Back to When to Call the Vet vs. When to Watch
Building Your Emergency Plan
Putting it all together with a practical emergency preparedness plan.
Your Pet Emergency Plan
The best time to prepare for an emergency is before one happens. Here is how to set yourself up so you can act quickly and calmly when it matters:
Contacts
- Save your regular vet clinic’s phone number in your phone and on the fridge
- Save their after-hours number separately
- Find and save the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital (address and phone)
- Save the Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738
Pet Information
- Keep a note of your pet’s breed, age, weight, and microchip number somewhere accessible
- List current medications and doses
- Note any allergies or existing conditions
- Keep vaccination records accessible
Transport
- Keep a pet carrier accessible (not buried in the garage)
- Know the fastest route to your emergency vet
- Keep a towel and blanket near the door for emergencies
Household Awareness
- Make sure everyone in the household knows where the vet numbers are and what the red-flag symptoms look like
- If you use a pet sitter or have someone else care for your pet, make sure they have vet contact details and authorisation to seek emergency treatment
Checklist
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
0 of 10
Regular vet phone number saved in phone and posted on fridge
After-hours vet number saved separately
Nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital address and number saved
Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) saved in phone
Pet's breed, age, weight, and microchip number noted
Current medications and doses listed
Pet carrier accessible and not buried in storage
Route to emergency vet known
Other household members briefed on emergency contacts and red flags
Pet sitter or carer has vet details and emergency authorisation
Quiz
Course Review Quiz
Which of the following is an emergency symptom that requires immediate veterinary attention?
Open-mouth breathing in a cat is always an emergency — cats should never pant like dogs. This indicates severe respiratory distress and requires immediate veterinary attention. The other options are symptoms that can typically be monitored at home in the short term, with a vet call if they persist or worsen.
True or False
Final Knowledge Check
The Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) is only available during business hours on weekdays.
The Animal Poisons Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Australia-wide. It is staffed by veterinary professionals and can provide critical advice in poisoning cases at any time. A consultation fee applies.