Veterinary emergencies in Geneva
You can count on Vétélys and its 24/7 veterinary emergency service.
We offer continuity of care and provide a response to proven medical and surgical emergencies.
Veterinary emergency
When to consult
Call our veterinary emergency service in Geneva
Environmental emergencies
Poisoning, Envenomations, drowning, electrocution, hypothermia, heat stroke
Wounds and trauma
Wounds, burns, musculo-tendinous trauma
Cardiovascular emergencies
Cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, arterial hypertension, thrombo-embolism
Respiratory emergencies
Upper respiratory tract involvement, lower respiratory tract involvement, chest wall involvement, diaphragm involvement, pleural space involvement, lung involvement, dyspnoea without respiratory involvement
Uro-nephrological emergencies
Urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis, obstruction of the lower urinary tract, rupture of the urinary tract, acute renal failure, bacterial prostatitis and prostatic abscesses
Neurological disorders
Acute convulsive syndrome and epilepsy, Intracranial neurological disorders, motor disorders, paralysis, balance disorders – ataxia
Digestive emergencies
Oesophageal disorders, Acute vomiting, Stomach torsion dilatation syndrome, Acute haemorrhagic enteritis, digestive obstruction, pancreatitis, hepatitis
Reproductive system emergencies
Pyometra, prolapse, paraphymosis, dystonia delivery and caesarean sections
Endocrine emergencies
Ketoacid diabetes, Addison’s disease
Haematology emergencies
Anemia, haemostasis disorders
Ophthalmology emergencies
Eyeball dislocation, corneal ulcer, glaucoma
Emergencies 24/7
Steps for an emergency veterinary consultation in Geneva
A veterinary emergency consultation in Geneva takes place in 4 steps: you make an appointment, you prepare your animal for the consultation, you meet us for the consultation, you collect your animal or you visit it if hospitalisation is necessary.
Make an appointment
Call 022 719 10 10 to make initial contact with the emergency team. Initial advice will be given and you will be offered an appointment depending on the degree of urgency. This initial contact enables the team to prepare to welcome you as quickly as possible.
Preparing your pet
- Keep calm and try to reassure your pet.
- Use a lead or transport cage to secure your pet during the journey.
- If your pet is bleeding, apply light pressure with a clean cloth.
- If the animal has ingested a toxic substance, try to keep the packaging or make a note of the name of the substance.
- Check how to get to the clinic to save precious minutes.
- Report to us as soon as you arrive so that we can create a file on your pet or take charge of it immediately, depending on the degree of urgency.
Consultation
The emergency team you spoke to on the phone will take charge of you as soon as you arrive.
You will be informed of the waiting time and we will do everything we can to reduce it.
A specialist veterinary surgeon will see you urgently and suggest a suitable treatment protocol.
After the consultation
A consultation report is sent to your veterinary surgeon. We are committed to maintaining a close relationship with your veterinary surgeon so that we can provide the best possible care and follow-up for your pet.
In the event of hospitalisation, a care protocol and estimate will be presented to you.
Testimonials
They went to veterinary emergency
Very competent team. Top surgeon and a human touch… thank you!
Superb, ultra-modern centre with a very friendly team.
Open 24 hours a day, it’s great.
Little waiting time, clear explanations and really friendly vets.
Definitely the best in Geneva
Efficient telephone answering. Very good explanations. Quick appointments. Efficient on-site services. Clean, large practice and parking spaces available 👍👍
Even our cat likes going there
A team that listens and is competent, that doesn’t push you to consume, thank you and well done! Finally a hospital centre and quality emergency services in a large city like Geneva just indispensable. Thank you 🙏
An excellent practice that has always taken good care of my Jack Russel, Aïko. Available, attentive and competent. Whenever I have a problem, the practice always manages to find me an appointment the same day, which is reassuring for me and my friend.
A friendly welcome, competent vets who listen to the animals and their owners. All my animals have received excellent care. Very humane support from the vets when the animal was euthanised. I experienced the kindness of all the staff at such a difficult time. Thank you to the whole team, and good luck!
A superb team of vets and assistants. Attentive, accommodating and above all very good at caring for our animals. With a smile and all the kindness in the world! I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Thank you so much for caring for our fur balls in the best possible way!
Impeccable clinic, quality staff and very friendly!
Passionate veterinary doctors and assistants
Your duos for your pets
The veterinary emergency service relies on an essential duo of veterinarians and veterinary assistants, skilled and committed to providing intensive and immediate care to animals in distress. The vets, with their expertise in pathologies and emergency interventions, and the veterinary assistants, who provide crucial support from the moment they are admitted and throughout the treatment, form a complementary team based on mutual communication and trust. Their duos enable them to provide high-quality care, offering comfort and support to animals and their owners at what are often stressful and emotional times.
Dr Méd. Vét. Edouard Cessaix
As the son of a vet, my passion for medicine and animals has always been present. Growing up with dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters only strengthened this conviction. I have a particular affection for internal medicine, cardiology and medical imaging.
My aim is to contribute to the well-being of our furry friends by offering the best of my skills.
Chloe
I’m Chloé, a veterinary medicine assistant for around ten years and I joined the Vetelys emergency service when it was set up in December 2023.
Having already worked in a number of different departments, it was with Vetelys that I wanted to learn more and assist the vet with the vital and immediate care of your furry, feathered or scaled animals.
I know how stressful an emergency situation can be for animals and owners, and I think it’s vital to be there for you and your pets as quickly as possible.
Dr Méd. Vét. Fabiana Dorigo
I’ve always had a passion for animals, so I decided to become an emergency vet to be there for them when they need it most. It’s a job that allows me to combine my love of medicine with the challenge of dealing with a wide range of emergency cases.
I share my life with Mia, a 9 and a half year old German Shepherd, who loves mountain adventures and diving into lakes, even icy ones. Spending time with her strengthens my connection with animals and reminds me how much they enrich our lives and deserve our full attention.
Maëlle
I’ve always had a passion for animals, and working in an emergency department was an obvious choice. The satisfaction of feeling useful every day and helping to save lives is what motivates me and makes me tick. I’m demanding and rigorous in my work, but I’m much less strict when it comes to my cat, Blue, the only cat at AMV who weighs three times more than she should. They say the cobblers are always the worst shod…
Dr Méd. Vét. Catalina Correira
I’m Dr Catalina Correia, a veterinary surgeon with four years’ experience in preventive and emergency medicine, having practised in Chile, Switzerland and as a volunteer in Peru and France. I am trilingual, speaking French, Spanish and English. I’m passionate about emergency medicine, medical imaging and surgery, and my aim is to provide comprehensive, empathetic care for every patient.
I share my life with my two furry tortoiseshells, Polly and Dulce María, who fill my days with purrs and cuddles.
Maria
I’ve always had a passion for animals, and for the last 15 years I’ve been working with dedication, particularly in emergency care, where the adrenalin and the need to react stimulate me on a daily basis. Providing appropriate care and looking after the animals’ well-being is a mission that’s particularly close to my heart. My cat benefits greatly from my commitment, even if, as is often the case, he’s the most spoilt of all. After all, it’s hard to resist these little balls of fur who know how to win our hearts!
Dr Dr Méd. Vét. Marion Delaplace
My name is Marion Delaplace, veterinary surgeon. I grew up in Guadeloupe, surrounded by dogs and cats that we rescued and adopted from home to give them a new home. I’m passionate about animals and their welfare, and I’m delighted to be able to look after them at Vetelys. My dog, Java, is a sweet 10-year-old Labrador.
Edouard
Édouard; Amv for over 13 years. I chose to work in the emergency department because of the responsiveness and rigour it requires! We’re on the front line, administering first aid as best we can and also having the chance to relieve a sick or injured animal.
Dr Méd. Vét. Eva Papachristou
As an emergency veterinary surgeon, my work is varied, ranging from simple consultations to complex cases, combining internal medicine, surgery and intensive care, with in-depth diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. My job allows me to continue to develop my skills, with new challenges always on the horizon. Follow-up is rigorous in our dynamic team, where collaboration is essential to provide the best care. I’m passionate about internal medicine, with a particular interest in cardiology and endocrinology.
Elsa
Emergency medicine appeals to me because emergency cases are very different in nature. You have to be able to adapt and be operational at all times to receive the animal in the best possible conditions. But you also have to ensure the animal’s well-being and comfort as much as possible, while adapting to the situation.
My pets: Zéphyr, a cat adopted in association / Dynamite and Flash, two Russian hamsters.
Dr Méd. Vét. Yui Fujita
Every day is an adventure in emergency: I wake up not knowing what to expect, and that’s what makes this job so exciting. Between the variety of cases and the situations that require you to think quickly and carefully, there’s never a dull moment.
Thanks to modern equipment and a specialised team, we have the opportunity to look at each case in depth and offer our patients the best possible care.
Life at home is just as busy! My cat Kuma, a 3-year-old Maine Coon, is always ready to relax, while my young dog Moka, an Australian Shepherd puppy, is bursting with energy and curiosity. Together, they bring joy and energy to my daily life.
The answers to your questions
Find out more about the Vétélys veterinary emergency service
1. What is a veterinary emergency?
An emergency in the medical sense is any condition that can lead to the irreversible loss
irreversible loss of function of individual organs or even death. More broadly, a veterinary emergency is a situation where the animal requires immediate care to avoid serious suffering or a deterioration in its state of health.
This may be the case, for example, following :
- Shock (traffic accident, falling out of a window, etc.)
- Ingestion of foreign bodies or a toxic product
an intestinal obstruction - A severe allergic reaction
These events can have serious consequences – the Vétélys
Vétélys emergency service is there for these serious cases.
2. How do I know if my pet needs emergency care?
The following symptoms are usually signs of an emergency:
- Heavy bleeding from the wound
- Severe vomiting
- Severe persistent diarrhoea (especially in young animals)
- Decreased consciousness
- Difficulty urinating
- Difficulty giving birth
- Change in colour of mucous membranes (paler)
- Change in temperature of limbs (colder)
- Internal body temperature below 37°C
- Increase in body temperature above 40°C (for example
infectious disease, heat stroke, epilepsy, etc.) - Shortness of breath (foreign body in the upper respiratory tract,
brachycephalic syndrome, pulmonary oedema, etc.) - Abnormal breathing sounds, altered respiratory rhythm
- Sudden aggression or abnormal screams
- Indifference, loss of consciousness
- Reluctance to play or eat
- Decreased reactivity
- Coordination problems, paralysis
- Trembling, convulsions
- Visible fracture or serious trauma
- Ingestion of toxic substances …
3. What should I do if my pet has an emergency?
If your pet has an emergency, call 022 719 10 10 immediately. We have an on-site emergency service available 24/7.
4. How do I prepare my pet for an emergency visit to the clinic?
- Keep calm and try to reassure your pet.
- Use a leash or transport cage to secure your pet during the journey.
- If your pet is bleeding, apply light pressure with a clean cloth.
- If the animal has ingested a toxic substance, try to keep the packaging or make a note of the name of the substance.
- To save precious minutes, check the clinic’s website www.vetelys.ch for details of how to get to the clinic.
5. What should I bring with me on an emergency visit?
Bring the following items with you:
- Your pet’s health record
- A list of medicines your pet is currently taking
- Any packaging or information on toxic substances ingested, if applicable
6. What are the most common emergency procedures performed at the Vétélys clinic?
We carry out a variety of emergency procedures, including :
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Treatment of poisoning
- Wound and trauma care
- Emergency surgery
- Seizure and convulsion management
7. Is veterinary advice free?
Yes, and we encourage you to call us for advice if you think your pet has an emergency. Our vets can give you instructions on home first aid and let you know if a clinic visit is necessary.
8. How much does an emergency consultation cost?
Emergency consultations are more expensive because of the need for immediate care and the resources mobilized.
A consultation is billed at 95.00 (59.50 for a standard consultation and a surcharge of
35.50 emergency surcharge) from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 7pm. Outside these hours the
consultation is charged at 175.00 – We accept cash, debit and credit cards. We will provide you with an estimate of any additional costs at the end of the consultation.
9. Will the team that advises me over the phone be the one that receives me?
Yes, all calls are handled within the clinic, ensuring rapid care.
Our veterinary surgeons and emergency nurses are experienced and continuously trained in the specificities and techniques of veterinary emergencies. They have been selected on the basis of their ability to manage complex and urgent situations, as well as their human qualities towards patients and their owners. They are supported by two senior veterinarians, and a specialized surgical on-call service is organized.
10. What is the waiting time for an emergency?
Waiting time in the Vétélys Emergency Department depends on how busy it is, of course, but also on the seriousness of your companion’s condition. We do our utmost to reduce waiting times while ensuring that every emergency is dealt with in the best possible way. You will be informed of the waiting time as soon as you call us, and again when you arrive.
11. Does the emergency service contact my attending veterinarian?
Absolutely. At the end of each consultation, a report containing all the examinations is sent to your attending veterinarian. In the event of hospitalization, your attending veterinarian is called every morning by our teams to ensure joint monitoring of your pet.
12. My pet is in hospital. How can I check on him?
Every morning, the emergency and hospitalization team contacts you. During the day, you have a direct line (Type 3 direct line for hospitalized animals) and a privileged link with the nursing team. If possible, we’ll arrange a time for you to visit us.
13. Can you help me out in an emergency if I'm missing a special medication or food?
Yes, our team wants your pet to benefit from its treatments and will be able to to help you out. Outside our normal opening hours (Monday – Friday 7.30am – 7pm), we would be grateful if you could let us know when you are coming so that we can reduce your waiting time. An emergency dispensing fee of 15.50.- will be charged in accordance with emergency dispensing.
14. How can I avoid veterinary emergencies?
To reduce the risk of emergencies:
- Keep vaccinations and regular check-ups up to date.
- Keep toxic substances out of your pet’s reach.
- Supervise your pet outdoors to avoid accidents.
- Provide proper nutrition and regular exercise.
The Vétélys emergency service works closely with Geneva veterinary practices and is renowned for the professionalism and empathy of its team, and for its commitment to the fight against animal pain.
