Emergencies are always stressful and making medical decisions for your pet even harder.
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Accidents and other emergencies often happen more often during evening and weekend hours. It can be very stressful faced with a potential trip to the ER. Not only are you dealing with a sick pet but you also have financial decisions to make. Below are some insights on how to help decrease this stress a little.
The Decision. Deciding whether an expensive trip to the ER is warranted can be difficult. Sudden eye issues, poisonings, seizures, trauma (such as hit by car), trouble breathing, almost always justify the ER. Many other conditions are discretionary and fall somewhere in the grey zone. Many people will call the ER and ask if they think an ER visit is necessary . . . and the answer is almost always yes. Keep in mind that when you ask for advice over the phone, the ER staff does not know you or your pet and is liable for the advice they give you. From that perspective, an appointment is always the safest recommendation.
Where to go. Not all ERs are created equally. Different facilities offer different services and have different staff. The closest place may be the right place or it may be worth a little extra drive. Ask your veterinarian who they recommend and have the names, phone numbers and addresses handy.
Who to send. Make sure an adult with the ability to pay for services accompanies your pet. We often see minors bringing in family pets. They do not have the ability to provide a history, sign an estimate for financial responsibility nor authorize treatment.
How to pay. ERs operate as strictly “pay at time of service.” In most cases partial if not all of the anticipated payment will be expected prior to performing services.
Care Credit is a financing option for pet owners often used for unexpected services and you can apply online from the ER waiting room.
Emergencies are always stressful and making medical decisions for your pet even harder. Be prepared. Talk to your family and have a plan for how you would handle emergencies and discuss what you are able/willing to spend on veterinary care. Although nobody wants to put a price on their pet, the harsh reality is that being mentally prepared for how to deal with the situation will help you make better decisions for your pet and your family.
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. She graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children.
