Hilton Head Vets and Emergency Animal Hospital
Vets on Hilton Head Island, the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital, and where to go when your dog gets sick on vacation.
For a vet on Hilton Head, call Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic (open since 1968), Heritage Animal Hospital (founded 2004) or Plantation Animal Hospital (since 1995). There is no 24-hour animal hospital on the island: the nearest is Carolina Veterinary Critical Care at 1188 Fording Island Road in Bluffton, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays, at (843) 706-9200.
Updated
Emergency Vet Near Hilton Head
Hilton Head has no 24-hour animal hospital. The nearest one is a short drive off the island in Bluffton; call before you leave.
1188 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone: (843) 706-9200
An emergency and critical care animal hospital that says it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays included.
Why it’s listed: The hospital for nights, weekends and holidays, when island clinics are closed. Call first so the team can prepare for your pet. Reviewers describe staff who stay calm and kind at the worst moments and explain each step, costs and risks included, before acting. Hilton Head vacationers have used it too.
Veterinarians on Hilton Head Island
Each clinic below has its office on the island. Heritage and Plantation are open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; for anything later or on a weekend, see the emergency hospital above.
109 Mathews Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-2890
Wellness exams and vaccines, dental care, spay and neuter, surgery and diagnostics for dogs and cats.
Why it’s listed: Open since 1968 and the most-reviewed clinic on the island. Appointments are required, walk-ins are fitted in when possible, and drop-off appointments are offered. Visitors describe a torn toenail, an unexpected illness and a sick dog all seen the same day.
130 Arrow Rd #101, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-8331
A veterinary hospital founded in 2004 by Dr. Rebecca Latham, open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on weekends.
Why it’s listed: It lists emergency care and welcomes new patients. Vacationers describe being fitted in the same day for a dog that swallowed sand at the beach and another that inhaled salt water.
105 Dillon Rd B, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-4586
A hospital serving Hilton Head since 1995, open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Why it’s listed: Reviewers name several doctors and describe clear diagnoses and explained treatment plans, and one owner had a USDA health certificate produced in under 24 hours so a dog could make an international flight.
46 Old Wild Horse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-8882
A small clinic with digital X-ray, surgery and therapeutic laser treatment for dogs and cats.
Why it’s listed: Nearly every reviewer names Dr. Colorado, who has treated their pets for years, spends time with each one and makes room when a dog has an emergency.
1000 William Hilton Pkwy E8, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 671-7297
A holistic and general veterinary practice on William Hilton Parkway.
Why it’s listed: Reviewers name Dr. Victor Erenberg for listening and laying out options, particularly for elderly dogs, and describe a clean, peaceful office. One vacationing family with a Golden Retriever that broke a nail was seen right away.
Is There a 24-Hour Emergency Vet on Hilton Head?
Not on the island. The nearest emergency animal hospital is Carolina Veterinary Critical Care at 1188 Fording Island Road in Bluffton, which says it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays included. Call (843) 706-9200 as you leave so the team can get ready for your pet.
During weekday hours, island clinics fit in sick and injured pets when they can: Heritage Animal Hospital and Plantation Animal Hospital are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on weekends. For other animal hospitals across the bridge, see pet services in Bluffton.
Can I See a Vet While My Dog Is on Vacation With Me?
Yes. Visitors describe being seen the same day at Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic, Heritage Animal Hospital and Island Holistic Veterinary Center for beach problems like swallowed sand, salt water, a torn toenail or a broken nail. Phone first and say you are in town, and have your regular vet send records if the visit is for an ongoing problem.
Staying with a dog? The pets on Hilton Head guide covers dog-friendly beaches, boarding, grooming and more.
Where Can My Pet Get Vaccinations and a Health Certificate?
Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic lists wellness exams and vaccines for dogs and cats, and the other island clinics here do routine care too. Ask which vaccines your pet needs before a boarding stay, and bring your regular vet’s records to a first visit. Plantation Animal Hospital can prepare health certificates for travel.
Boarding and grooming are on the pet services page, with vets, boarders and groomers on one list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an emergency vet on Hilton Head Island?
There is no 24-hour animal hospital on the island. The nearest is Carolina Veterinary Critical Care at 1188 Fording Island Road in Bluffton, which says it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays included. Call (843) 706-9200 before you leave. During the day, call an island clinic first; Heritage and Plantation are open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Who is the best vet on Hilton Head?
Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic (open since 1968, the most-reviewed on the island), Heritage Animal Hospital (founded 2004), Plantation Animal Hospital (since 1995), Animal Care Clinic and Island Holistic Veterinary Center are the island’s veterinary practices. Each card above says what visitors and regulars describe.
What are the hours at Heritage Animal Hospital in Hilton Head?
Heritage Animal Hospital, at 130 Arrow Road, is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Saturday and Sunday. It welcomes new patients; call (843) 842-8331.
Can I see a vet on Hilton Head while I am on vacation?
Yes. Reviewers describe same-day visits for visiting dogs at Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic, Heritage Animal Hospital and Island Holistic Veterinary Center. Call first and say you are in town.
Where can I get my pet vaccinated on Hilton Head?
Hilton Head Veterinary Clinic lists wellness exams and vaccines for dogs and cats, and the other island clinics on this page handle routine care. Plantation Animal Hospital can also prepare health certificates for travel.
Where can I look for pets or pet services on Hilton Head Island?
The pets on Hilton Head guide covers dog-friendly beaches, restaurants and stays. The pet services page lists boarding, grooming and vets, and this page lists the island vets and the nearest emergency animal hospital.
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