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🚨 Pet Emergency Information

If your pet is in immediate danger, call your nearest emergency veterinary clinic or 911 right now. Use this page for quick reference only.

📞 Call 911 / Emergency 📍 Find Emergency Vet

⚠️ What to Do Right Now

Stay calm. Quick, measured action saves lives.

🆘 Immediate Actions

  • Move your pet to a safe, quiet space
  • Check for breathing, bleeding, or seizures
  • Call an emergency vet or poison control immediately
  • Do NOT give human medication or food
  • Keep your pet restrained to prevent injury

🚑 Transport Safely

  • Use a carrier or flat surface (board/blanket)
  • Keep head elevated if breathing is labored
  • Keep warm with a light blanket
  • Drive carefully, avoid sudden stops
  • Bring ID, vaccination records, and a photo of your pet

🔍 Recognize Emergency Symptoms

When in doubt, seek professional help immediately.

🐕 Dogs

  • Difficulty breathing or pale/blue gums
  • Uncontrolled bleeding or swelling
  • Vomiting blood or repeated dry heaving
  • Suspected poisoning (chocolate, xylitol, antifreeze)
  • Seizures, collapse, or unresponsiveness

🐈 Cats

  • Open-mouth breathing or rapid panting
  • Unable to urinate (especially male cats)
  • Extreme lethargy or hiding behavior
  • Exposed tongue (stuck in mouth)
  • Trauma from falls, fights, or vehicle impact

🌡️ Heatstroke Signs (All Pets)

  • Excessive panting or drooling
  • Bright red or purple gums
  • Weakness, collapse, or vomiting
  • Body temperature above 104°F (40°C)
  • Action: Move to shade, apply cool (not cold) water, seek vet immediately

🩺 Basic Pet First Aid

These steps buy time until professional care arrives.

🤝 Control Bleeding

  • Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth
  • Maintain pressure for 5–10 minutes
  • Elevate the wound if possible
  • Do NOT remove embedded objects

💨 Breathing Issues

  • Clear mouth/nose of visible obstructions
  • Keep airways open, head slightly elevated
  • Check for pink gums (normal) vs pale/blue (emergency)
  • Never force water into a choking pet

⚠️ Poisoning Response

  • Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet
  • Note the substance, amount, and time ingested
  • Bring packaging or sample to the clinic
  • Keep your pet calm and still

📞 Emergency Contacts

Save these numbers now. Time is critical.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control

24/7 toxicology experts for pets

Call (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline

Board-certified veterinary toxicologists

Call (855) 764-7661

Paws Source Emergency Support

Guidance & local clinic referrals

Call 1-800-PAWSRC1

Find an Emergency Vet Near You

Use AVMA or local directories for 24/7 hospitals

Locate Clinic →

🎒 Emergency Preparedness Kit

Keep these items accessible at all times.

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