Most veterinary clinics close on Memorial Day, but emergency and specialty hospitals stay open

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May each year. Most standard veterinary practices—the ones you call for routine checkups and vaccines—close for the holiday. However, emergency veterinary hospitals and some specialty clinics operate on a normal schedule or have extended hours, because animals still need care on holidays.

The key is knowing which type of clinic you need before the holiday arrives. If your pet needs routine care, you should schedule it before or after Memorial Day. If your pet has an urgent problem on the holiday itself, you will need to find an emergency clinic in your area that operates that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your regular veterinarian at least one week before Memorial Day if your pet needs routine care, because most clinics close that day.
  • Emergency veterinary hospitals typically stay open on Memorial Day and charge a holiday surcharge in addition to their regular fees.
  • Use your vet's voicemail or website to find their holiday hours before the day arrives—do not wait until Memorial Day morning.
  • If you cannot reach your regular vet's emergency line, search for "emergency vet near me" or call your local animal shelter for referrals to open clinics.
  • Urgent care clinics for pets (different from emergency hospitals) may have limited hours on Memorial Day, so confirm their schedule in advance.

How to check your veterinarian's Memorial Day hours

Your regular vet's website usually lists holiday hours under a "Hours" or "Contact" page. Look for a note about Memorial Day specifically, or a general holiday schedule. If the website does not mention it, call the clinic during regular business hours and ask directly. Most practices post their holiday schedule at least two weeks in advance.

When you call, ask whether they have an emergency line that operates on Memorial Day. Many clinics that close for the holiday still have an answering service that directs you to an emergency hospital. Write down that number and keep it somewhere straightforward to find—not just in your phone, but on a note near your pet's medical records or on your refrigerator.

What to expect at an emergency veterinary hospital on Memorial Day

Emergency hospitals are staffed and open on holidays because they handle urgent and life-threatening situations. They treat everything from hit-by-car injuries to difficulty breathing to sudden paralysis. On Memorial Day, they will be busier than usual, so wait times can be longer than on a regular weekday.

Emergency hospitals charge a holiday surcharge on top of their regular fees—this is typically an additional $50 to $150 depending on the hospital and your location. You will also pay for the examination, any tests or imaging, medications, and treatment itself. Ask about costs before or when ready after the examination so you understand what you are committing to. Most emergency hospitals accept credit cards and payment plans.

The difference between emergency hospitals and urgent care clinics

An emergency hospital has operating rooms, imaging equipment (X-ray and ultrasound), laboratory facilities, and veterinarians on staff 24 hours a day. They handle life-threatening situations and complex surgeries. Most are open every day, including holidays.

An urgent care clinic for pets is a step between your regular vet and an emergency hospital. They handle wounds, minor fractures, ear infections, and other problems that need attention but are not life-threatening. Many urgent care clinics have limited hours on holidays or close entirely. Call ahead to confirm they are open on Memorial Day before you need them.

How to find an open veterinary clinic on Memorial Day

Start by searching "emergency vet near me" or "24-hour animal hospital near [your city]" on Google Maps. The results will show you which hospitals are open, their addresses, phone numbers, and often their hours. Call before you go to confirm they are accepting new patients and to give them a heads-up about your arrival.

If you cannot find an emergency hospital through Google, call your local animal shelter or humane society. They maintain lists of emergency clinics and can direct you to the nearest one. Your regular veterinarian's voicemail message may also include an emergency number or the name of the hospital they partner with.

Some areas have multiple emergency hospitals. If one is at capacity or has a very long wait, ask if they can recommend another clinic nearby. Do not delay seeking care while you search—if your pet is severely injured or unable to breathe, go to the nearest emergency hospital when ready and call ahead from the car if possible.

Planning ahead to avoid Memorial Day emergencies

Schedule routine appointments—vaccines, dental cleanings, annual exams—for the week before or the week after Memorial Day. This keeps your pet's care on track and avoids the holiday rush. If your pet takes medication, refill prescriptions before the holiday so you do not run out over the weekend.

If your pet has a chronic condition or takes daily medication, make sure you have enough supply to last through the holiday and the following day. If your pet is due for a medication refill on Memorial Day itself, call your vet the week before to request an early refill.

What counts as an emergency versus routine care

Go to an emergency hospital if your pet is not eating or drinking, vomiting or has diarrhea that lasts more than a few hours, cannot urinate or defecate, is limping severely or cannot move a limb, is having difficulty breathing, is bleeding, has been hit by a car, has a seizure, or is acting confused or disoriented. These situations need when ready evaluation.

Routine care—vaccines, nail trims, ear cleaning, minor skin issues, or a checkup—can wait until your regular vet reopens. If you are unsure whether something is urgent, call the emergency hospital's information line. Many will answer questions over the phone to help you decide whether to come in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my regular vet's office be open on Memorial Day?

Most standard veterinary clinics close on Memorial Day. Call your vet's office during regular hours to confirm their holiday schedule and ask for the emergency number they use when closed. Some practices may have limited hours or be open for emergencies only.

How much more does it cost to see a vet at an emergency hospital on a holiday?

Emergency hospitals typically add a holiday surcharge of $50 to $150 on top of the regular examination fee and any treatment costs. The total bill depends on what your pet needs. Call ahead and ask about their holiday fees so you know what to expect.

What should I do if my pet gets sick on Memorial Day and I cannot find an open vet?

Search "emergency vet near me" on Google Maps, call your local animal shelter for referrals, or check your regular vet's voicemail for an emergency number. If your pet is in severe distress, go to the nearest emergency hospital when ready. Do not wait to find the cheapest option if your pet's life is at risk.

Can I get a prescription refill on Memorial Day if my vet is closed?

Most closed clinics have an emergency line that can authorize refills for pets on daily medication. Call that number and explain that your pet needs medication. If you cannot reach your vet, an emergency hospital can sometimes provide a short-term supply to bridge the gap until your regular vet reopens.

Are veterinary urgent care clinics open on Memorial Day?

Some urgent care clinics stay open on holidays, but many close or have reduced hours. Call your local urgent care clinic at least one week before Memorial Day to ask about their holiday schedule. Do not assume they are open just because they are open on weekends.