Martha’s Vineyard is a unique and special place. The natural isolation and beauty of island life comes with limitations as well. There are no 24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals on the island and only limited after-hours capabilities. A small group of the local veterinary practices work together to try to provide urgent care for Island companion animals, but there is not an island veterinarian available 24/7.
Martha's Vineyard
After-Hours Veterinary Care
After-Hours Emergency Care Procedure
These practices are partnering with VetTriage to provide clients with video telehealth services when their offices are closed. VetTriage veterinarians will triage your animal and assess if you are facing an emergency that requires an immediate visit to the local on-call veterinarian (when available) or immediate referral to an Off Island emergency hospital. If you do not need to come in, VetTriage will provide home care advice and monitoring instructions, then you can follow up with your regular veterinarian during office hours.
In the event you do need immediate after-hours assistance, VetTriage will coordinate your visit with the local on-call veterinarian if the case can be handled On Island and a doctor is available. If the case requires the facilities of an Off Island emergency hospital, they will direct you how to proceed with referral and travel to Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists or other mainland 24-hour emergency facilities.
VetTriage Video Telehealth
For After Hours Emergency Service we have teamed up with VetTriage to offer video telehealth services! The Vet Triage veterinarians are available 24/7 and for a small fee, will triage your pet on live video to assess if you are facing an emergency that requires an immediate visit to the on-call veterinarian or referral to an Off Island veterinary emergency hospital. If you do not need to come in they will provide home care and monitoring instructions. In the event of an emergency, they will coordinate your visit to the on call veterinarian of the evening or how to proceed Off Island to the veterinary emergency hospitals.
Off Island Veterinary Emergency Specialty Hospitals
For emergency services beyond basic outpatient treatment, the veterinarians of Martha’s Vineyard will usually refer patients to the following veterinary emergency specialty hospitals. Please be aware that these facilities will require a 45 minute ferry trip or chartered Patriot boat trip and 30-90 minute drive once you are on the mainland, depending on which facility.
Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists
11 Bourne Bridge Approach Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
508-759-5125
https://capecodvetspecialists.com/
VCA South Shore Veterinary Specialists
595 Columbian St, South Weymouth, MA 02190
781-337-6622
https://vcahospitals.com/south-shore-weymouth
Off Island Transportation
Steamship Authority
- Phone: 508-477-8600, 508-693-9130 (reservations), 508-693-1600 (Vineyard Haven terminal)
- Call first to let them know you have an emergency with your pet and need transportation off the island.
- Daily ferry service from Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs to Woods Hole
- If you are not bringing your car, Falmouth Taxi (508-548-3100) has minivans available 24/7 to transport you and your pet from Woods Hole to CCVS in Buzzards Bay or VCA SS in South Weymouth.
- Let them know you have an emergency with your pet when you request the cab.
Patriot Party Boats
- After ferries stop running or if ferries are not running due to inclement weather, transport by passenger ferry can be arranged 24/7 with the Patriot.
- Main Office: 508-548-2626, call first to let them know you have an emergency with your pet and need transportation off the island.
- If no answer, call Captain Jim at 508-566-7802. If not answer, try the alternate Captain at 508-566-7803
- Available 24/7 to Falmouth, rates depend on time of day
- Cars not permitted onboard, arrange for Falmouth Taxi or an Uber to meet the boat in Falmouth.
Falmouth Cab
Has minivans available 24/7 to transport you and your pet from Woods Hole to CCVS in Buzzards Bay (approximately $60 fare).
Phone: 508-548-3100
Let them know you have an emergency with your pet when you request the cab.