Out of Hours & Home Visits
At Millcroft Vets, we are here for you and your pet when you need us most. We provide 24-hour emergency veterinary care at our Cockermouth branch, with a vet on call at all times.
Out of Hours Emergency Care
24-Hour Emergency Number: 01900 826666
If your pet requires urgent veterinary attention outside of our normal practice hours, please call our emergency number. You will be connected to our answering service, who will take your details and pass them to an on-call Veterinary Nurse or Vet. They will call you back as soon as possible to discuss the emergency and advise on the best course of action. Please bear in mind that our vets may already be dealing with an emergency call, and they will get in touch with you as soon as they can.
Out of Hours Fees
Emergency consultations outside normal working hours are charged at a higher rate to reflect the urgent nature of care:
Before 11pm: £162.00
After 11pm: £194.00
These fees cover the initial emergency consultation and assessment. Any additional treatment, medication, diagnostics, or procedures will be charged separately.
We will provide you with a cost estimate before treatment begins.
What Constitutes an Emergency?
If you are unsure whether your pet's condition requires urgent attention, please call us. Common emergencies include:
- Difficulty breathing or collapse
- Severe bleeding or trauma
- Suspected broken bones or road traffic accidents
- Seizures or sudden disorientation
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea with lethargy
- Unable to pass urine
- Difficulty giving birth
- Ingestion of toxins, chocolate, or foreign objects
- Swollen or painful abdomen
- Painful eyes or sudden blindnes
- Not eating or drinking for over 24 hours
Preparing to Visit the Practice
Call ahead – This is essential so we can be ready for your arrival.
Stay calm – Speak clearly and follow any instructions we give you.
Keep your pet secure – Use a carrier for cats and small pets, or a lead for dogs.
Bring any medication or known history – This helps us treat your pet more effectively.
Transport safely – Use towels or blankets for support if your pet is injured.
If you need help getting your pet into the car or surgery, please let us know when you arrive.
Home Visits
We understand that some pets find travelling to the surgery stressful, and some owners may find it difficult to transport their pets. We can offer home visits to registered clients by prior arrangement.
Availability
Home visits are only available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, strictly by appointment.
Please contact your local Millcroft Vets branch in advance so we can discuss your pet's needs and confirm a suitable time. However, where possible, we encourage your pets to come to the practice as it is much easier to make a clinical assessment, carry out complex diagnostics, and receive treatments and/or procedures.
We can provide end-of-life care from your home, so please visit our Bereavement page for more information about home euthanasia visits.
Out of Hours Home Visits
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide home visits outside of our normal weekday hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
If your pet requires urgent veterinary attention outside of these hours, they will need to be brought to the surgery. Please call 01900 826666 for guidance.
Contact Your Local Branch
For home visit enquiries or to discuss your pet's needs, please contact your local Millcroft Vets branch:
Cockermouth: 01900 826666
Workington: 01900 66666
Keswick: 017687 72590
Maryport: 01900 816666
Egremont: 01946 820513
Aspatria: 016973 23898
For out-of-hours emergencies, call our 24-hour emergency line: 01900 826666.
