An emergency can be stressful for both you and your pet. You may be visiting our clinic for the first time and unsure of what to expect — which can add to your stress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens when you arrive at Emergency Pet Care of Texas.

Arrival and Triage

When you arrive, please check in at our front desk. If you need assistance bringing your pet into the hospital, you can request it at this time or call ahead. Calling ahead is strongly encouraged — it helps us prepare and allows us to inform you about any records or medications to bring, as well as potential wait times. Please note that ER cases cannot be scheduled in advance, and wait times may occur, especially if the doctor is performing a sedated procedure.

Next, we begin the triage process, which is an initial assessment by our veterinary team to evaluate and prioritize your pet’s care. The triage nurse will ask about your pet’s main issue, when it began, and gather a brief medical history. They will also check vital signs, including mental state, temperature, heart rate, and more.

Care beyond vitals will only be provided with your consent and after a deposit is collected. Emergency care requires payment at the time services are rendered — it is not billed like human medicine.

Emergency Care Begins

Once triaged, your pet will receive immediate medical care to stabilize and treat them. The specific care provided depends on their condition and may include fluids, medications, oxygen, or pain relief. In some cases involving toxin exposure, we may ask that you contact a veterinary toxicologist via phone, such as Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Poison Control, to consult with our emergency veterinarian regarding your pet’s case.

Diagnostic Testing

In many emergency situations, we may need to perform diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the condition. These may include:

• Radiographs (x-rays)

• Blood tests

• Ultrasound

• ECG (Electrocardiogram)

• Urinalysis

• Cytology

• Tonometry

• Fluorescein eye stain

• Schirmer Tear Test

Communication Throughout

Throughout your pet’s emergency care, our team will keep you updated every step of the way. If you need to attend to other things, you can leave your pet in our care, and we will keep you informed with regular updates via phone calls and text messages.

Discharge and Follow-up Care

Once your pet has been evaluated and a treatment plan has been determined, the doctor may advise at-home care and monitoring, or your pet may require more intensive care and hospitalization. When your pet is ready to go home, you will have a discharge consultation with a member of our ER team to review the doctor’s findings and recommendations, as well as ask any questions about the visit. Every patient goes home with written detailed instructions, which may include medication administration, wound care, dietary adjustments, and activity restrictions.

Payment Options and Policy

We require pre-payment for emergency services and is collected upon arrival before care is initiated. We accept multiple payment options, including credit cards and third-party financing.

Suggested Items to Bring

1. Leash/carrier/bed and blankets for your pet while they wait

2. Jacket or blanket for owners (exam rooms can get chilly)

3. Beverage/snacks (our selection is limited)

4. Phone/iPad/charger

5. Book, crossword puzzle, activities for kids

6. Pet’s medications/prescription foods for chronic conditions

7. Pet’s medical records

8. Ingested chemical/toxins (or detailed picture of packaging)

9. Pictures/videos of vomit, abnormal feces, unusual behaviors

10. Fresh urine sample if urinary issues are suspected (do not walk outside)

Your pet’s health and well-being are our top priority. During an emergency, we strive to combine expert medical care with clear communication and support for you as their owner. No matter the situation, you can count on our team to provide focused, attentive care and guide you through every step of your pet’s recovery.