Key takeaways
1. A duty rota and the specialist clinics in Bereldange and Bettembourg handle veterinary emergencies throughout Luxembourg.
2. If you observe certain serious symptoms (breathing difficulties, seizures, trauma, urinary or digestive problems, abnormal-looking eye, sudden change in behaviour) you should contact an on-call vet straight away.
3. Taking out pet insurance such as Foyer’s happy pet policy helps cover veterinary costs in case of an accident
A veterinary emergency can strike without warning. At night, at the weekend or on a public holiday, your pet could require medical help at any time. In Luxembourg, the out-of-hours veterinary service has been set up to ensure that your pet can be seen around the clock. Opening times, useful numbers, 24/7 clinics and reimbursement of costs: here is everything you need to know so you can be prepared.
Out-of-hours vets in Luxembourg: how the system works and who to call
In Luxembourg, the out-of-hours service is clearly structured with several key contacts you should know so you can react quickly if your pet needs urgent care.
How is the out-of-hours service organised?
Since October 2022, the outofhours veterinary service in Luxembourg has operated on a geographical rotation system. This approach was introduced to share the workload more fairly between vets, reducing the number of annual on-call shifts from 22 to 12 per practitioner.
On weekdays from 4 pm, at least two vets per sector provide continuity of care until midnight. This network helps ensure your pet can be seen quickly, even outside normal consultation hours.
From midnight to 8 am, two specialist clinics in Bereldange and Bettembourg take over. These practices are open 24/7 and have the equipment needed to handle the most complex emergencies.
At weekends and on public holidays, the system is adjusted to ensure cover throughout the day. From 4 pm to midnight,two vets are on duty, then, as during the week, the specialist clinicsprovide continuity of care during the night.
Who should you contact in an emergency?
If you have an emergency outside your usual vet’s opening hours, you should first check the College of Veterinary Surgeons’ website at collegeveterinaire.lu. The site lists the on-call practice or clinic for your area and the relevant time slot, with updates in real time.
If you cannot travel or if moving your pet would risk increasing their pain or stress, home emergency services can come directly to your address. SOSVET provides a vet who can be reached on (+352) 27 510 112, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; they will assess the situation over the phone, visit your home and, if needed, arrange transfer to an appropriate clinic.
You can also call Post’s Infotel service if you prefer to obtain this information by telephone or do not have Internet access.
When should you call an out-of-hours vet?
It is not always easy to know whether your pet’s condition is a genuine emergency or can wait until your regular vet reopens. Some warning signs should prompt you to seek urgent help.
- Breathing distress, seizures or loss of consciousness. In these situations, your pet’s life may be at risk within minutes.
- Ingestion of a foreign object, medicine or toxic plant. Even if your pet appears well, certain substances or items can cause rapid internal damage.
- Trauma after an accident, even without visible bleeding. A collision with a car or a fall can lead to internal bleeding or injuries that are not immediately visible.
- Difficulty urinating. Passing only small amounts of urine, going to the litter tray or outside very frequently, or straining without producing anything can indicate a urinary blockage, especially in cats.
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea. Persistent or worsening digestive problems can quickly cause dehydration and may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
- Open wound or sudden lameness after a fall. A deep wound or sudden limp can hide a fracture, dislocation or infection that needs prompt treatment.
- Red, swollen or closed eye. Any eye problem should be taken seriously, as some conditions can lead to loss of vision if not treated quickly.
- Sudden abnormal behaviour. A pet that suddenly becomes very lethargic, withdrawn, agitated or aggressive without any obvious reason may be in severe pain or suffering from a neurological problem.
Example:
Your dog vomits several times on a Saturday evening and refuses to drink. Without rapid treatment, the risk of dehydration becomes significant. A cat falls from a balcony on a Sunday night; even if they seem to move normally, internal injuries are still possible. If you are unsure, SOSVET offers access to a vet by phone 24/7 to assess the situation and guide you towards the most appropriate course of action.
Dog and cat insurance: planning ahead for vet bills in case of accidents
Veterinary fees can quickly add up, especially in emergencies where out-of-hours consultations are often subject to higher charges. In these situations, keeping your pet in, imaging tests or surgery can easily cost several hundred or even several thousand euros.
Without insurance, these unexpected costs can weigh heavily on your household budget and make it harder to make decisions that are crucial for your pet’s health. Taking out pet insurance means you can face these moments more calmly. With happy pet, costs incurred if your pet is admitted following an illness or accident are covered, so you can focus on what really matters: choosing the best treatment for your companion without constantly worrying about the financial impact.
Good to know: Foyer’s happy pet insurance
With happy pet, veterinary hospital costs after surgery are covered up to 3,500 euros per year with no excess, and you can benefit from reimbursement of up to 100% of your pet’s medical expenses. This allows you to get your pet treated without your budget being the main deciding factor.
Frequently asked questions about out-of-hours vets
What should I do if my pet has an emergency in the middle of the night in Luxembourg?
During the night, you are advised to call 112 or check the list of on-call vets via the College of Veterinary Surgeons to be directed to the nearest emergency service. You can also contact a 24/7 clinic directly or call a home emergency service such as SOSVET or SOS VET Steinfort.
Are emergency vet appointments more expensive than regular consultations?
Emergency consultations are usually more expensive than standard appointments, as they take place at night, at weekends or on public holidays and involve higher call-out fees. The total cost may rise further if your pet requires tests, treatment or has to be admitted in for care.
Can my usual vet refuse to provide out-of-hours cover?
Your regular vet is not required to offer a 24/7 service personally, but they must ensure continuity of care by telling you which on-call service or emergency clinic to contact. However, in a lifethreatening emergency, a vet must, as far as possible, provide assistance to the animal or direct you to a service that is able to do so.
