Emergency Pet Services in Manali: Vets, Animal Hospitals & What to Do in an Emergency

No one expects their pet to become sick or injured while on holiday - but when it happens, knowing where to go can make all the difference.

Whether you're a local resident or visiting the beautiful Kullu Valley with your dog or cat, this guide will help you prepare for unexpected situations and connect with the right people quickly.

Veterinary services, clinic hours and emergency availability may change. Always call ahead whenever possible before travelling to a clinic.

Common Pet Emergencies

Seek veterinary attention immediately if your pet experiences:

• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Collapse or unconsciousness
• Severe bleeding
• Road traffic accidents
• Suspected poisoning
• Snake bites
• Heatstroke
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Bloated abdomen
• Broken bones
• Eye injuries
• Difficulty giving birth
• Inability to urinate

If you're unsure whether it's an emergency, it's always safest to contact a veterinarian.

Veterinary & Emergency Animal Care

1. Manali Strays - Our First Recommendation

If you're travelling with a pet in Manali, Manali Strays should be the first organisation you save in your contacts.

Manali Strays is the first dedicated animal rescue organisation and veterinary hospital in Kullu district, established to address the lack of medical care for small animals in the region. Today, they are widely respected for their work rescuing, treating, rehabilitating and protecting both stray and owned animals throughout the valley.

Their work includes:

• Emergency veterinary care
• Treatment for sick and injured pets
• Outpatient consultations
• Vaccinations
• Sterilisation programmes
• Rabies prevention initiatives
• Animal rescue and rehabilitation
• Community education and animal welfare programmes

Whether your dog has suffered an injury during a hike, been bitten by another animal, picked up a tick, or suddenly fallen ill, Manali Strays is one of the most experienced organisations in the region to contact.

Contact Information

📍 Kullu-Naggar-Manali Road, Mansari, PO Haripur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - 175136

📞 Helpline & WhatsApp: +91 94187 04924

🩺 Pet Clinic Hours:

• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

For emergencies, it's always best to call before travelling to the clinic.

2. Government Veterinary Hospital, Manali

The Government Veterinary Hospital in Manali provides routine veterinary care, vaccinations, consultations and treatment for livestock and companion animals.

It can be a useful option for:

• General consultations
• Vaccinations
• Minor illnesses
• Routine medical care

As availability may vary, calling ahead is recommended.

3. Government Veterinary Hospital, Patlikuhal

Located a short drive from Manali, the Patlikuhal Government Veterinary Hospital serves many surrounding villages and is another useful option if you're staying nearby.

4. Veterinary Polyclinic, Kullu

For more complex medical cases, diagnostics or surgical procedures, many pet owners travel to Kullu, where additional veterinary facilities are available.

Before You Leave for the Clinic

If your pet has been injured:

• ✔Keep them calm.

• ✔Minimise unnecessary movement.

• ✔Use a blanket as a stretcher if needed.

• ✔If your dog is in severe pain, they may bite instinctively. Muzzle them only if it's safe to do so and it won't interfere with breathing.

• ✔Bring any medications your pet is taking.

• ✔Carry vaccination records if available.

• ✔Call the clinic before leaving.

Build a Simple Pet First Aid Kit

Whether you're visiting Manali for a weekend or staying for several months, every pet owner should carry a small first aid kit.

Include:

• Sterile gauze
• Self-adhesive bandages
• Saline solution
• Pet-safe antiseptic
• Digital thermometer
• Tick remover or fine tweezers
• Disposable gloves
• Blunt scissors
• Cotton
• Syringe (without needle) for hydration if advised
• Emergency contact numbers
• Any prescription medication

Never give human medicines without veterinary advice.

Tick Bites in Himachal Pradesh

Ticks are common throughout Himachal Pradesh, especially after walks through forests, fields and apple orchards.

If you find one:

• Remove it carefully using tweezers or a tick-removal tool.
• Clean the bite area.
• Monitor your pet for swelling, fever, lethargy or loss of appetite.
• Contact a veterinarian if any symptoms develop.

Using a vet-recommended tick prevention treatment before your trip is strongly advised.

Poisoning: Every Minute Counts

Seek veterinary help immediately if your pet has consumed:

• Chocolate
• Grapes or raisins
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free products)
• Rat poison
• Human medication
• Antifreeze
• Toxic plants
• Alcohol

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.

Hiking Safely Around Manali

The mountains are wonderful to explore with dogs, but a little preparation goes a long way.

Before every hike:

• Carry enough drinking water.
• Check paws regularly for cuts.
• Keep dogs leashed near roads and livestock.
• Watch for ticks afterwards.
• Avoid steep cliffs and fast-flowing rivers.
• Don't overexert older dogs or puppies at higher elevations.

Save These Contacts Before Your Trip

We recommend saving:

• Your regular veterinarian
• Manali Strays
• Government Veterinary Hospital, Manali
• Government Veterinary Hospital, Patlikuhal
• Veterinary Polyclinic, Kullu
• Your accommodation
• A trusted local pet sitter

Having these numbers ready can save valuable time during an emergency.

How Manali Pet Sitting Can Help

At Manali Pet Sitting, your pet's wellbeing is always our priority.

While we are not a veterinary clinic, we work closely within Manali's pet-loving community and can help you respond quickly if something goes wrong.

If you're using our services, we can:

• Help you contact the appropriate veterinary service.
• Assist with transport arrangements where possible.
• Care for your pet during recovery if appropriate.
• Administer medication according to your veterinarian's instructions.
• Keep you updated with photos and videos if you're away.

Our goal is to give you peace of mind while ensuring your pet receives the care they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an emergency veterinarian in Manali?

Yes. Manali Strays is one of the region's leading providers of veterinary care for companion animals and should be your first point of contact for many emergencies. Government veterinary hospitals in Manali and Patlikuhal are also available, with additional facilities in Kullu.

Are ticks common in Manali?

Yes. Dogs that spend time outdoors should be checked regularly and kept on an appropriate tick prevention programme.

Should I carry my pet's medical records while travelling?

Absolutely. Vaccination records, prescriptions and previous medical history can help a veterinarian provide faster treatment.

What if my dog eats chocolate while I'm on holiday?

Contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear or attempt home treatment without professional advice.

Can Manali Pet Sitting help if my pet becomes unwell?

Yes. If you're using our services, we'll do everything reasonably possible to assist you in getting your pet the care they need and keep you informed throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

Travelling with your pet should be about making memories - not worrying about "what if."

By saving a few important contacts, carrying a simple first aid kit and knowing where to find veterinary care, you'll be well prepared for the unexpected.

We'd also like to recognise the incredible work of Manali Strays. Their dedication to animal rescue, veterinary care and community education has transformed animal welfare across the Kullu Valley, benefiting both local animals and the thousands of visitors who travel here with their pets every year.

And if you need trusted, compassionate care while you're exploring everything Manali has to offer, Manali Pet Sitting is always here to help.