If you are ever in a pet emergency, you will be incredibly grateful that you have read this blog. It is the best (and only way) to prepare for an emergency vet visit.
As much as we’d all like to avoid a panicked drive to the vet, emergencies are a lot more common than you may realize. Pets are prone to injuries, illnesses, and ingestion of toxic things. In fact, 1 in every 3 pets experiences some kind of medical emergency in their lifetime. So, make sure to do your part to help your pet (and vet) by coming prepared! Here are our top tips for preparing for an emergency vet visit.
How to prepare for an emergency vet visit
Do not administer any meds without your vet
It’s easy for us to think that we know what’s best for our pets when they are in pain, which often leads to us reaching for the medicine cabinet. Do not under any circumstances give your pet any human medication or even animal meds without consulting your vet.
This could affect your vet’s ability to help treat your pet effectively as certain medications cannot be mixed. For example, certain pain relief medication has been known to affect your pet’s kidney function prior to surgery. Medication like aspirin can cause blood thinning and inhibit blood clotting during surgery.
Call your emergency vet clinic before
Even with your 24/7 emergency units, it is best to call your vet while preparing to leave. If you are in a life-threatening situation, they will be able to help guide you over the phone with basic first aid procedures. If the emergency room is expecting you, they then have time to prepare for your arrival, so that all of the necessary medical equipment and physicians are ready! Remember that they are your best source of knowledge and protection – lean on them whenever you need them!
Keep your pet’s medical records nearby
If you ever find yourself rushing to the vet emergency room, you will most probably not be at your family vet. This means that the physician that is on-call won’t be familiar with your pet. To help speed things along, make sure to bring your pet’s medical records. It is also essential that you disclose any medication or supplements that they may be on, as well as any foods that they have eaten in the last 24 hours.
Bring their go-to comforts
Whilst waiting to see the vet, your pet will most likely be feeling anxious. Remember that this time can be very stressful and troubling for them, so it’s best to help ease their anxiety as much as possible. Try to pack their favourite toy or blanket to keep them entertained. Pack a leash and carrier too, which will definitely come in handy when they are surrounded by other pets in the waiting room.
Make sure to also pack a few of their favourite treats too. Only give them to your pet once they are in the vet’s room and you have been given the ‘okay’ by their doctor. Treats act as a great distraction for your pet. It is also a great way to reward them for good behaviour and train them to see vet visits as a positive thing.
Prepare to wait
It is important to note that you might have a long night ahead of you. Prepare to be seated in the waiting room for quite a while as the on-call vet attends to your fur baby. Do not be alarmed if it takes time. This means that they are being thorough and putting the best treatment plans into action. You want to ensure that your pet receives the best – and that takes time, so be patient!
Paying for an emergency vet visit
On an emotional level, taking your pet to the vet for an emergency can be rather traumatic. However, very few pet parents realize that pet emergencies are financially traumatic too. In fact, the average household cannot afford the costs associated with an emergency visit.
It is, therefore, necessary that you come financially prepared too! The fee for an emergency vet visit are particularly high, and depending on the state of your pet, the costs can either lead to medical debt or economic euthanasia.
Related: What happens when you can’t afford the vet’s deposit for pet hospital admissions?
Pet Insurance that Pays for Emergency Vet Visits
Many pet insurers would require you to pay vet bills upfront, and claim back that money. However, one insurer has a unique way to pay you before you even get to the vet: Oneplan Pet Insurance.
The Oneplan Claim Card
A Oneplan Claim Card is basically a transactional debit card that is unique to Oneplan. Before your emergency vet visit, they will preload your card with the correct amount of funds according to your plan type and limits of your plan for you to then use this Oneplan Claim Card with your pin to swipe and pay for the vet visit.
Here’s how to use the Oneplan Claim Card:
- Log into the smart Oneplan App
- Select “Load Claim”
- Select the type of event you want to claim for
- Use the drop-down arrows to select the date and the member
- Hit proceed
They will then transfer the funds onto your Oneplan Claim Card according to the limit outlined in your plan.
You can then use your Oneplan Claim Card the same way you would use a debit card, simply swipe and pay at your service provider – just remember to keep your pin handy.
You will then need to submit a detailed invoice on the Oneplan App after your doctor or vet visit.
If you have already made a payment using your own funds, don’t worry. Oneplan also has a refund option on their app. Simply click on “my claims” and “claim refunds”. Remember to select the name of the insured and if you’d like the refund processed into your bank account or Oneplan Claim Card once approved.
Read more about pet insurance that puts money in your pocket before you see the vet.
Keeping your pet and your finances safe in the case of a vet emergency is totally possible because the Oneplan team is totally ready to jump in and come to the rescue! All you need to do is call on them, they’ll be ready whenever you are!
