Tips to aid in your quest
By Eric Hurwit, D.V.M.
Following is the first of an multi-part series on finding the perfect veterinarian. In this article, we’ll focus on the need to have an accessible veterinarian for emergency situations.
Following is the first of an multi-part series on finding the perfect veterinarian. In this article, we’ll focus on the need to have an accessible veterinarian for emergency situations.
Why the search?
Maybe you have moved to a new town, or have gotten your first pet -- or maybe you were unhappy with your last veterinarian and are trying to find a new one. Whatever the reason for your search, having the right veterinarian is critically important for the health of your new family member. It is an investment in a source of veterinary medical information and guidance for yourself and family.
This search is a task requiring diligence and patience, and depending on your location, you may have quite a selection of veterinary clinicians, clinics, and hospitals to choose from. If you take your time investigating and asking the right questions, you are likely to find the right match for you and your furry family member. Remember, you have options as a consumer and can always take your business elsewhere if you’re displeased with your current veterinary care.
While there is no way to be one hundred percent certain of your choice of veterinarian, and no one veterinarian, clinic, or hospital is going to be perfect in every way, it’s possible to find a truly competent veterinarian and facility that meets your standards and matches your personality.
The “Golden Hour”
Imagine this scenario: You have come home after work, or you’re outside working on the yard on a Saturday afternoon and you come inside to find your companion (the furry one) collapsed, or unresponsive, or suffering from a major physical trauma. You’re in a panic, confused and scrambling for the phone book to call a veterinarian. In a true emergency you may have what is called the “Golden Hour,” though usually far less, to get your pet immediate medical attention.
This scenario is one of the most unfortunate and critical situations. Unless your current veterinarian is the closest one to you and is open twenty four hours a day, you should do some research before you face an emergency:
If your closest veterinarian does not provide twenty-four hour service, you should also know the phone number, location, and driving route to the closest twenty-four hour or overnight veterinary emergency hospital. Once your pet has been stabilized, you can always transport them to your regular veterinarian. Note that some overnight emergency hospitals are only open overnight and do not provide services during the day. They will require that your pet is picked up for transfer to a full-service hospital or taken home in the morning.
On the road
Being prepared is equally important when you are away from home. If you plan to travel with your pet, take a copy of your pet’s current medical record with you as well as a photo of your pet in case of an emergency. Take the time before the trip to make sure you know the locations and contact information for veterinary hospitals at your destination and at locations along the way if you are driving and plan to stay overnight along the way.
Financing an emergency
Being prepared for an emergency also involves being prepared financially in order to afford the cost of emergency medical care and possibly the cost of extended hospital care. Ways to finance medical care include:
In the event of a true emergency, being well prepared can save precious time and help the chances of your companion’s survival. Please take the time and effort to be well prepared. Both you and your companion will be grateful you did!
Maybe you have moved to a new town, or have gotten your first pet -- or maybe you were unhappy with your last veterinarian and are trying to find a new one. Whatever the reason for your search, having the right veterinarian is critically important for the health of your new family member. It is an investment in a source of veterinary medical information and guidance for yourself and family.
This search is a task requiring diligence and patience, and depending on your location, you may have quite a selection of veterinary clinicians, clinics, and hospitals to choose from. If you take your time investigating and asking the right questions, you are likely to find the right match for you and your furry family member. Remember, you have options as a consumer and can always take your business elsewhere if you’re displeased with your current veterinary care.
While there is no way to be one hundred percent certain of your choice of veterinarian, and no one veterinarian, clinic, or hospital is going to be perfect in every way, it’s possible to find a truly competent veterinarian and facility that meets your standards and matches your personality.
The “Golden Hour”
Imagine this scenario: You have come home after work, or you’re outside working on the yard on a Saturday afternoon and you come inside to find your companion (the furry one) collapsed, or unresponsive, or suffering from a major physical trauma. You’re in a panic, confused and scrambling for the phone book to call a veterinarian. In a true emergency you may have what is called the “Golden Hour,” though usually far less, to get your pet immediate medical attention.
This scenario is one of the most unfortunate and critical situations. Unless your current veterinarian is the closest one to you and is open twenty four hours a day, you should do some research before you face an emergency:
- First, locate the veterinary clinic or hospital that is the closest and or has the shortest driving time. They do not have to become your regular veterinarian. You’re just looking for who can provide the necessary care in the shortest time.
- Once you have found one or more locations, call them to ask if they provide emergency care and/or if they are equipped to stabilize a patient in the event of an emergency.
- Know their hours of service.
- Become familiar with the driving route by either driving to the hospital and or mapping out the route.
- Consider setting up an account ahead of time to save time in the event of an emergency. This is a particularly good idea if your pet is being treated for a current medical condition.
If your closest veterinarian does not provide twenty-four hour service, you should also know the phone number, location, and driving route to the closest twenty-four hour or overnight veterinary emergency hospital. Once your pet has been stabilized, you can always transport them to your regular veterinarian. Note that some overnight emergency hospitals are only open overnight and do not provide services during the day. They will require that your pet is picked up for transfer to a full-service hospital or taken home in the morning.
On the road
Being prepared is equally important when you are away from home. If you plan to travel with your pet, take a copy of your pet’s current medical record with you as well as a photo of your pet in case of an emergency. Take the time before the trip to make sure you know the locations and contact information for veterinary hospitals at your destination and at locations along the way if you are driving and plan to stay overnight along the way.
Financing an emergency
Being prepared for an emergency also involves being prepared financially in order to afford the cost of emergency medical care and possibly the cost of extended hospital care. Ways to finance medical care include:
- Care Credit, a credit service that allows you to cover the cost of medical care by splitting up the cost into monthly payments. There are no finance charges as long as payments are made on time. You can apply for Care Credit online at www.carecredit.com/vetmed/endorsements.html or call (800) 677-0718. You can access Care Credit from our website GalacticPet.Com. Select Pet Insurance, Care Credit, then click “visit this business.”
- Pet insurance can provide for needed financial assistance in the event of an emergency. Please visit our site and select the Pet Insurance category for the listings for Pet Insurance providers.
- A savings account may also help in the event of an emergency. Setting aside a little money each week can help to cover your pet’s medical expenses.
In the event of a true emergency, being well prepared can save precious time and help the chances of your companion’s survival. Please take the time and effort to be well prepared. Both you and your companion will be grateful you did!