8 Things to Know About Vet Care for Pets on Christmas Day

Taking your dog to the vet on Christmas Day can disrupt your festive plans and lead to higher costs, but sometimes emergency care is unavoidable. Christmas is a hazardous time for pets due to festive decorations, foods, and accidents like dogs eating chocolate, making vigilance essential. Additionally, pets can fall ill or get injured on Christmas independently of the season's typical risks.

If your dog needs veterinary attention on Christmas Day, it's understandable to feel worried. Knowing how veterinary services operate on this day can help ease some stress. Here are eight important facts about veterinary provision for dogs and other pets on Christmas Day in the UK.

1. Emergency veterinary care is accessible 24/7, every day of the year including Christmas

While not all veterinary clinics offer on-site 24-hour care, every clinic makes arrangements to provide emergency services outside normal hours. There is no time when you cannot access veterinary help, including Christmas Day.

However, emergency care on Christmas may be provided by a different clinic than your usual veterinary practice. This could require travelling further – sometimes to a clinic in a different town – so it's wise to prepare by noting contact details and the location of your emergency vet in advance.

2. Expect busier veterinary clinics on Christmas Day

Casualty and emergency clinics often experience a surge in cases on Christmas Day, especially those covering out-of-hours services for multiple practices. Some years may be quieter, but typically Christmas is among the busiest days for UK vets.

3. Your vet might not immediately be on-site when you arrive

Sometimes vets are called in for emergencies and may arrive after you do. This is less common at dedicated 24-hour hospitals but can happen in smaller clinics. It’s helpful to be patient in such scenarios and understand that your pet will be cared for as swiftly as possible.

4. Pet taxi and home visit services are rare on Christmas

Some veterinary centres, especially larger chains, offer pet transportation services if you have no means to bring your pet to the clinic. However, these are exceptional and should not be relied on as they can delay care. Furthermore, home visits by vets on Christmas are highly unlikely as out-of-hours call-outs are seldom provided during holidays.

5. Veterinary treatment on Christmas Day is more expensive than usual

Emergency consultations at any time outside regular hours typically attract higher fees, and on Christmas Day these rates tend to be even steeper. According to current UK data, you should expect to pay upwards of £200 depending on the care required. Routine vet costs average around £58 on normal days but emergency and holiday premiums add significantly to fees.

The reassuring news is that reputable dog insurance policies usually cover emergency visits, including Christmas Day, provided your claim fits within the policy terms. This can help significantly reduce the financial impact.

6. Waiting until Boxing Day won’t necessarily reduce costs or risks

If the cost of Christmas Day vet care is daunting, delaying treatment until Boxing Day is unlikely to be cheaper as out-of-hours fees will still apply. More importantly, your pet’s health might deteriorate in the meantime, increasing risk and potentially more complicated treatment.

7. Consider planning ahead for Christmas emergencies

Given the specific challenges Christmas presents, preparing in advance by noting emergency vet contacts, understanding costs, and reviewing your pet insurance policy can save stress if the unexpected occurs. Remember to keep your pet safe by removing hazards and avoiding harmful foods.

8. Appreciate the dedication of veterinary teams during the festive season

Veterinary professionals, including vets, nurses, and support staff, sacrifice time with their own families to care for pets over Christmas. A simple thank you from pet owners goes a long way in showing appreciation for their hard work in stressful circumstances.

Visiting a vet on Christmas Day is rarely planned but understanding what to expect, how to prepare, and the importance of prompt care can make a difficult situation more manageable. Remember that responsible pet ownership includes safeguarding your pet’s health even during the holidays.