Preparing for an emergency – you’ll be glad you did!
by Central Cat Hospital
Emergencies tend to happen when we least expect them. Make your life easier by being prepared. Here are some basics to get you started:
Have your local animal control and humane society phone numbers ready. In case of a road-side accident involving an animal, or if you find injured wildlife, contact animal control. In cases of suspected abuse contact your local humane society. Should your pet go missing, visit both of these facilities daily if possible. Some additional phone numbers:
Your veterinary clinic. Your veterinary healthcare team is your best resource if you are experiencing a pet emergency and are unsure what to do. Call first!
Veterinary emergency clinic
Pet Poison Helpline : 1-800-213-6680
Pet transport service
Shelter or pet friendly hotel
Keep your pet’s tags and microchip information current! Please remember to update your contact information whenever this changes.
Have a current list of your pet’s medication as well as any medical records you may have and proof of vaccination
For diabetic pets – keep a bottle of corn syrup on hand. If blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia) this can be a medical emergency. Signs are decline in energy levels, unsteady gait, weakness and tremors which can be life threatening. If any of these signs are noticed, rub corn syrup on your cat’s gums and offer food. DO NOT administer insulin. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Make sure you have a secure form of transportation for your cat that you can grab and go if an emergency evacuation is in order. Sturdy hard sided carriers that open from the top work well. Set aside a large towel or blanket that you can use as bedding for the carrier. You can also use a towel as a form of restraint by wrapping it around the cat.
Use caution when handling a frightened pet – their behaviour can change and they can become aggressive if they are feeling cornered, scared or experiencing pain.
Use emergency pet rescue stickers. These window decals alert rescue workers to the presence of animals in your home. Pick yours up next time you’re at the clinic – free of charge!
Due to covid-19, flu and cold viruses, we have implemented protocols to keep both our clients and staff safe. The veterinary profession has been under tremendous strain throughout the pandemic due to severe staff shortages, so we’ve taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of our hospital. Our staff is a very small group, some being immunocompromised and at a greater risk. If any of our staff did get sick, we would have to close our doors completely, and we would no longer be available for any sick cats or emergencies.
We are now inviting cat parents, with scheduled appointments, back into the hospital with your cat(s), with a maximum of 2 fur parents, please. We still require masks to be worn inside. Please call from your car in the parking lot, to let us know you have arrived and we will direct you accordingly.
Because of the small size of our hospital, we are remaining curbside for drop off and technician appointments. For technician and drop off appointments we ask that you bring the cat to the back door and ring the bell for a technician to assist you. Food and medication pickups are still curbside. If you have any cold, flu, or covid symptoms, we ask that you stay in your vehicle for the duration of the exam, in which case the veterinarian will communicate with you via telephone. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Drop off exams are for urgent or emergency issues. Your cat would be dropped off in the morning and the veterinarian would examine your cat in between the appointments that are already fully booked. The veterinarian would then give you a call to make up a treatment plan with you and then perform the agreed diagnostics and treatments. You would pick up your cat once treatment is complete.
Even though mask mandates have ended, we are still requiring masks to be worn inside the hospital.
We ask that everyone please remain respectful to our staff, and our hospital policies. We have a zero tolerance for any disrespectful behavior.
We thank you for your understanding and kindness during these difficult times.
Our Hours are Monday - Friday 8 am - 5pm Saturday 9 am - 1 pm
