How To Deal With an Unexpected Pet Emergency

When our cat, Charlie, suddenly got sick, my husband and I were frantic.

Besides having no interest in sprinting down the hallway for treats (highly unusual in itself), Charlie was lethargic and hiding away. What did this mean? What was going on, and what should we do? Being only 6 years old, he’d never had a health scare before, and we were woefully unprepared. After many panicky phone calls, we were finally able to get him in to see an available vet.

Diagnosis: Tummy ache.

Cost: $600. No insurance. No financing options.

Although we were relieved Charlie would be OK, the worry and stress we experienced could have been avoided – or at least diminished – if we had a prior plan in place. Don’t make our mistake; read on to learn what to do in a pet emergency and how you can prepare for the unexpected when it comes to your best friend’s health.

Immediate First Steps in a Pet Emergency

Stay calm and assess. If your pet seems sick or has had an accident, your initial reaction should be to stay calm. Hard as it may be, staying calm is imperative, as panicking can hinder your ability to make rational decisions. Begin to quickly assess your pet’s condition to determine if the situation is critical. Look for signs like difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding or unconsciousness.
Seek veterinary care. If your pet is in severe distress or showing critical symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away.
Know basic first aid. Familiarize yourself with first aid for pets, such as how to perform CPR or apply pressure to a bleeding wound. These skills won’t substitute veterinary care but could be crucial in stabilizing your pet until you can get them to a professional for further help.
Transport your pet safely. Use a carrier to transport your pet to minimize any movement and prevent further injury. Try making them as comfortable as possible with blankets, treats or favorite toys. Of course, drive carefully.
Monitor and document symptoms. Keep a detailed record of your pet’s symptoms including when they began and any changes in behavior. This information helps the veterinarian better diagnose and treat the condition.

Does Having Pet Insurance Help in an Emergency?

“Anyone with a pet can benefit from the peace of mind and financial freedom provided by pet insurance,” said Ashley Kehew, insurance assistant sales manager with AAA Northeast. “Depending on the pet insurance you have, it can help provide financial protection for emergencies and for regular vet visits. Pet parents can choose the best care for their furry friend rather than what is most affordable.”

Specialized care treatments or advanced tests that could be crucial for your pet’s health are more accessible with pet insurance.

“Pet emergencies, while unpredictable, are almost inevitable and extremely costly,” said Kehew. “You can’t put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can afford to give your pet the best of care with the help of pet insurance.”

In the event of a pet emergency, vet bills can be upward of thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the health issue, and some clinics are unable to provide treatment without proof of ability to pay first. Pet insurance is able to help mitigate emergency vet costs by covering a significant portion of the expenses, depending on your policy. Knowing you have that support can keep you focused on what truly matters in the moment: Your pet’s wellbeing and recovery.

Health emergencies aren’t the only unexpected events you should prepare your pet for. Learn how you can plan to keep your pet safe during storms and hurricane evacuations.

Talk to a AAA insurance agent advisor about pet coverage options today