Having an emergency situation with an animal can be frightening but being prepared ahead of time could lessen the panic. Here are some things to keep in mind before you are faced with a crisis.

You should have a First Aid Kit - specifically for your pets - to deal with injuries that you can handle alone. There are necessary items that should be included. You can buy kits or make one yourself.  Check here for more information. Click here for other emergency preparedness resources. 

Did your dog or cat just eat something poisonous? Call your veterinarian or a helpline immediately. The sooner a dog or cat poisoning is diagnosed, the easier, less expensive, and safer it is to treat your pet. You can contact one of the following helplines 24/7 - be prepared to pay a fee for each call:

The National Animal Poison Control Center                         Pet Poison Helpline  
(800) 548-2423                                                                                 (800) 213-6680
(888) 4-ANIHELP

If your pet is critical and you cannot reach your veterinarian, you should go to an Emergency Veterinary Facility. Have the number listed where you can find it (in the First Aid Kit, beside your home phone, or in your cell phone contacts). Have a plan in place for having to be away from home for an unknown period of time. Know where the nearest facility is located and the best route to get there quickly and safely. Be prepared to prepay for service at the time of admission. There are two emergency facilities in the area that are open 24/7/365 and two facilities with extended hours into the evening and on weekends.

Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Charlotte, NC (24/7/365)
(704) 504-9608

C-Vets - Matthews, NC (24/7/365)
(704) 246-5279

Veterinary Medical Center of Fort Mill (Evening & Weekend hours)
(803) 396-9130

UrgentVet Pet Clinic - Fort Mill & Belmont locations (Evening & Weekend hours, 365 days a year)
(803) 486-2550

Your pet’s veterinarian should always be your first contact in an emergency situation as they have been treating and seeing your animal and know their history. We are providing this information for you to be prepared to seek alternative help if needed. We hope you never have to use it and that your pets will have long, healthy, and happy lives.