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News Release
June 1, 2007
Vacation Pet Emergencies
Atlanta, GA, Millions of vacationers set out for resort areas with their pets during the summer holidays; many without any thought of what to do or where to go if their four-legged companion became ill. Finding a hospital for humans is easy, most resort areas have one within 25 miles. But, there are not many 911 emergency numbers to call when pets need medical help after hours. The majority of traveling takes place during weekends, and it can be tricky finding an emergency vet.
The Atlanta Humane Society suggests taking these proactive steps when planning a vacation. It could save your pet's life.
- If possible, leave your pet with a licensed pet sitter instead of taking him or her with you on a vacation.
- Contact the local visitor's center and/or convention and business bureau in the area in which you are planning to vacation. Ask for local veterinarian office numbers and be sure to call ahead of time. Many vet offices will be able to give you directions, hours of operation and may provide you with contact information to the nearest emergency facility that stays open nights, weekends and holidays.
- Once you are at your vacation destination, locate the nearest emergency facility and map out the best way to get there, especially if your travel route takes you through neighboring towns. If an emergency occurs at night, driving in a strange, new area can be confusing and cost precious time.
- Remember, if you become lost, local police can easily provide directions and most local residents will be able to direct you to a police station quicker than an emergency animal care facility. In addition, police stations are open 24-hours.
- Be prepared! Emergency veterinarian offices will ask if your animal is up to date on vaccinations. All animals should have collars with identification and proper tags on at all times. Bring important documents with you to the emergency facility like vaccination papers and a list of current medications. Be sure tell the veterinarian of any drug allergies.
- Take extra medication for your pet with you when traveling. Be sure and pack it in a different bag in case the original bottle is accidentally discarded or lost.
- Expect to pay. Although many emergency care facility prices can be reasonable, most charge extra fees for care provided after hours, on weekends and during holidays. Clients can be requested to pay after hour fees up front, and those fees could be added to medical procedure expenses (i.e. x-rays, blood work, lab fees, medications, etc...) administered once the animal's condition is diagnosed. Being prepared for extra fees helps when it comes time to pay.
- Be sure and take your veterinarian's business card with the clinic's contact information in case additional information is needed.
- Be alert and pay attention to your pet while traveling. It is easy to get wrapped up in the fun activities of a vacation and forget about your pet's needs. If you notice any odd behavior, start monitoring your pet's actions. Animals tend to hide pain and cannot tell you when they are ill. When you notice a reaction such as shaking, white gums and/or listlessnesses it could be serious. Since some emergency facilities require more than an hour drive, waiting too long could have fatal consequences.
- Do not panic! Try to have someone else with you. Seeing our pets ill is heart-wrenching, but you must be able to communicate information to a vet clearly and effectively. A family member or friend present can help calm your nerves and talk on your behalf if necessary.
For more information on pet safety while traveling, contact the Atlanta Humane Society
at 404-875-2600 ext. 262.
Founded in 1873, the Atlanta Humane Society and Society For Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals, Inc. is the oldest private non-profit animal welfare organization in Atlanta and one of the oldest humane agencies in America. Services such as Canine Play Yard, spay/neuter, adoptions, a regional food bank program, dog training, pet facilitated therapy, animal behavior hot-line and our charitable veterinary Clinic are made possible by generous contributions of time and money from the public.
Our mission is to prevent neglect, abuse, cruelty and exploitation of animals and to assure that their interests and well being are fully, effectively and humanely protected by an aware and caring society. For more information on the Atlanta Humane Society, call 404-875-5331.