Are you prepared for a pet emergency?


emergency, trauma and critical care department at NorthStar VETSYou never know when your pet will have an emergency. An emergency can be a very stressful and traumatic event and can happen at any moment. At NorthStar VETS we are here to make you at ease during any type of medical emergency. From a broken toe nail that won’t stop bleeding to more critical emergencies such as respiratory distress, we are here to handle any type of situation. But before you walk in our door, here are some ways to prepare yourself and your pet to allow for a smooth transition to our facility.

  • Put us in your contact list, (609) 259-8300, so you can call us on your way
  • If your pet has not been to our facility before, stay one step ahead of the game and fill out a new client form now, before an emergency occurs
  • Keep your pet’s documents, records, medical or vaccine history in a secure and easily accessible location
  • Make sure you have a safe and secure carrier for each pet with your name and contact information on the carriers. This applies especially to cats; cats can get spooked a lot easier than dogs on their way to the vet
  • Place your pet’s leash or harness including tags/identification in a convenient location; preferably by the front door
  • Make sure you have a fresh supply of all your pet’s medication; checking the expiration dates regularly

In case of evacuation due to a natural disaster, etc., here are some additional ways to help prepare you and your pet for the unexpected.

  • Keep us in your contact list, (609) 259-8300
  • Make an emergency survival kit; this may include bandages, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc. Discuss with your family veterinarian what you may need in your emergency survival kit
  • Make sure you have basic necessities such as food and water, litter and trash bags to dispose fecal matter and a pet safe cleaner
  • If your pet has a microchip, make sure you have the identification number with your pet’s documentation; be sure to keep all documentation/medical records in a water resistant bag
  • Take and keep a photo of your pet just in case your pet gets lost or separated from your family
  • Make sure there are emergency boarding facilities in your area for your pet or a pet friendly hotel/motel outside the danger zone
  • Hang a pet emergency sticker outside your home to notify rescue authorities how many pets live there. Please do not abandon your pet(s) unless your life is in danger!

This blog was written by one of our veterinary technicians, Tamara. To learn more about the 24/7 emergency service offered at NorthStar VETS, visit www.northstarvets.com

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