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Animal Emergency Centre (AEC) Gold Coast
4/492 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes, QLD, 4227
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aec.goldcoast@aecvet.com.au
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07 5593 4544
4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(510 reviews)

These guys are excellent!! They are so kind and compassionate. My dog was in such a bad way and they saved her. I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you to...

These guys are excellent!! They are so kind and compassionate. My dog was in such a bad way and they saved her. I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you to the team at Burleigh.
Karen Morris
3 weeks ago

Impressed- caring, knowledgeable and professional- we recently visited with our dog and he required an overnight stay due to gastro problems, and the whole team were nothing short of amazing....

Impressed- caring, knowledgeable and professional- we recently visited with our dog and he required an overnight stay due to gastro problems, and the whole team were nothing short of amazing. They communicated effectively and kept us updated throughout the night. they were thorough and explained in detail the diagnosis and the treatment involved, all whilst being considerate of costs and most all all caring. Highly recommend them if your fur baby needs OOH care!
Jo Gallagher
a month ago

Very grateful we have these 24/7 facilities nearby. My dog was very unwell on a Saturday and I was able to get her in quickly. She deteriorated and they went...

Very grateful we have these 24/7 facilities nearby. My dog was very unwell on a Saturday and I was able to get her in quickly. She deteriorated and they went through many tests over a few days to figure it out and fix. I dont think she would have made it without them. The vets were great at keeping me posted - each would call with updates, test results and estimated costs, every few hours. They gave her wonderful care and it was good they were with her all night too as Id have worried leaving her alone overnight at a regular vet. Costs are high as unfortunately there is no medicare for pets. So I would recommend pet insurance - I ended up paying 20% with my pet insurance.
Kim Hollis
7 months ago

Emergency Vet Services on the Gold Coast

AEC Gold Coast provides 24/7 emergency veterinary care from its Varsity Lakes hospital, conveniently located just off the Pacific Motorway. We support pets across the Gold Coast, and into the Northern Rivers and Tweed region, with urgent assessment, critical care, diagnostics, monitoring, hospitalisation and emergency medications. Animal Emergency Centre works alongside your family veterinarian, not instead of them, ensuring continuous, high-quality support when your pet needs it most.

Proud to support Healthy Pets Plus members with emergency consults included as part of their membership (please refer to your Terms and Conditions).

Our Services

Our Animal Emergency Centre is designed to function as an extension of the services already provided by your family veterinarian. We provide round-the-clock emergency and critical care facilities, experienced emergency and critical care veterinarians and nurses, an intensive care unit, diagnostic equipment, x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, blood pressure monitoring, respiratory monitoring, a pharmacy, lab services and an isolation room. 

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Prioritising for your pet’s health

Our Animal Emergency Centre is designed to function as an extension of the services already provided by your family veterinarian. We provide 24/7 emergency and critical care facilities, experienced emergency and critical care veterinarians and nurses, diagnostic equipment, x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, blood pressure monitoring, respiratory monitoring, a pharmacy, lab services and an isolation room.

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We take pride in our services

Our skilled team is dedicated to providing prompt, compassionate and professional care for your furry companions, ensuring they receive the best treatment during their time of need.

If your pet suddenly becomes unwell, is injured, or takes a turn for the worse, our Emergency team is here for you, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. As soon as you arrive at our Varsity Lakes hospital, your pet is triaged, scored and put into the triage line so that the most urgent cases are seen first. Our experienced emergency vets and nurses work quickly to assess, stabilise and treat your pet, keeping you informed every step of the way. Whether you are coming from Robina, Burleigh, Coolangatta or anywhere else across the Gold Coast, we are ready to help when your pet needs us most.

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Pets who need ongoing care after an emergency are admitted to our hospitalisation and intensive care areas, where they are monitored continuously by our vets and trained nursing team. Our ICU is equipped with sophisticated monitoring and diagnostic equipment to support the most critical patients, while hospitalised pets rest in a clean, comfortable space that is visible to staff at all times. Having a team on site around the clock means any change in your pet's condition is picked up early and treated quickly.

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Getting a clear picture of what is going on inside your pet helps our team make fast, accurate decisions in an emergency. Our Varsity Lakes hospital is equipped with x-ray, ultrasound and endoscopy, allowing our vets to look closely at bones, organs and soft tissue without delay. These tools help identify injuries, blockages, internal bleeding and other urgent conditions quickly, so treatment can start sooner. Imaging is reviewed on site by our emergency and critical care vets, meaning Gold Coast pet owners get answers and a treatment plan without waiting on results from an outside provider.

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Our in-house laboratory means we do not have to wait on outside testing to understand what is happening with your pet. We can run full blood profiles, clotting tests, urinalysis, blood gases and electrolyte testing on site, usually with results back within minutes. This fast turnaround matters most in an emergency, where efficiency and speed matters. Quick, accurate results help our vets confirm a diagnosis, monitor how your pet is responding to treatment, and adjust care in real time, giving Gold Coast families faster answers and a clearer picture of what their pet needs.

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Our on-site pharmacy is stocked with the medications and treatments needed to respond to a wide range of pet emergencies, day or night. This includes pain relief, fluids, anti-nausea medication and other critical care treatments, ready to go the moment your pet is assessed. Having a fully stocked pharmacy on site means there is no need to wait on a delivery or transfer to another clinic, so your pet can start receiving the right treatment straight away. Our pharmacy supports every stage of your pet's care, from initial stabilisation through to ongoing treatment during their stay with us.

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Snake bites and tick paralysis are two of the most urgent emergencies we see at our Gold Coast hospital, particularly during the warmer months when snakes and paralysis ticks are most active across the hinterland and surrounding bushland. We stock snake antivenom and tick antiserum on site, so treatment can begin the moment your pet arrives, without waiting on a delivery from another clinic. Our emergency vets are experienced in recognising the early signs of envenomation and tick paralysis, from wobbly legs to laboured breathing, and act quickly to stabilise your pet. If you suspect a snake bite or tick paralysis, call ahead and bring your pet straight to us.

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When you arrive with your pet, our team will quickly assess how urgent their condition is. Stable pets are seen in one of our calm, comfortable consultation rooms, where a vet will examine them and talk you through what happens next. If your pet's condition is more serious, they are moved straight into our treatment area so our emergency team can begin care without delay. This triage process means every pet is seen in the right place, at the right time, whether they need a routine check or urgent, life-saving care.

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AEC Gold Coast offers free, on-site parking right outside our Varsity Lakes hospital, with a wheelchair-accessible car park close to the entrance. Inside, our hospital has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and accessible toilet facilities, so the whole family can come in and stay close to their pet during treatment. Whether you are arriving in the middle of the night or on a busy weekend, you will be able to park, get inside and get help without delay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. AEC Gold Coast is a walk in emergency hospital, you don't need a referral or appointment to attend the hospital in an emergency. It's best to call ahead if you can, so the team can prepare for your arrival and triage you faster on arrival.

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Yes. AEC Gold Coast is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, every day of the year, including public holidays.

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AEC Gold Coast treats the full range of pet emergencies, including trauma such as stabilising fractures, internal bleeding or wounds from accidents, severe infections like sepsis or parvovirus, respiratory distress from conditions like pneumonia, heart disease or airway obstruction, toxin ingestion from substances like chocolate, household chemicals or dangerous plants, post operative complications, and severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. The hospital is equipped with an intensive care unit, diagnostic equipment, x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, blood pressure and respiratory monitoring, a pharmacy, lab services, and an isolation room.

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Yes. AEC Gold Coast carries a full range of emergency medication, including blood transfusion products and antiserums for snake bites and paralysis ticks.

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AEC Gold Coast is located at 4/492 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes, QLD, just off the Pacific Motorway (M1) at Exit 85. You can reach the team on (07) 5593 4544.

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Common signs of emergency include breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, loss of use of the back legs, severe pain, and birthing problems. Because of our climate and wildlife, Australian pet owners also need to watch for tick paralysis, snake bites, cane toad poisoning, heat stroke, and broken bones, all of which need urgent treatment even if your pet briefly seems okay afterwards. If in doubt, call the clinic; no one knows your pet better than you do, and any concern is worth a phone call.

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Call ahead if it's safe to do so, this lets the team prepare for your arrival and talk you through first aid in the meantime. Bring any medications, a note of when symptoms started, and your regular vet details if you have them. Keeping a folder with your vet's contact details, medication instructions, and your pet's medical history on hand makes this easier in a real emergency.

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Your pet is triaged on arrival by a Veterinary Nurse. An emergency vet assesses how serious the situation is and prioritises treatment based on urgency rather than order of arrival. The most critical pets are seen first, so wait times can vary depending on how busy the hospital is.

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At AEC Gold Coast, the standard emergency consult fee is a flat $200, available all day, every day, 365 days a year. This covers the initial vet examination and triage. Any further diagnostics, medication, or treatment your pet needs will be quoted separately once the vet has assessed them, so you'll always get an estimate before anything proceeds.

Healthy Pets Plus members receive free emergency consultations as part of their membership.

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You are welcome to stay in the consultation room while our vets assess your pet and carry out their clinical examination.

Our treatment areas are accessible to clinical staff only, to ensure the best environment for all patients in our care. If your pet is admitted for hospitalisation, visits are considered on a case-by-case basis and will be guided by your veterinary surgeon and your pet's condition at the time.

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Yes, we will send a full summary of diagnosis, treatment and test results back to your regular vet.

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We can offer immediate first aid for birds, reptiles and other exotic pets, and we will recommend a vet specialised in that animal if further treatment is needed.

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Your regular vet handles routine and preventative care during business hours. Emergency vets exist specifically for after hours, weekends and life-threatening situations that can't wait, and they're set up for things like overnight ICU monitoring, emergency surgery and antivenom that a general practice usually doesn't carry.

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Benefits of Donating Blood

On top of the superhero status your pet will claim with their donation, there are also some other benefits to being a part of the program:

· Free initial blood typing test*

· A $100 Petbarn voucher with each donation

· A free full physical exam with each donation*

· A free full blood test once a year + basic blood screening prior to each donation*


* Combined value of over $800. Value may vary by hospital.

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Blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death for pets facing emergencies or serious medical conditions. They are commonly needed for surgeries, trauma and accident cases, toxin exposure, severe anaemia, immune‑mediated diseases, and clotting disorders.

But unlike human hospitals, veterinary clinics don’t have large blood banks to draw from, they rely almost entirely on the generosity of healthy donor pets. When your dog or cat donates blood, they become part of a small but vital group helping to ensure that every pet has access to lifesaving care when they need it most.

What would a blood donation look like for my pet?

1. You’ll be contacted when your pet’s blood‑donation superpowers are needed.

We only call donors when there’s a pet in need, so every donation truly makes a difference.

2. When you arrive at our hospital, our friendly team will welcome you and admit your pet just like for any routine procedure.

We’ll ask a few questions about your pet’s recent health, and you’ll be asked to sign a consent form.

3. Once admitted, your pet will receive a full health check by our veterinary team.

This includes a pre‑donation blood screening to ensure they are healthy enough to donate safely on that day.

4. If your pet is fit and healthy to donate, they’ll be settled into a comfy bed.

An IV catheter is placed, usually in a front leg, and they’re given a light sedation to help them feel relaxed and calm during the donation.

5. A small area on your pet’s neck will be shaved for sterility, as this is where the donation needle is placed.

6. The donation itself typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

Most pets rest comfortably throughout this time thanks to the mild sedation.

7. After the donation, your pet will receive intravenous fluids and some tasty snacks to help replenish their system. They’ll be monitored closely as they wake up from sedation.

8. Once your pet has fully recovered, our team will call you to pick up your little hero.

A quiet, relaxing evening at home on the couch is usually all they need, after all, they’ve earned it!

After donation, your pet’s blood may be used immediately for a patient in urgent need, or it may be stored under carefully controlled conditions so it’s ready the moment an emergency arises.

Whole blood can typically be refrigerated and safely stored for up to 28 days before use, although some hospitals may use it sooner depending on patient needs.

We only call on fit and healthy pets for their blood donation superpowers so your pet must meet certain criteria to donate blood.

Canine Donors

· Fit & healthy*

· Between 1-8yrs old

· A relatively cool, calm and collected temperament

· >25kg in body weight

· Up to date with vaccinations and preventives including Heartworm

·  Not previously received a blood transfusion

· Not currently on any medications

· Free from any underlying health conditions

· Desexed (females must not have had a litter)

* No underlying conditions that will affect their ability to donate bloodroup.

How much blood is taken?

· Dogs: Typically, 350 - 450 mL

· Cats: Typically, 40 - 60 mL

How long does a donation take?

Your pet will usually spend a few hours with us on the day of their donation. This allows our team to give them unhurried, attentive care throughout every step of the process.

The actual blood collection is quite quick, typically taking around 5-15 minutes.

Why does my pet need to stay in hospital?

Most donors will receive a light sedation to make sure they are calm and comfortable for the donation. This can mean that they spend a few hours in the hospital with our teams while they monitor their recovery. Don’t worry, our team will send home our little hero’s as soon as they are feeling great again.

Can I take my pet for a walk when they get home from their donation?

Our dedicated teams will provide you with a discharge information sheet that explains how to care for your pet when they get home after a donation.

We advise that your pet skips their afternoon walk and instead spends the evening on the couch resting. Donating blood can zap a bit of their energy so it is important to let them rest and recovery. They can usually return to their normal activities the next day.

Is blood donation safe for my pet?

Yes. The process is designed to be very safe. Pets typically tolerate donations well and return to normal activities the same day.

Our veterinary teams perform a full physical exam, pre-donation blood screen and a full annual blood panel for donors to ensure they are fit and healthy enough to donate blood.

How often can my pet donate?

It is considered quite safe for eligible dogs or cats to donate every three months however, generally speaking, we will only call on your pets donation abilities every 6 months.

Does it hurt my pet?

Our team takes every precaution to make sure the donation process is as painless and stress‑free as possible. The needle may cause a brief, mild sting that lasts only a second, similar to what humans feel during a routine blood draw. To help reduce even that tiny sensation, we typically apply a numbing cream beforehand. Most pets tolerate the needle extremely well with this approach.

Do pets have blood types?

Yes, dogs and cats do have blood types! Cats have three main types: A, B, and AB, and they can only safely receive certain types. Dogs have several blood groups, but the one veterinarians test for is DEA 1, which can be positive or negative. If your pet is eligible to be a blood donor, our team will run a blood‑typing test to find out exactly what type they are.

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Flat Rate Consults!

Emergency consults are now at a flat rate of $200.

Available all day, every day, 365 days a year.

This change is part of our ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality emergency care for your patients while supporting you, your pets and your clients with transparent, consistent pricing.

Whether it’s a weekend, public holiday, or after-hours emergency, you can count on us to deliver expert care at a predictable cost.

Reminder; Healthy Pets Plus members receive free emergency consultations all year round as a part of their subscription.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how this update might benefit you or your clients, feel free to reach out.

We’re here to support you!

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