Everyone likes a little time away every now and then, but sometimes, that means leaving the pets at home. When you find yourself preparing to leave on a trip, don’t forget about the four-legged family members. Many people are very good about getting their pet set up in a boarding facility, with a pet sitter, family member, or friend. Once the pet is settled, and you are on your way to your vacation destination, you think you have covered everything. But have you thought of everything? What most people don’t think about is us, their veterinary team. Yes, we might be jealous that you get to go on a trip, but we still want to know that you’ll be leaving. There are a couple of things that we want to know before you head off on your adventure:
- What date are you leaving and when are you returning?
- Who will be looking after your pet while you are away?
- What is their contact information?
- Are they authorized to make medical decisions in regards to your pet?
- Is there a way for us to contact you while you are away?
- Is there a credit card number that we can have on file for a while you are away?
These are some of the things that we would like to know before you leave so that in the event of an emergency, we can treat your pet and keep them healthy for your return. Sometimes, emergencies can be costly, so it’s important that we discuss finances. Some owners opt to leave a credit card number on file for this reason. If we can get in contact with you while you are away, it makes things a little easier if an emergency should arise. Don’t be afraid to set a financial limit before you go away to minimize any unwanted surprises.
If your pet is older (even for young pets too), it’s also important that we have a conversation about life-saving measures like CPR:
- In the event of an emergency, would you like us to perform CPR?
- Would you prefer to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form?
These might sound like heavy things to talk about right before you go away, but it’s important that we have all the information, so we can provide the best possible treatment for your pet. Consider us like your pets extended family; we want the best for them just like you do. When we have all the possible information, then we can provide them with the best possible care while you are away. So again, before you head out for holidays don’t forget about us, your veterinary team. We want you to be able to travel with the peace of mind, knowing that your pet will be in great hands with us if need be.
Written by Kelsey Hewgill, RVT
