When you’re a devoted owner of an exotic pet, their health and well-being are paramount. Unfortunately, emergencies can arise unexpectedly, leaving you in a stressful situation. Knowing how to react and where to turn for help is crucial for providing your beloved companion with the best possible care. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take during a life-threatening emergency with your exotic pet, ensuring you can act swiftly and effectively.
Weekday Emergency Situations
During regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, our dedicated exotics specialist is generally available at our Huntersville hospital. If your exotic pet experiences a life-threatening emergency during these times, we recommend calling us immediately at (704) 949-1100 to alert us of your arrival. Please be aware that if we need to prioritize your pet’s emergency over scheduled appointments and procedures, an additional fee will be applied. This ensures your pet receives immediate attention, even if it means adjusting our daily schedule.
After-Hours Emergency Care
For urgent situations outside of regular business hours, our Exotics Service may be on-call and available in-person until 10 pm, but this service is exclusively for current patients. A current patient is defined as an animal that has been seen by our clinic within the last three years. If you are a current client and an emergency arises during these after-hours, please call us. Our staff will confirm the availability of an exotics veterinarian and provide you with specific instructions on how to proceed. It is important to note that after-hours emergencies will incur an additional fee on top of the standard exam and treatment costs. We will provide you with an estimate for all anticipated fees before any procedures begin.
What to Do When You Call
When you contact us, whether it’s during regular hours or for an after-hours emergency, please clearly state if you are a current client of our Exotics Service. This information is vital for our staff to best assist you. If you are a current client, our team will confirm the availability of an exotics veterinarian and guide you through the next steps.
When Our Exotics Service Isn’t Available
If you are not a current client, or if our exotics service is unavailable at the time of your emergency, our staff will check if an emergency department veterinarian at the hospital is equipped to handle your pet’s needs. If an appropriate veterinarian is available, you will be instructed on what to do.
However, there may be instances where no emergency veterinarian on-site can attend to your exotic pet. In such cases, our staff will do their utmost to help you find another veterinary hospital that can provide the necessary care. It’s important to be aware that there is currently a regional shortage of veterinary hospitals capable of treating exotic pets. You might be referred to other hospitals or university veterinary medical centers, which could be located some distance away.
If your emergency occurs during a weekend or late at night, when many daytime veterinary clinics that treat exotic animals are closed, we suggest contacting the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Charlotte at 980-880-6060. While they do not have specialized exotics staff, they can offer essential basic care to stabilize your pet through the night or weekend until you can seek specialized treatment. For routine and less urgent needs, you can explore options like vet care near me or consider a veterinary doctor home visit near me if the situation allows. If your pet requires specialized boarding or ongoing care, checking for a cat boarding near me facility or a cat hospital near me might be necessary for future planning. Remember to also be aware of potential health concerns such as “can u get tapeworm from your dog” which underscores the importance of regular veterinary check-ups.
New Patient Information
If you are a new client considering our services for your exotic or avian pet, we encourage you to complete our online form for exotics here. This will help us gather essential information beforehand, streamlining the intake process should an emergency arise.
Remember, prompt action and clear communication are key when dealing with exotic pet emergencies. Always prioritize contacting a veterinary professional for guidance and care.
