Your pet is an important part of your family. Pets mean the world to children and also to many adults. When your pet becomes suddenly sick or injured it is crucial to get them the emergency care needed right away. Many veterinarian services require appointments. Are there 24-hour emergency vet services available near you?
There is a proverbial zoo-full of 24-hour emergency vet services available and resources to help you find them. This is good news for all pet owners. It is also helpful information to have on hand in the event your pet ever needs immediate care. Read on for information on 24-hour vet clinics and how to find an emergency vet near you.
Emergency vs. Regular Veterinarian Services
Regular veterinarian services are provided in both vet clinics and vet hospitals. Most emergency veterinarian services are provided by larger, better-equipped vet hospital facilities. Both clinics and hospitals take appointments. The vet hospitals generally have larger staffs and more modern equipment capable of handling the most serious of procedures even in emergency settings. Vet hospitals are also accredited for specific periods of time. Once the accreditation period expires a recertification is required to guarantee the hospital stays current with modern standards for machinery, staff and cleanliness.
Veterinarian hospitals are also required to have operating rooms designated for surgeries, X-ray rooms, handicapped accessible bathrooms and reception/waiting areas. The types and sizes of all animal crates and cages provided are regulated. Regulations are also imposed upon the lighting and ventilation systems. Veterinarians and at least one registered Certificate 4 nurse are required to be on staff at a vet hospital during operating hours. While staff at a vet clinic is also regulated to a high standard, the facility is usually not large or equipped enough to carry the same amount of staff.
Vet hospitals are also required to operate a regulated on-site pharmacy with a reasonably full stock of applicable medications and items. While these differences seem significant, many vet clinics are still staffed with the finest veterinarian and nurses available to them. Most vet clinics are limited in the size, equipment and staff availability to handle 24-hour emergency animals services, however, and that is the primary different between the two.
Classifying Different Veterinarian Facilities
There are multiple types of veterinarian facilities all handling different aspects of veterinarian medicine and treatments. Clinics vs. hospitals in the veterinarian world are comparable to clinics vs. hospitals in the human world as described above. There are additional different classes of veterinarian facilities, however, including:
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Veterinary Training Facility (training hospital; conducts research; teaches students and house officers)
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Mobile Veterinarian Practice (conducted via authorized vehicle containing specialized equipment; available via phone for appointments and emergencies)
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Emergency or Emergency Only Facility (primary purpose is to handle emergency pet patients during operating hours; veterinarian/staff on-site during all operational hours; properly equipped for all emergency procedure possibilities; capable of 24-hour, full-time, part-time and independent services)
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Veterinarian Referral Facility (specializes in treatment of specific animals and/or specific types of veterinarian medicines)
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Specialty Veterinarian Facility (staffed by board-certified veterinarians; staffed by specialists certified by a board)
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Veterinary Center (animal sports medicine; specialized treatments/imaging provided)
Types of 24-Hour Veterinarian Medical Services
Medical services provided by 24-hour veterinary facilities are more in depth and medically intense than those provided at basic animal clinics. Internal veterinary medicine specialists are some times on staff. Specialized surgeons are on staff at many 24-hour veterinary facilities as well. Scenarios and conditions treated include acute illnesses and complications due to previous surgeries. Monitoring animal patient’s vital signs and for symptoms of traumatic injuries are also facilitated. Renal medical problems, neurological medical issues, cleaning/suturing wounds and administering sedation/anesthesia medicines are also handled by 24-hour veterinary medical services.
Some pet illnesses and injuries are capable of delayed treatment by scheduled appointment. Some are more serious, however, and require immediate attention. If your pet is having trouble breathing or swallowing, call an emergency veterinarian. Abdominal bloating is another condition warranting immediate veterinarian care as are bloody stools, urine or vomiting. Seizures, high fevers, constant whining or whimpering in pain, serious injuries or being attacked and damaged by another animal also warrant immediate 24-hour veterinary care.
Average Prices of Emergency Veterinarian Services
The average prices of emergency veterinarian services vary per situation, service provider and facility. Prices are also impacted by location and if your pet needs emergency care on a holiday. While services such as basic examinations, consultations and routine blood work cost an average range from $80 to $200 for both dogs and cats, more intense procedures cost significantly more. For example, an approximately five-day hospital stay due to kidney failure or other major medical issues is capable for costing $1,500 through $3,000 on average depending on the animal and its size. Emergency surgery is capable of costing $5,000 or more. The common national average price of emergency veterinarian services ranges from $800 to $1,500, however.
Why Emergency Pet Care Is Important
Your pets are a cherished priority in your life. When something goes seriously and medially wrong with your pet it is important to know there are emergency pet care facilities and staff available to save your pet’s life. The majority of pet owners, in spite of the homes and love they provide their pets, are simply not educated and trained enough to heal an animal from a serious accident or illness. Emergency pet care is important because it helps save the lives of the cherished pets in your family.
National Emergency Veterinarian Services & Pet Insurances
There are national emergency veterinarian services working in your area. Many national services team up with local veterinarian facilities and staff to help accommodate as many pet emergency medical needs as quickly as possible. Others operate their own independent service chains. There are also pet insurance companies available to help mitigate the costs of some more expensive pet medical services. Popular and reliable national emergency veterinarian services, pet insurance companies and vet locators include: