How to Select an Animal ER Clinic

As loving pet owners, we always want our furry little companions to be in safe situations. However, sometimes accidents happen and when they do, it’s important to know where to go during an emergency situation. Doing your diligence ahead of time can save quite a bit of time and stress. When selecting an ER clinic, there are a few considerations you will need to consider: 

 

• Consider the hours of operation for the ER clinic: Some emergency clinics operate only on night and weekends while others are 24/7. Knowing the hours ahead of time can save you unnecessary day trips to a night-only clinic for example. Generally, your primary veterinarian will have good suggestions on ER clinics you can go to in case of emergencies. 

• Consider the distance: Check out what ER clinics are available in your area and how far they are from your house. A search for “Animal ER clinics” on Google maps should yield a few results that you can choose from. Knowing how to get there and how long the drive may take is good to know. It may even be beneficial to take a test drive out to the clinic so you’re familiar with the area and don’t get confused in times of panic and emergency.

• Know what emergency services are offered: Finally, check out the ER clinic’s website and see what emergency services are offered and what animals they specialize in. Some ER clinics offer basic surgery and emergency services, while others offer a full suite of services. Knowing the different services that are offered can help you select the ER clinic that suits your situation the best.

 

One of the scariest parts of a pet owner’s life is realizing their companion needs care that they can’t provide. Unfortunately, this is a situation that many people face. Town & Country Veterinary Hospital is here to support you and your pet during a time of urgency. Our emergency and urgent care center has everything needed to diagnose and care for your pet no matter what time of day. If your pet is experiencing any of the following, then bring them in immediately:

• Visually distorted, broken, or fractured bone(s)
• Extreme dehydration caused by prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of pain or distress
• Excessive bleeding
• Seizures