Out-of-Hours Service

Abbey Veterinary Clinic now use an out of ours emergency clinic called "Vets Now" (Vets Night or Weekend).

In an emergency phone the clinic as usual. You will be given insructions on our opening hours and how to contact the emergency service.

• Telephone Vets Now prior to departure - 0191 469 6926
• Take the A1 North and fork right (after Washington Services) following the signs for South Shields and Sunderland (A194)
• When you reach the roundabout, take the left (first) exit and join the dual carriageway (A184). Continue for 1 1/2 miles to Heworth roundabout.
• Take left slip lane (signed Metro Station) and, shortly after, turn right at the mini-roundabout.
• Continue for 3/4 mile and at the traffic lights turn right (by the Duke of Cumberland Arms pub) Vets Now / PDSA Clinic is 200 yards on the left (Stoneygate Lane).
• Pull into carpark and ring door bell/intercom for immediate attention!

What happens if my pet is injured or becomes unwell outside normal working hours?

If you need veterinary attention outside normal working hours, you will quite rightly still want to receive the same professional and prompt attention that you would get from your vet during the day. However; even the best vet in the world cannot be personally available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

Nevertheless, our top priority remains to ensure that your pet's welfare is safeguarded no matter what the time of the day or night.

In order to provide you and your pet with high quality veterinary care, Abbey Veterinary Centre has arranged for an emergency out-of-hours service to be available. This ensures that you can always get help. The service is called "Vets Now" which stands for "Vets Night or Weekend". Vets Now is staffed out-of-hours by a qualified team of vets and nurses who can attend to you and your pet when your own vet is off duty.

Is this similar to the system my own doctor use?

Probably! Doctors, like Vets, know how important it is to provide good quality care 24-hours-a-day and therefore most GPs also use specialised emergency clinics to care for their human patients out of hours.

Isn't it better to see my usual vet?

Ideally yes, but in an emergency all vets will be able to help. If possible, bring along any medications that your pet is receiving when you come.

Can I telephone just for advice?

Of course! The Vets Now staff are able to give advice over the phone and will tell you if they think it is safe for you to wait until the morning before being seen. If your question is not urgent then you should wait until the morning and speak to your own vet who knows your pet's history better than anyone.

Do I pay for the service?

Yes. As is usually the case with your normal vet, payment should be made at the time. If your pet is insured then this should cover the costs.

Some common pet emergencies

The following signs may indicate that your pet has a serious health problem and may require veterinary care. If you notice any of these signs, please call your veterinary surgeon.

• Cuts or other skin injuries
• Sudden onset limping or lameness
• Swollen stomach
• Persistent retching or vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent or severe diarrhoeaWeakness or collapse
• Seizure (epileptic fit)
• Burns or scalding
• Ingestion of medication intended for humans
• Dirty or bloody vaginal discharge
• Straining to pass urine

To learn more about Vets Now, why not visit their website.