Pet Emergency Contacts by Province

When a pet emergency strikes, you don’t want to be searching the internet for numbers. This directory lists Pet Emergency Contacts across South Africa, including 24-hour vets, poison centres, and animal welfare organizations.

National Poison Centres

Tygerberg Poison Information Centre: 0861 555 777 (Available 24/7 for toxic ingestion advice).

Gauteng (Johannesburg & Pretoria)

• Fourways Vet Hospital: 011 705 3411 (24 Hours)
• Onderstepoort Academic Hospital: 012 529 8000

Western Cape (Cape Town & Surroundings)

• Cape Animal Medical Centre: 021 674 0034 (24 Hours)
• Animal Ocean (Seal/Marine Rescue): 072 296 9132

KwaZulu-Natal (Durban & Coast)

• Westville Veterinary Hospital: 031 267 8000 (24 Hours)
• CROW (Wildlife Rehabilitation): 031 462 1127

Note: Always call ahead to ensure a vet is on-site and ready for your arrival. Keep this page bookmarked for instant access.

Pet Emergency Contacts by Province: Vets, Poison Centres & Animal Welfare in South Africa

When a pet emergency happens, knowing who to call and where to go can save valuable time. Whether your dog has been injured, your cat has swallowed something dangerous, your pet is struggling to breathe, or you have found an animal in distress, having the right pet emergency contacts in South Africa saved on your phone is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

This Pet Emergency Contacts by Province guide is designed to help dog and cat owners find useful veterinary, poison-information and animal-welfare contacts across South Africa. It includes emergency preparation advice, contact comparisons, product guides, frequently asked questions and practical reminders for pet parents.

Because veterinary practices, emergency hospitals and animal welfare organisations can change their hours and contact details, always verify a number before travelling where possible. This page should be used as a convenient starting point, not as a substitute for contacting the relevant organisation directly.

For suspected poisoning, the Poisons Information Helpline is 0861 555 777 and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The University of Cape Town’s Poisons Information Centre confirms the number, while the National Department of Health also lists it as a national service.

Why Every Pet Parent Should Have Emergency Contacts Saved?

Pet emergencies rarely happen at convenient times.

An accident may occur late at night, over a weekend or on a public holiday. Your normal veterinarian may be closed, meaning you need to know where the nearest emergency veterinary hospital is located.

Common situations that may require urgent veterinary attention include:

• Severe bleeding
• Difficulty breathing
• Suspected poisoning
• Heatstroke
• Serious burns
• Snake bites
• Road accidents
• Severe wounds
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Suspected fractures
• Severe allergic reactions
• Choking
• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
• Sudden inability to walk
• Serious eye injuries
• Unconsciousness

Saving emergency contacts before something happens means you can act faster when your pet needs help.

The Most Important Pet Emergency Numbers in South Africa

Start by saving these numbers:

Emergency Service	Contact
National Poison Information Helpline	0861 555 777
Cellphone emergency services	112
Police	10111
Ambulance	10177
National SPCA	011 907 3590

The 0861 555 777 Poison Information Helpline is a national 24-hour service. The National Department of Health lists it alongside poison information centres and states that the telephone numbers were tested in March 2025.

South Africa does not have one dedicated national veterinary emergency number, so pet parents should save the number of their regular veterinarian and identify their nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital before an emergency occurs.

What Is a Veterinary Emergency?

Some situations require immediate veterinary attention.

Examples include:

Difficulty Breathing

Breathing difficulties can become life-threatening.

Severe Bleeding

Significant blood loss requires urgent treatment.

Collapse

A collapsed dog or cat needs immediate assessment.

Poisoning

Suspected ingestion of medication, chemicals, pesticides or toxic substances requires immediate advice.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke can rapidly become life-threatening.

Serious Trauma

Road accidents, falls and attacks can cause internal injuries.

Seizures

Prolonged or repeated seizures require urgent veterinary attention.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Facial swelling and breathing difficulties can indicate an emergency.

How Pet Identification Helps During an Emergency?

Identification can make a major difference if your pet escapes during an accident or becomes separated from you.

Make sure your pet’s identification information is current.

Check:

• Microchip registration details.
• Telephone numbers.
• Home address.
• Alternative emergency contact.
• Pet name.
• Recent photograph.
• Medical information where appropriate.

A collar can provide immediate identification, while microchipping provides another method of identification.

Keep recent photographs of your dog or cat on your phone. If a pet goes missing, a clear photograph can be shared quickly with animal welfare groups and local communities.

What to Take to the Emergency Veterinarian?

When travelling to a veterinary emergency, take whatever information can help the veterinarian make a faster assessment.

Bring:

• Your pet.
• The suspected toxin or product packaging, if safe.
• Medication your pet currently takes.
• Vaccination records if readily available.
• Medical records.
• Your pet’s identification details.
• A list of recent symptoms.
• Approximate timing of the incident.

Do not delay emergency veterinary treatment because you cannot find every document.

The most important information is what happened, when it happened and what symptoms you observed.

Animal Welfare Emergencies: When Should You Call an SPCA?

Animal welfare organisations can assist with situations involving animals that are abandoned, injured, neglected, abused, lost or in distress, depending on their local mandate and resources.

Contact the appropriate welfare organisation if you encounter:

• An abandoned animal.
• Suspected cruelty.
• An injured stray animal.
• An animal trapped or unable to escape danger.
• A neglected animal.
• A lost pet.
• A deceased animal requiring appropriate collection.
• An animal requiring welfare intervention.

If an animal is severely injured, veterinary assistance may be more urgent than waiting for a welfare organisation to arrive.

SPCA services are generally organised locally, so use the organisation covering your area.

Pet Emergency Contacts and Travelling Across South Africa

Emergency planning is particularly important when travelling.

Before a road trip, save veterinary contacts for:

• Your home town.
• Your destination.
• Major towns along your route.
• Your accommodation area.
• The nearest animal welfare organisation.

Take your pet’s food, medication, water, carrier and identification information.

A pet carrier or travel bag can make transportation safer and more organised.

For dogs, a suitable harness and lead can provide better control when stopping during long journeys. For cats, a secure carrier is usually preferable for road travel.

Pet Emergency Prevention Starts Before the Emergency

The best emergency plan is prevention.

Keep potentially dangerous products locked away. Human medicines should never be left where pets can reach them. Household chemicals, pesticides and gardening products should be stored securely.

Pet owners should also understand that some flea, tick and parasite products must only be used according to their labels and veterinary advice. Incorrect products or doses can create serious risks.

Regular veterinary examinations can help identify health problems before they become emergencies.

Good nutrition, exercise, grooming, parasite control, safe enrichment and appropriate housing all contribute to responsible pet ownership.

Pet Luxury’s Complete Dog Care Guide covers everyday care areas including beds, harnesses, leads, feeding products, grooming essentials, travel accessories and enrichment.

Pet Luxury Pet Buying Guides for Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness is only one part of responsible pet ownership. Your everyday shopping decisions can also contribute to safety.

Pet Luxury’s Pet Buying Guides provide information to help South African pet parents compare beds, toys, food, harnesses, carriers, grooming products, clothing and other pet essentials.

Useful categories include:

• All Pet Products for everyday pet-care essentials.
• Luxury Pet Products for premium dog and cat supplies.
• Dog Luxury Products for dog accessories, clothing and toys.
• All Dog Clothing for dog clothing and comfort products.
• Pet Bags and Carriers for transport solutions.
• Cat Harness South Africa for controlled outdoor exploration.
• About Pet Luxury to learn more about the brand and its pet-care offering.
• Pet Luxury Care Guide for broader dog and cat care information.
• Cape Town Pet Shop for local shopping information in Cape Town.

These resources can support a broader pet-care strategy, but they should never be used instead of a veterinarian during an emergency.

Why Shop at Pet Luxury?

Pet Luxury – South Africa’s premier destination for elite pet care – is designed for modern pet parents who want quality, convenience and sophisticated style for their dogs and cats.

With 3,300 shops and collection points across South Africa, Pet Luxury makes premium pet shopping accessible in communities throughout the country. The brand promotes same-day collection and rapid overnight delivery options, helping pet parents access everyday essentials conveniently.

Pet Luxury also offers FREE shipping on orders over R650, making it easier to combine several pet essentials into one convenient order. Selected Daily Flash Deals can offer savings of up to 65%, giving shoppers opportunities to enjoy premium pet products at attractive prices.

The VIP Luxury Rewards loyalty programme gives shoppers the opportunity to earn points and cash-back rewards while they shop. Pet Luxury also promotes a growing pet community with digital pet resources, entertainment and health-related features.

For customers looking for flexibility, Shop Now, Pay Later options are also promoted by Pet Luxury, subject to the applicable terms and availability.

From premium pet beds and toys to carriers, harnesses, grooming essentials, feeding products and stylish accessories, Pet Luxury brings a wide selection together in one online destination.

Pet Luxury and the South African Pet Community

Pet ownership is about more than buying products. It is about creating a safer, healthier and happier life for an animal that depends on you.

That is why access to information matters.

Knowing where your nearest emergency veterinarian is, understanding what to do during suspected poisoning, keeping identification information updated and knowing your local animal welfare organisation can all improve your preparedness.

Pet Luxury’s online resources are designed to complement everyday pet ownership by providing shopping guides, care information and lifestyle content.

The Pet Luxury Pet Buying Guides can help pet parents make informed purchasing decisions across different stages of pet ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Emergencies

What is the South African pet poison emergency number?

The 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline is 0861 555 777. It provides poison information concerning a wide range of substances. For a poisoned dog or cat, contact a veterinarian as well and follow professional instructions.

Should I make my dog vomit after suspected poisoning?

Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or appropriate poison professional specifically instructs you to do so. Some substances can cause additional injury if vomited.

What should I do if my cat is poisoned?

Remove the cat from the source if it is safe to do so, identify the suspected substance, contact an emergency veterinarian and seek poison information. Take the packaging or label with you where possible.

What should I do if my pet is badly injured?

Contact the nearest emergency veterinarian immediately. Keep your pet as calm and safe as possible and avoid unnecessary movement, particularly after a road accident or suspected spinal injury.

Can an SPCA treat an injured pet?

Animal welfare organisations may provide veterinary or welfare assistance depending on their resources and local services. However, a severely injured owned pet should generally be assessed by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

What number should I call if I find an injured stray animal?

Contact the SPCA or animal welfare organisation serving your area. If the animal is in immediate danger, explain the location and nature of the emergency clearly.

Is 24-hour veterinary care available in every South African town?

No. Availability varies between towns and provinces. Rural areas may have fewer emergency options, which makes advance planning particularly important.

How can I prepare for a pet emergency?

Save your regular vet, after-hours vet, nearest emergency hospital, local SPCA and poison information number. Keep a pet carrier, leash, identification information and essential medical records accessible.

What should I keep in a pet first-aid kit?

Basic supplies may include clean gauze, gloves, towels, suitable wound-care supplies recommended by your veterinarian, a carrier, lead, identification details and emergency contact information. A first-aid kit does not replace professional veterinary treatment.

Are human medicines safe for dogs and cats?

Many human medicines can be dangerous to animals. Never give a dog or cat human medication unless a veterinarian has specifically advised you to do so.

Why is pet identification important?

Identification can help reunite lost pets with their families and provide important information during emergencies. Keep microchip and contact information updated and maintain recent photographs of your pet.

Should I save emergency numbers on my phone?

Yes. Saving emergency contacts before an incident happens is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress during a crisis.

Create a Pet Emergency Plan for Every Dog and Cat

Every household with pets should have a simple emergency plan.

Write down your pet’s name, age, breed, weight, veterinarian, medication, allergies and microchip details. Add the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and local welfare organisation.

If you have several pets, create a separate record for each animal.

Keep digital copies on your phone and physical copies somewhere accessible.

For households with dogs and cats, make sure every family member knows where the carrier, leash, medical information and emergency contacts are kept.

If you travel frequently, create a second list for the areas you visit most often.

Conclusion: Be Prepared to Protect the Pet You Love

Knowing where to turn during a pet emergency gives you confidence when your dog or cat needs help most. From veterinary hospitals and poison information centres to SPCAs and animal welfare organisations, South Africa has a range of services that can support pet owners in difficult situations.

Keep your emergency contacts organised by province and local area, save them in your phone and make sure every member of your household knows where to find them. Keep essential pet information, identification details and transport equipment ready before an emergency occurs.

At Pet Luxury, we believe caring for your pet means looking after every part of their life – from everyday comfort and enrichment to responsible preparation for unexpected situations. With 3,300 shops and collection points, rapid overnight delivery options, FREE shipping over R650, Daily Flash Deals of up to 65%, VIP points and loyalty rewards, premium pet supplies, Shop Now, Pay Later options and a growing South African pet community, Pet Luxury makes premium pet care more convenient.

Whether you are welcoming a puppy, caring for a senior dog, raising a kitten or sharing your home with an adult cat, preparation is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your companion.

Prepare today. Save the numbers. Know your local vet. Know your local animal welfare organisation. And give your dog or cat the best possible chance of receiving help when it matters most.