Around-the-Clock Care: 24/7 Vet Services for Your Cherished Companions

Providing a beautiful home goes beyond aesthetics - it's also about ensuring every member of the household receives the care they deserve. And that includes our pets. 

From devoted Labradors who never leave your side to elegant Maine Coons stretched out in the sun, or a spirited Jack Russell waiting eagerly at the gate, our pets are woven into the fabric of daily life. They greet us at the door, share our quiet moments, and somehow know when we need comfort most. Whether it's a parrot who chats back or a beloved horse you've raised from a foal, these animals are more than pets - they are family. And like any family member, they deserve the very best care, especially when the unexpected happens.

With that in mind, we've curated a region-by-region guide to some of the most reliable 24/7 and after-hours veterinary facilities available in the Winelands, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and Durban. Whether you're seeking peace of mind for a midnight emergency or just want to know you're covered while travelling, this list has you - and your beloved companions - covered.

Winelands

Vetscape in Paarl is a modern veterinary hospital providing 24/7 emergency service through an on-call vet system. They treat a wide range of animals - from dogs and cats to exotic pets and horses. 

If you live on an estate or wine farm and have horses or livestock, their mobile equine service is an enormous advantage. In emergencies, the vet will either travel to you or make arrangements for you to bring your animal into the facility depending on the nature of the case.

Franschhoek Animal Clinic (WAHG)

In Franschhoek, the Franschhoek Animal Clinic part of the Winelands Animal Hospital Group, provides 24/7 access to a vet via an emergency line. They treat domestic pets, horses and farm animals. While the clinic itself isn't open all hours, their emergency response is quick and highly regarded. They'll gladly open the clinic after hours when necessary.

Cape Town

Panorama Veterinary Clinic & Specialist Centre

As one of Cape Town's few fully operational 24-hour veterinary hospitals, Panorama Vet is the gold standard for emergency and specialist care. With a comprehensive facility that includes ICU wards, CT scanning, surgery and an onsite lab, they're prepared for anything - from snake bites to seizures.

Their focus is on small animals, but they also treat birds and some exotic pets. House calls are not the norm, but their emergency team is available for urgent walk-ins or referrals from your primary vet.

TAH Veterinary Group - Cape Town

TAH operates a network of veterinary practices across Cape Town and beyond. While not all branches are open 24/7, emergency care is provided through their on-call vet network. 

You'll call the nearest branch and they'll either connect you to an available emergency vet, arrange a clinic opening or provide immediate telephonic guidance. Known for their calm and caring demeanour, TAH is a firm favourite for exotic pet lovers too.

Durban

TAH Veterinary Group - Durban

Durban-based clients can breathe easy knowing TAH extends its premium veterinary care to KwaZulu-Natal. Their Durban practices offer 24/7 assistance via an emergency on-call vet system.

The vets are experienced in dealing with a wide range of cases, from minor after-hours issues to life-threatening emergencies; and will either guide you to the clinic or make arrangements to meet you there. Expect professional, compassionate care and a deep understanding of both pets and their anxious owners.

Gauteng Province

Johannesburg

Bryanston Veterinary Hospital

Bryanston Veterinary Hospital is a trusted name in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, offering 24/7 emergency support via an on-call vet. While the clinic operates during regular hours, the team is always available after hours to respond to emergencies.

The hospital provides full general and surgical veterinary services for dogs, cats and small exotics. Their personalised care, longstanding reputation, and responsive after-hours assistance make them a reliable choice for both routine and urgent care in Bryanston and surrounding areas.

AEC Animal Emergency Centre

AEC is Johannesburg's flagship emergency animal hospital, open 24/7 with walk-in access and full overnight facilities. They offer everything from stabilisation and surgery to critical overnight monitoring.

This is the go-to for serious emergencies - think bloat, poisoning, seizures or trauma. They also work in conjunction with your regular vet for seamless handovers and ongoing care.

Fourways Veterinary Hospital
Fourways Veterinary Hospital is a full-service  small animal hospital. A fully equipped 24-hour facility, the hospital is open day and night to provide immediate care when it's needed most. Whether it's an emergency or late-night concern, their team is always available to assist. They treat dogs, cats and select exotic pets, with services ranging from diagnostics and surgery to ICU care and rehabilitation. Their round-the-clock commitment offers vital peace of mind to pet owners across Johannesburg.

The Vaal

Three Rivers Veterinary Clinic
📍 Three Rivers, Vereeniging
📞 Emergency: 082 222 2882

Based in Three Rivers in Vereeninging, this well-established clinic offers 24-hour care via an emergency number, though the facility itself is not open around the clock. The vet will meet you at the clinic for urgent cases and is reputed for thorough diagnostics and practical treatment plans.

Services include care for pets, livestock and even wildlife. Keep their emergency number saved if you reside or vacation in the Vaal region.

The Garden Route

Blackwaters Veterinary Clinic

Blackwaters Veterinary Clinic is a well-regarded practice located just in Knysna. Known for its attentive and compassionate approach, the clinic serves both local residents and those with holiday homes in the area. While standard operating hours apply, after-hours emergencies are accommodated through an on-call vet system. Simply contact the main number and you'll be redirected to a vet who can assess the situation and, if needed, open the clinic for treatment.

Their focus on continuity of care, patient comfort and clear communication makes them a valuable resource for pet owners along the Garden Route.

George Rex Veterinary Clinic

George Rex Veterinary Clinic serves the greater Knysna area with a strong reputation for attentive, high-quality care. The clinic offers a wide range of services for dogs, cats, and small animals, including surgical procedures and preventative care. For emergencies, their main number connects you to an on-call vet who can arrange urgent assistance after hours, including opening the clinic if needed.

With a dedicated and approachable team, George Rex Veterinary Clinic offers both locals and holiday homeowners peace of mind, knowing that help is available when it matters most.

Robberg Veterinary Clinic

Robberg Veterinary Clinic provides professional, compassionate care to pets in Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding areas. While the clinic operates during regular hours, they offer after-hours emergency support through an on-call vet. When emergencies arise, you can contact the main number and you'll be directed to the vet on duty, who can open the clinic if necessary.

Known for their personal touch, clinical expertise and strong ties to the local community, Robberg Vet is a trusted partner for both routine and urgent veterinary care along this stretch of the Garden Route.  

Marine Way Animal Hospital
Marine Way Animal Hospital is a modern, well-equipped veterinary facility in Plettenberg Bay, offering comprehensive care for pets in the area. They provide after-hours emergency services through an on-call vet, ensuring clients have access to professional assistance beyond regular hours. The on-call system is responsive, with the vet available to open the clinic if immediate in-person treatment is required.

Known for their professional service, advanced diagnostics and caring team, Marine Way is a dependable choice for both local pet owners and those with holiday homes along the Garden Route.

George Animal Hospital

This long-standing hospital offers emergency services outside regular hours and is highly regarded by locals for being calm under pressure. They handle everything from minor bites to serious trauma and provide in-hospital care when required.

Eastern Cape

Kariega Veterinary Clinic
📍 Kenton-on-Sea
🔗 Kariega Veterinary Clinic Facebook

Kariega Veterinary Clinic is a trusted small-town practice providing warm, personalised care to pets and farm animals in Kenton-on-Sea and surrounding areas. While the clinic operates during regular hours, its main landline diverts to the on-call vet's cellphone after hours, ensuring you have access to guidance and support whenever emergencies arise. If necessary, the vet will open the clinic for treatment outside of business hours.

Their responsive and community-focused approach makes them a reliable go-to for both everyday care and urgent veterinary needs.

Kowie Vet

Kowie Vet offers emergency services 24/7 through an on-call vet system to Port Alfred and the surrounding areas. The clinic is not open around the clock but will be made available if your animal needs to be brought in. 

Ideal for residents along the coast or anyone with holiday homes in the area, Kowie Vet is known for its reliable and no-nonsense approach to animal care.

Sunshine Coast Veterinary Clinic

Sunshine Coast Veterinary Clinic in Port Alfred runs a flexible emergency model where the on-call vet will happily open the clinic after hours. Their warm and personalised approach makes them a great fit for discerning clients who expect continuity of care and excellent communication.

Ikhala Veterinary Clinic

Based in Makhanda, Ikhala Veterinary Clinic is a well-regarded practice serving the communities of Makhanda, Kenton-on-Sea and surrounding areas. While their clinic operates during regular hours, the emergency number on their website will get you after-hours emergency support via an on-call vet. The vet on duty will assess the situation and, if needed, open the clinic to provide immediate care. Their responsive, no-fuss approach ensures pet owners in this region have dependable support when it matters most.

At a Glance

Peace of mind is everything. Knowing that your furry (or feathered, scaled, or hooved) family members are protected around the clock offers reassurance in moments of uncertainty. When your pet needs urgent care, it's comforting to know that help is never far away - and that you're supported by professionals who treat them with the same care and dedication you do.

Whether you're caring for a dachshund in distress or a parrot that suddenly seems unwell, it's reassuring to know that support is close at hand. In those critical moments, access to trusted veterinary care can make all the difference.

Keep this list bookmarked, save the numbers in your phone and if you're ever in doubt - reach out. When it comes to our pets, no hour is too late for care.

This guide offers a curated overview of 24/7 veterinary services across certain parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and current, we recommend reaching out to individual facilities for the most up-to-date emergency protocols and personalised advice. Let this serve as a starting point for ensuring your beloved pets receive the highest standard of care - no matter the hour or location.

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