You are finally getting ready to leave on that trip and if you’re like me, you have made lists for everything. Tickets, reservations, what to pack... How about your pet’s needs while you are away? Whether you plan to have friends & family pet sit or are using a boarding facility, it’s important to let them know your wishes in case of an emergency. Create your own or check with your local veterinarian or emergency clinic. We recommend clients in our area contact us at Animal Emergency & Trauma Center and fill out a Treatment Authorization Form with all your wishes. Questions to consider: •Does your animal have any health conditions that could result in emergency situations If so, consider the possible emergencies that could occur and whether or not you should set limits for the extent of care or the cost of care of these problems. •Are there certain tests, procedures or treatments that you would not authorize? •Are there financial limitations? Be realistic and keep in mind that you will be financially responsible for the care and treatment provided. •How will you arrange payment for emergency treatment? Do you expect your authorized agent to pay, and plan to reimburse them? Or will you provide a form of payment to be used in case of emergency? •If your pet passes away or has to be euthanized, what do you wish to be done with your animal’s remains? ___________________ Actions to provide for your pet’s care while you’re away •Communicate your preferences clearly to all persons authorized to make decisions regarding your animal’s health. •Complete an Animal Care Emergency Authorization Form (or develop your own, based on your needs) and provide signed copies to all those authorized to make decisions. If your regular veterinarian will be providing emergency care, provide them with a signed copy of the form before you leave and inform them of your preferences as well as the names and contact information of your authorized agent. •If your animal is microchipped, make sure it’s registered with your contact information and consider adding your authorized agent as an alternate contact in the microchip manufacturer’s database in the event your animal is lost and its microchip is scanned by a shelter or veterinary hospital. •Make sure there’s an ample supply of your animal’s food, medications and supplements to cover the time you’re away – plus a few extra days, just in case. •If your animal is on any medications, make sure that your authorized agent knows where they are located, how much to give, when to give them, how often to give them, and how to give them. Don’t assume they know, and demonstrate the process if needed. •Provide your authorized agent with your animal’s relevant health information, including your animal’s vaccination status (especially rabies), medications and relevant health conditions. •If you appoint more than one authorized agent, make it clear who has the authority to make the final decision so there are no delays that could harm your animal. Then relax and enjoy your trip !
Posted on: Fri, 23 May 2014 16:51:53 +0000
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