Know Before You Go: What to Expect When Visiting AEHV’s Emergency Room
Any kind of health emergency can be scary, and the same is true when your beloved pet is experiencing an injury or illness. Anything that adds to the stress and confusion can feel overwhelming—for both you and your pet. To help you in a time of worry, here are some commonly asked questions about emergency room care:
What’s the difference between an emergency hospital and my veterinarian’s office?
Our emergency are team is equipped to care for pets in need of immediate, lifesaving care. You never need an appointment in an emergency, and our doors are open 24/7, 365 days a year. When your veterinarian’s office is closed or too busy to fit you in, that’s when we can help. You can bring your pet to us for emergencies like seizures, traumatic injuries, snake bites, poisoning, animal attacks, and more.
How do I know if it’s an emergency?
We know it’s not always clear in the moment whether or not you should take your pet to the emergency room. You can check our list of common signs and symptoms your pet needs emergency care, and give us a call directly at 386-252-0206. We can help you figure out if it’s truly an emergency and plan your next steps.
What can I expect when I bring my pet to the emergency hospital?
Currently, we still have pandemic-related safety protocols in place, like curbside service. And it’s important to know that we have to prioritize the worst, sickest pets first, so there may be situations when you have to wait longer to be seen. That’s why it’s always best to call us before bringing in your pet, so we can figure out whether your pet needs to be seen immediately.
To help streamline this process and reduce wait times, we’ll ask you to fill out client and patient forms online before your arrival. We appreciate your patience, understanding and trust that we’re doing everything we can to help your best friend.
What if my pet has eaten something poisonous or toxic?
If your pet has ingested a toxic item, we recommend first calling the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). At the Poison Control Center, expert toxicologists are available to make recommendations for treatment and give you advice on further emergency care.
If you think your dog or cat requires emergency care, please give us a call 24/7 at 386-252-0206.
