Emergency
Come straight in — no appointment is needed. If you are travelling from far away or are very concerned about your pet's condition during transport, you can call us on 1800 838 787 so we can be ready when you arrive.
What Happens On Arrival
On arrival, a nurse will triage your pet immediately. You'll be asked a few quick questions about what happened and your pet's current symptoms. If your pet is critically unwell, they will be taken through for assessment straight away.
Please be aware that waiting times in our emergency department vary depending on how many patients are being treated and their level of urgency.
We appreciate your patience — and we promise that if your pet's condition changes while you're waiting, our team will reassess them immediately.
What We Treat
Our emergency team is experienced in managing the full range of veterinary emergencies, including:
Trauma, injuries and suspected fractures
Breathing difficulty or respiratory distress
Toxin ingestion or suspected poisoning
Sudden paralysis or other neurological signs
Severe vomiting, diarrhoea, unproductive retching or abdominal pain
Seizures
or collapse
Straining
to urinate
Any situation where you are seriously concerned about your pet
Critical Illness & ICU
Patients who need intensive monitoring or advanced life support following emergency assessment are admitted to our Critical Care / ICU, which is led by Dr Merrin Hicks (FANZCVS) — a registered specialist in emergency and critical care.
Costs & Consent
Our Emergency Services
Emergency Imaging
Timely and accurate diagnostics are crucial in emergency situations. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology, including digital radiography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT), enabling our veterinarians to rapidly assess your pet’s condition and make informed treatment decisions. Quick access to imaging services helps us identify fractures, internal injuries, or other urgent medical issues, leading to prompt and effective treatment.
Emergency Surgery
Our skilled surgical team is available around the clock to perform emergency surgeries when needed. Whether it’s a trauma case, a foreign body obstruction, or a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention, we are prepared to provide swift and precise surgical procedures. Our operating rooms are equipped with advanced surgical equipment and monitoring devices, ensuring the highest level of safety and surgical expertise.
Endoscopy
With our advanced endoscopic equipment, we can quickly diagnose and address critical conditions, such as upper GI and respiratory foreign bodies, providing timely intervention and relief for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Emergency Service
Leading the Way in Veterinary Excellence
When your pet needs more than a routine visit, trust Melbourne’s leading specialist surgeons and emergency team. As a premier multi-disciplinary specialist hospital, we provide world-class orthopaedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgery with the compassion your family deserves.
24-Hour Emergency Vet Services
MASH provides 24/7 emergency veterinary care for accidents and sudden illnesses, with a highly skilled team ready to provide immediate, critical support whenever you need it.
Compassionate and Personalized Care
MASH is committed to personalized veterinary medicine, combining tailored treatment plans with a collaborative approach that keeps you informed at every stage of your pet’s care.
Specialist Small Animal Hospital
As a leading specialist hospital, MASH combines the expertise of board-certified veterinarians with cutting-edge technology to deliver the highest standard of advanced clinical care.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our state-of-the-art hospital features advanced imaging, surgical suites, and an in-house laboratory, ensuring fast, accurate diagnosis and the highest standards of veterinary care.
