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Pet Emergency Tips

If you need emergency care for your pet, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) offers listings for emergency clinics in the United States, Canada and other countries.

You can also search for an American Animal Hospital Association- (AAHA) accredited hospital to ensure the highest standards and best care for your pet.

The AAHA is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the United States and
Canada.

Other important contact numbers appear at the bottom of this page.

Talk to your vet before you ever leave home about potential problems that could affect your pet while traveling. He or she is skilled to provide insight about common injuries and illnesses that pets can likely encounter on the go.

Additionally, be sure to keep your vet’s contact information handy in case you need to call for help or advice while away from home traveling with your pet. It’s also a good idea to take along numbers of pet emergency organizations, such as the National Animal Poison Control Center
(888) 426-4435.

Travel tips

Pet first-aid items to take with you, and emergency contact information for pets should your pet become injured or lost:

Always take along information about your pet, including photos, breed, age, sex, color, and medical records.

Pets often encounter minor gastrointestinal discomforts because of motion or eating prior to traveling. If your pet has diarrhea or is vomiting, try not giving food or water for several hours to see if the problem subsides.

If you are staying at a pet-friendly accommodation and your pet needs to be seen by a professional, check with the front desk about local veterinarian recommendations.

If you observe a condition in your pet that you feel needs medical attention, you should make the appropriate contact with a local vet or pet hospital. Check thesepet hospitals and emergency clinics or the local phone book in the town where you’retraveling.

Pet First-Aid Kit

Minor injuries and illnesses can usually be treated with the proper first-aid. Be familiar with the items you pack in your pet’s first-aid kit in case you need to use them.
Here’s a list of some of the more common items:

  • Powder Styptic (toenail bleeding)
  • Latex Gloves (personal protection from blood)
  • Sterile Gauze Bandage (wrap wounds)
  • Eye & Skin Wash (flush wounds)
  • Triple Antibiotic Ointmenta (wound)
  • Hydrocortisone Cream (rashes, itching)
  • Iodine Antiseptic wipes (sterilization)
  • Insect sting wipes (apply to insect bites/stings)
  • Adhesive Tape (secure bandage)
  • Gauze Pad (apply to wounds)
  • Scissors (trim hair and cut bandage or tape)
  • Hand Wipes (personal cleanup)
  • Antiseptic Towelettes (clean wound or hands)
  • Cotton Swabs (apply ointments or creams)
  • Pet Care Card (detailed first aid instructions)
  • Pet Emergency Card (record your vet’s emergency)
  • Plastic Forceps (splinters/tick removal)

Important Pet Care Contacts

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) Hotline

(888) 426-4435 (24 hours a day/365 days a year) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) Hotline

(888) 426-4435 (24 hours a day/365 days a year) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) Hotline

(888) 426-4435 (24 hours a day/365 days a year) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) Hotline

(888) 426-4435 (24 hours a day/365 days a year) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) Hotline

(888) 426-4435 (24 hours a day/365 days a year) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) Hotline

(888) 426-4435 (24 hours a day/365 days a year) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/