It’s almost a cliché. You’re traveling and, seemingly out of nowhere, your pet gets sick or injured. It seems like the farther away and remote, the more inevitable its occurrence. We don’t like to think about these things happening. However, it’s always better to be prepared. Sadly, minutes can make the difference between a poor and positive prognosis, and knowing you’re ready for anything will also give you peace of mind.

Veterinarians appreciate your efforts to seek help or advice quickly. Any delays in treatment can slow or complicate recovery. Of course, not everything is an emergency. A vet can reassure you when dealing with any unknowns, and they have the experience to make an accurate assessment. But what’s the best way to get in contact with a vet if you’re on a trip? Our guide covers ways you can get good information without having to rely on Google.

The 5 Ways to Talk to a Vet While on a Trip

1. Your Vet’s Online Platform

One of the positive outcomes of COVID-19 was the pivot toward online offerings, whether takeout, grocery delivery, or vet advice. People realized the convenience, and businesses figured out they could save money on several fronts. It’s a win-win for pet owners if your vet offers these services, so we suggest asking about the options your clinic offers before leaving town.

2. Your Pet Insurance Chat

An online chat platform with a vet is a popular perk with many pet insurance companies. Many offer this service 365 days a year, 24/7. We think it’s an excellent selling point if you are comparison shopping.

To be prepared, you should check any limitations on this service before leaving town. Remember that online chats aren’t always an alternative to a hands-on office exam, though.

3. PangoVet

PangoVet is a new online veterinary consultation service where you can speak to a licensed vet about your pet’s issues. The site charges a nominal fee for a 20-minute video call. You don’t have to worry about getting your kitty into a carrier and driving them to the clinic. Instead, you can get your questions answered in the privacy of your home.

PangoVet isn’t a substitute for regular exams or emergencies. However, you can get accurate veterinary information and advice when you need it. They’ll provide detailed instructions for follow-up care. Appointment slots aren’t yet 24/7 since it’s a newer service. However, it’s the re-imagined face of veterinary care that minimizes stress for you and your pet.

4. The Local Emergency Veterinary Clinic

We suggest determining the location and contact info of the nearest emergency vet clinic before leaving town. Check out the business’s website for any pertinent info. You can also visit the Veterinary Emergency Group website if you must locate a location quickly. You can find a clinic close to where you’re staying for the quickest service.

5. Animal Poison Control

You never know when your cat is going to get into something they shouldn’t, as some felines are just as curious as dogs are when it comes to putting things in their mouth. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to call Animal Poison Control to get professional advice.

Prompt action is critical in many cases. Remember that many pets are like kids in that they don’t know any better. You must keep your animal companion out of harm’s way. If something happens, you must know what to do, starting with contacting professional help. It’s worth noting that the call isn’t free, although some pet insurers will cover these costs.

Preparing Your Pet for a Trip

A veterinarian can only offer the best and most appropriate advice for the information you provide. Make it easy for anyone unfamiliar with your pet by having their complete medical history with you. That includes details about any recent tests or medications. While the results may not mean too much to you, a professional can glean much from them.

You should also ensure your pet is updated on any vaccinations or tests before traveling. Stress can make them more vulnerable to preventable illnesses. We also recommend getting your cat up to date on their vaccinations, as well as getting a microchip put in if you haven’t already.

We also suggest having your vet’s contact information available in case something happens while you’re traveling. It’ll make it easier to relay to them what happened so that they can follow up seamlessly with any necessary aftercare.

Conclusion

We strongly urge you to contact a vet if something happens, whether an illness or injury, while traveling. Getting accurate information from a professional is better than relying on unverified intel from a website or blogger in a last-minute, hurried search. Luckily, it’s easy to be prepared, whether knowing contact information or installing an app to connect you with the right people.

It’s not overkill to know what to do in an emergency. Emotions often run high when a pet is involved. Do yourself a favor and add this task to your trip prep to-do list. Know who to contact if something goes wrong, as it’ll save you time and unnecessary stress if you have the information at your fingertips.

Featured Image Credit: Iryna ImagoS, Shutterstock