Veterinary Assistance & Support

Helping you find trusted veterinary clinics and emergency pet services across Poland — in English.

Veterinary Emergency?

If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your nearest veterinary emergency clinic immediately. In Poland, many cities have 24-hour emergency clinics (lecznica weterynaryjna). Search online for "weterynarz 24h [your city]" or ask your regular vet for their emergency referral. Do not delay seeking care — time is critical.

Overview

Navigating veterinary care in Poland

Poland has a well-developed network of veterinary clinics, from small neighbourhood practices to large specialist hospitals. However, for expats and newcomers, navigating the system in a foreign language can be challenging.

This guide provides practical information on how veterinary care in Poland works, what to expect from a clinic visit, how to prepare key documents, and where to find emergency services when you need them most.

All information here is provided for general guidance. Always contact clinics directly to verify services, hours, and availability.

How It Works

Veterinary care in Poland — what to expect

Routine Appointments

Most standard vet visits in Poland work by appointment. You can usually book by phone or in person. Some modern clinics offer online booking. Bring your pet's vaccination booklet (paszport zwierzęcia) to every visit.

Vaccinations & Prevention

Rabies vaccination is legally required for dogs in Poland. Annual boosters for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and other diseases are strongly recommended. Flea, tick, and parasite treatments are widely available.

Emergency Services

Major Polish cities have dedicated 24-hour emergency veterinary clinics. These facilities handle critical cases outside regular hours. It's wise to identify your nearest emergency clinic before you ever need it.

By City

Finding veterinary care across Poland

Below is a city-by-city overview of how to locate veterinary services. Use these tips to find clinics in your area.

Warsaw (Warszawa)

Poland's capital has the largest concentration of veterinary clinics, including several specialist and emergency hospitals operating 24 hours. English-speaking vets are more commonly found here than elsewhere.

Kraków

With a large expat and student community, Kraków has numerous reputable vet clinics. The city has both routine practices and emergency facilities. English is often spoken in central clinics.

Wrocław

A growing international city with an expanding veterinary network. Multiple clinics operate extended hours, and the city has a dedicated animal emergency facility in the metropolitan area.

Gdańsk / Tri-City

The Tri-City area (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot) offers a solid network of veterinary practices. Several clinics serve the area's large foreign community and have English-speaking staff available.

Poznań

Home to a respected veterinary university, Poznań benefits from high-quality veterinary education and practice. The city has multiple clinics including those affiliated with academic institutions.

Łódź & Other Cities

Łódź and other major Polish cities all have established veterinary services. For smaller towns and rural areas, it's advisable to identify the nearest emergency clinic in the closest city before traveling.

Clinic Visits

What to bring to a vet appointment

Being prepared for your vet visit ensures a smoother experience and helps the veterinarian provide the best possible care for your pet.

EU Pet Passport or national vaccination booklet
Record of previous medical treatments or conditions
List of current medications and dosages
Microchip number (usually in the passport)
Insurance details (if applicable)
A sample of stool or urine (if digestive issues suspected)

Dog and cat sitting together, looking healthy

Language Help

Useful Polish phrases for the vet

While many vets in larger cities speak English, knowing a few Polish phrases can help in smaller towns or emergencies.

English	Polish
I need a vet	Potrzebuję weterynarza
My pet is sick	Moje zwierzę jest chore
Emergency	Nagły przypadek
Do you speak English?	Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?

English	Polish
Vaccination record	Książeczka szczepień
Veterinary clinic	Lecznica weterynaryjna
24-hour vet	Weterynarz całodobowy
He/she is in pain	On/ona odczuwa ból

FAQ

Veterinary care questions answered

Is pet insurance available in Poland?

Yes, several insurance companies offer pet insurance in Poland. International providers may also cover pets while living abroad. It is advisable to have insurance in place before moving, as some providers have waiting periods before coverage begins. Contact insurance providers directly for current policy details.

Can I bring my pet's medical records from abroad?

Yes, and it is strongly recommended. An EU Pet Passport is the standard document recognized across EU countries including Poland. If your pet's records are in another language, a veterinary translator or bilingual vet may be needed. Always bring all available medical history to your first appointment with a new clinic.

What should I do if my pet gets injured outside clinic hours?

Search for "weterynarz 24h [your city]" online or in Google Maps. Major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk have dedicated emergency facilities. If you cannot locate one, call any veterinary clinic — most have an answering service that will provide an emergency referral number outside regular hours.

Are veterinary costs in Poland similar to Western Europe?

Veterinary costs in Poland are generally lower than in Western Europe, though this varies by city and clinic type. Specialist care in Warsaw may approach Western European prices. It is always wise to ask for a cost estimate before agreeing to procedures, and to consider pet insurance for major treatments.

Need help finding the right information?

We're here to help point you in the right direction. Contact us with any questions.