When your pet is unwell outside normal surgery hours, you face an expensive decision: rush to an emergency vet or try a video consultation first? Getting this right can save you hundreds of pounds — or, more importantly, could save your pet's life if they need urgent hands-on treatment.

The Cost Difference

The price gap is substantial:

  • Video vet consultation: £20–£40 for a 15–20 minute appointment (services like Joii, PawSquad, FirstVet)
  • Emergency/out-of-hours vet visit: £100–£300 for the consultation alone, before any treatment

The CMA's investigation found that out-of-hours care is one of the areas where costs have risen most sharply, partly due to consolidation — a small number of providers now operate most out-of-hours services in many areas.

When a Video Vet Is Appropriate

Video consultations work well for:

  • Minor skin issues: Rashes, small lumps, mild hot spots
  • Mild digestive upset: A single vomit, soft stools, off food for less than 24 hours
  • Behavioural questions: Anxiety, changes in routine
  • Post-treatment follow-up: Checking healing after surgery or treatment
  • Triage: "Should I be worried about this?" — a video vet can help you decide whether an emergency visit is needed
  • Medication queries: "My dog missed a dose" or "Is this a normal side effect?"

Video vets can also issue prescriptions in many cases, saving you an in-person visit for medication refills.

When You Need an Emergency Vet

Go straight to an emergency vet for:

  • Difficulty breathing: Open-mouth breathing in cats, excessive panting in dogs, blue gums
  • Suspected poisoning: Chocolate, grapes, lilies (cats), antifreeze, rat poison, xylitol
  • Bloated abdomen: Especially in large-breed dogs (possible gastric dilatation-volvulus — life-threatening)
  • Collapse or inability to stand
  • Seizures lasting more than 2–3 minutes or multiple seizures
  • Heavy bleeding or serious trauma
  • Inability to urinate: Especially in male cats (urinary blockage — life-threatening)
  • Obvious severe pain: Crying, guarding, unable to get comfortable

Do NOT waste time with a video call in these situations. Minutes matter.

The Triage Approach

If you are unsure, a video vet can serve as a triage step. Many services offer rapid access (within 15–30 minutes, sometimes immediately). A qualified vet will assess your pet via video and advise whether an emergency visit is needed. This can either save you an unnecessary £200+ emergency visit, or confirm that you need to go immediately.

Some pet insurance policies now include free video vet consultations as part of the policy. Check your documents — you may already have access.

UK Video Vet Services

  • Joii: £24 per consultation or £47.88/year for unlimited. 24/7 access.
  • FirstVet: Often included free with pet insurance. Otherwise £28 per consultation.
  • PawSquad: £20–£35 per consultation. Available evenings and weekends.

Saving Money on Emergencies

If your pet does need an emergency visit, be aware that the initial consultation fee is just the start. Ask for an estimate before agreeing to treatment, and check whether the emergency practice is covered by your insurance. The CMA found that some out-of-hours providers have very limited competition in their area, which can lead to higher prices.

Last updated: March 2026. In a genuine emergency, always seek immediate veterinary care. Sources: CMA veterinary market investigation.