Overview
This service is for owners of small domestic pets, excluding dangerous or stray animals, who need urgent veterinary guidance or emergency care outside normal veterinary opening hours. Call 153, extension 22, which is available 24/7, for preliminary triage based on urgency; trained operators will assess the case and either provide advice or, where appropriate, refer you to a participating emergency veterinary clinic, including the Fgura emergency clinic, which operates from 8.00 pm to 8.00 am Monday to Saturday and for 24 hours on Sundays and public holidays.
What you'll get
Through this service, you will receive guidance on whether your pet needs immediate veterinary attention or can safely wait for your regular veterinarian. Eligible cases may receive reimbursement of the emergency consultation fee after verification. Treatment or other additional costs are not covered by the scheme.
Eligibility
You may use the service if your small domestic pet requires urgent emergency care during the applicable after-hours period.
The case must involve a genuine emergency or symptoms that could reasonably be interpreted as an emergency.
Dogs must be microchipped and registered where legally required.
The animal must be treated at a registered participating clinic.
Dangerous animals, stray animals, farm animals, routine care, mild or chronic conditions without systemic compromise, pre-arranged referrals and routine euthanasia are not eligible for reimbursement.
Documents Required:
For initial access by telephone, no documents are required.
For case processing and possible reimbursement, the participating clinic submits:
CRM reference number, where available
Pet and presenter/owner details, including an accurate email address
Microchip details where applicable
Case history or emergency description
Itemised invoice showing the consultation fee separately
Photograph of the animal
How to apply
1. Call 153 and select extension 22.
2. Answer the operator’s short screening questions. In a clearly life-threatening situation, proceed immediately to an emergency clinic and call again with the details so that a CRM reference number can be issued.
3. If referred, attend the participating emergency veterinary clinic and provide the CRM reference number.
4. The attending veterinarian records the case and submits the required information through the Emergency Veterinary Case Submission System.
5. The National Veterinary Hospital Unit verifies eligibility. If approved, you will receive an email requesting your IBAN details for reimbursement.
