Emergencies

Here at Vet Cross, we know that every second counts during a true emergency, and we will accept emergency cases during open hours. Upon arrival, your pet will be triaged and you may be asked to sign an emergency consent form as well as provide pertinent history. This authorizes the Vet Cross team to initiate stabilizing procedures (such as IV catheter placement, fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, and assessing vital parameters such as EKG and blood pressure measurement) in our treatment area, and perform an initial evaluation of your pet to help assess what may be going on in order to create an initial treatment plan.  Signing this consent form assures you allow us to begin working on your pet right away, when minutes matter. A veterinary nurse may return to you after triage to obtain more details regarding your pet's recent history.

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Following initial assessment and stabilization, a veterinarian will discuss with you their concerns as well as any additional diagnostic or treatment recommendations along with an updated estimate. We may ask for a financial deposit if pursuing extensive diagnostics or treatments, which would be refundable if for some reason those items are not performed. You may also be asked to sign a CPR consent form, to allow us to know your wishes in case your pet suddenly declines further and goes into cardiac or respiratory arrest. 

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Some cases may remain truly critical, despite initial stabilizing efforts. We will ensure to inform you of our recommendations, which may involve transfer to a 24 hour emergency facility to provide continuous care. If you are experiencing an emergency with your pet and it is shortly before closing time, we appreciate a phone call first as we may recommend immediate transfer in order to help your pet receive the care it needs as quickly as possible.