Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly, 27, received emergency treatment thanks to her dogs raising the alarm and a vaccine was flown in from Northampton, as it was the only treatment available.

Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly, 27, received emergency treatment thanks to her dogs raising the alarm and a vaccine was flown in from Northampton, as it was the only treatment available.

 

 

Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly Saved After Dogs Raise the Alarm and Vaccine Flown In From Northampton

Arsenal and England forward Chloe Kelly, 27, has reportedly made a miraculous recovery after a terrifying medical emergency at her London home — thanks to her quick-thinking dogs and the urgent delivery of a life-saving vaccine flown in from Northampton.

The Lionesses star, best known for scoring the winning goal in England’s Euro 2022 final, was bitten on the ankle by a stray cat while on holiday abroad earlier this month. Initially dismissing it as a minor scratch, Kelly cleaned the wound and thought little more of it. But just days later, her dogs began behaving strangely — pacing, whining, and repeatedly sniffing at her leg.

At first, Kelly believed they were simply anxious after her return from travel. However, when one of the dogs began pawing insistently at the exact spot of the bite, she grew concerned and decided to contact medical professionals. “It was their behaviour that made me realise something wasn’t right,” she reportedly told friends. “They just wouldn’t leave me alone.”

Kelly called NHS 111 and was advised to visit hospital immediately. Within hours of arriving at a North London A&E department, doctors grew alarmed at the swelling and discolouration around the wound. Tests confirmed that she had been exposed to a dangerous infection, believed to have originated from the stray animal bite.

Specialists warned that she required an urgent course of treatment — but the specific vaccine she needed was not available locally. In a dramatic turn, the only remaining dose of the necessary anti-viral serum in the country was located at a secure medical storage site in Northampton, more than 60 miles away.

Working against the clock, health officials arranged for the vaccine to be airlifted to London late that night. Hospital staff prepared for immediate administration, while Kelly’s condition remained under close observation. The vaccine arrived within hours and was successfully administered just in time.

Doctors have since credited the fast coordination between regional hospitals — and the timely intervention of her dogs — for saving her life. “Had she delayed treatment by even a few hours, the outcome could have been very different,” one medical source said. “Her pets absolutely played a role in alerting her to the seriousness of the infection.”

Following several days of treatment and observation, Kelly was released from hospital and is now recovering at home. The Arsenal striker thanked medical staff, her teammates for their support, and most of all, her two dogs. “They sensed something I couldn’t,” she said in a short statement. “I owe them everything.”

Arsenal confirmed that Kelly will take a brief break from training but is expected to make a full recovery. Club representatives described the situation as “deeply concerning but handled with remarkable professionalism by medical teams.”

The incident has prompted renewed awareness among travellers and pet owners about the dangers of animal bites and the importance of immediate medical attention. For Kelly, it was a narrow escape — and one made possible by the instincts of two loyal companions.