24/7 & After-Hours Care

Find an Emergency Large Animal Vet

Search 9,569 verified large animal vet practices for emergency and after-hours coverage near you. Filter by "Emergency Services" on any county page to see 24/7 and after-hours on-call vets for cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and other livestock.

9,569

Total Practices

2,116

Counties Covered

50

States

Most Active Counties

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Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a large animal emergency?

Large animal emergencies include: colic (abdominal pain) in horses, difficult births (dystocia) in cattle, horses, goats, or sheep, severe lacerations or wire cuts, eye injuries, respiratory distress, suspected toxic ingestion, urinary blockage (especially in goats), prolapsed uterus after birth, and sudden unexplained death in multiple animals — which may indicate a reportable disease.

What is the difference between 24/7 emergency service and after-hours on-call?

A 24/7 practice maintains staff on-site around the clock — someone is always available to respond immediately. After-hours on-call means a vet is available by phone and will come if needed, but may take 30–60 minutes or more to arrive. In rural areas, after-hours on-call is more common. Always confirm the emergency protocol before a crisis occurs.

How quickly can an emergency large animal vet arrive?

Response time varies significantly by location. In areas near veterinary clinics or schools, response can be under 30 minutes. In remote rural areas, it may be 1–2 hours. It's important to have your emergency vet's contact information ready before you need it. FarmVetGuide lists practices with verified emergency availability.

What should I do while waiting for an emergency vet?

Stay calm and keep the animal quiet and confined. Call your vet immediately and describe symptoms clearly — they can provide phone guidance while en route. For colic: walk the horse slowly, don't let them roll violently. For dystocia: keep the birth canal clean and moist. Do not administer medications without veterinary guidance, as some can mask symptoms.

How much does an emergency large animal farm call cost?

Emergency farm call fees typically range from $150–$400 for the base visit, with additional charges for procedures, medications, and after-hours premiums. Weekend and overnight calls may be 1.5–2× standard rates. Costs vary widely by region and practice. Use the cost estimator tool below to get a regional estimate, and always discuss fees before the vet arrives when possible.