See update in post #5 (Jan. 2020) for a change to this policy.

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A policy change to after-hours emergency intake at the Zürich Tierspital came into effect on 1 Jan 2017. I missed this announcement, perhaps others might have as well. Since so many threads recommend 'Go to the Tierspital, now!', the change is worth highlighting.

https://www.tierspital.uzh.ch/de/kle...e/Notfall.html

17:00-07:30 Uhr: Aufgrund der Einführung der 50-Stunden Woche für unsere Tierärztinnen und Tierärzte zum Januar 2017 entstehen an der Kleintierklinik erhebliche personelle Engpässe. Während der Nacht nehmen wir daher ab dem 9.1.2017 nur Patienten auf, die von Privattierärzten oder von lokalen Notfalldiensten an uns überwiesen werden. Ausgenommen sind Tiere von Besitzern, die das Tierspital regelmässig mit ihren Tieren aufsuchen (Stammkunden), Geburtsnotfälle und kritisch kranke Welpen.

Roughly translated:

(During the hours of) 17:00-07:30:

Due to the introduction of the 50-hour week for our veterinarians in January 2017, there will be considerable staff shortages at the clinic. From 9.1.2017 during the night we will only admit patients who have been referred to us by private veterinarians or local emergency services. Exceptions are animals from owners who are regular clients of the animal hospital, birth emergencies, and critically ill puppies.


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So in an after-hours emergency follow the procedures your primary vet has in place. If the situation warrants, your primary vet will make the necessary call to send you to the Tierspital.

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Something I stumbled upon on the way to looking up something else. I searched for an announcement in older threads, apologies if I missed one.

Yes, local vets have their own emergency network and phone number. Please check with your vet what this number is.

I posted it in the vet recommendation thread but I think your separate post will be easier to find as someone in a panic will likely try "animal hospital" rather than "vet recommendation".

FYI seems a new policy is being implemented - you might be asked to put down a deposit when your pet is admitted as an after-hours emergency.

Apparently the kinks are not yet quite worked out - at least not at today at 1AM - but going forward keep this in mind should (doG forbid!) your pet need to be transferred to the Tierspital in an emergency. Probably a good idea to ask about this when you call for admission.

An update, from a notice included in today's Tierspital Rechnung:

The Tierspital is again taking emergencies without a referal from your general vet:

https://www.tierspital.uzh.ch/de/kle...e/Notfall.html

Der Notfalldienst der Kleintierklinik ist rund um die Uhr an 365 Tagen im Jahr besetzt. Er steht überwiesenen und nicht-überwiesenen Patienten mit akuter schwerer Erkrankung zur Verfügung. Wir sind Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie Ihr Kommen zuvor unter 044 635 81 12 anmelden.

The emergency service for the Tierspitl small animal clinic is available 24/1/365, for referal and non-referal patients with acute serious illnesses. We are thankful when you call before coming, 044 635 81 12.

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I've emphasized the last bit - do please call first. You will speak with a vet, discuss the symptoms, and then they will tell you whether the issue is serious enough for an after-hours visit. Given how busy the Tierspital can get after hours, this triage step is needed. But obviously, do not hesitate to call if you cannot reach your regular vet practice.

Yes we took our cat there as emergency. Had to lay down 3000CHF cash just to get started!