7 things you should know in case of a pet emergency

If you have an animal emergency, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic 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] 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 emergency phone number
  2. The local emergency clinic number
  3. How to get to the emergency clinic
  4. Poison Control Center number (888-426-4435)
  5. How to perform basic CPR on your pet
  6. How to stop bleeding and apply a basic pressure wrap
  7. 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, and it is your responsibility as a pet owner to pay for that care. 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.