7 Things You Should Know In case of aPet Emergency

If you have an animal emergency, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

If you suspect or know that your pet has eaten or been exposed to a toxic substance or product, contact your veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426–4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764–7661 immediately. A fee may apply.

Here are seven things you should know ahead of time, to be prepared for a possible emergency:

1. Your veterinarian’s phone number

2. The local emergency hospital number

3. How to get to the emergency hospital

4. Poison Control Center number (888) 426–4435 and Pet Poison Helpline number (855) 764–7661

5. How to stop bleeding and apply a basic pressure wrap

6. How to muzzle your pet (to keep an injured pet from biting you)

You also should be prepared with methods of payment for your pet’s emergency care. Emergency care is often more expensive than routine care due to the intensity of diagnostics, monitoring and treatment required. Many clinics are unable to bill you for the services or may require a deposit or payment in full at the time of service. Delaying emergency care to avoid emergency fees could put your pet’s life at risk. Planning ahead for financial coverage of emergencies – perhaps by having a separate account or credit card for emergency use only, or pet insurance – can save you a lot of stress if they happen.

(Courtesy of AVMA.org resources)

If you need a veterinarian and you cannot reach us, please call Metropolitan Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services, at (502) 266-7007.