One of the worst nightmares for any pet owner is being stranded somewhere when their pet gets injured or ill and unable to get to a vet. If you find yourself in this situation, or are heading somewhere with limited access to vet care, you may want to take extra precautions.
This article is intended to give all pet owners access to resources, no matter how tough the situation. If you are currently, or will be in the future, in a location where you cannot get veterinary care, we hope that one of these ideas will help you get your pet the care it needs, even if there is no veterinarian nearby.
5 ways to contact a vet in the countryside
1. Find your local veterinarian
If there isn’t a standard veterinary clinic near you, you may still have access to an emergency vet. Some clinics even offer call-out or after-hours services. This may vary by state and region, but it’s always best to contact a nearby service to see what kind of care you can get for your pet.
Remember that emergency vet costs are much higher than regular vet costs, so you may have to pay more out of pocket, but it’s worth it if your pet’s life is at risk.
2. Chat with a vet online
Thanks to technology, you have more options than ever before for reaching out to professionals. If you have access to the internet and cell service, you can always chat directly with a veterinarian through a veterinary telemedicine service like PangoVet. They may be able to video conference or use the chat feature to explain what’s going on with your pet. They often can’t provide a diagnosis or prescription, but they can tell you how to manage your pet yourself or if you should see them somewhere in person as soon as possible.
If you have pet insurance, this is often included as a feature of your plan, and your insurer can put you in touch with experts on standby to advise you on appropriate care at home, as well as how and when to take your pet to see a specialist.
💛 😺 Consult a vet online without leaving the comfort of your couch!
If you want to speak to a vet but can’t get there, PangobetThis is an online service. Consult a vet online Get the personalized advice your pet needs at an affordable price.
3. Call your vet
Your vet’s office or a nearby vet is always just a phone call away. If they can’t provide treatment, your vet may be able to give you some general advice over the phone. This may include treatments such as proper hydration, wound dressings, and other at-home solutions.
The final care will depend on the nature of the problem and the guidance of the specialist you consult. If you live far away from your regular veterinarian, you can still contact them by calling the office. Your veterinarian will be familiar with your pet and its current health condition and will be able to give you advice.
4. Call the hotline
There is a hotline you can call to ask questions about your pet. Pet Poisoning Helpline, ACK Veterinary College, Humane Society Pet Helpline The hotline is designed to assist in situations where emergency assistance is needed.
Give the professional as many details as you can. They may be able to give you advice on how to care for your pet at home, but they may also have other resources available to you. For example, there may be a veterinarian in your area who can make house calls. Don’t hesitate to use this resource as they can also advise you on other care options.
5. Contact a local or traveling veterinarian
If you live in a rural area without in-person vet care, you’re probably not alone. These areas often have traveling vets who can make house calls. Ask locals how they get vet care and they might be able to point you in the right direction.
This is commonly done for farm animals, but can also be useful for household pets such as cats and dogs. Remember that a home visit may cost a little extra, but in some situations it could be the difference between life and death.
Keep in mind that availability of traveling veterinarians varies depending on where you are.
How to help your pet at home
Do not attempt to treat your pet at home unless the situation is clear, but you can do so under the supervision of your veterinarian. If you call and they tell you how to treat your pet, follow their instructions. However, if your pet is very unwell and in pain, you should go directly to a veterinarian, regardless of the distance.
Conclusion
Getting to a vet can be a challenge. Whether you live in the countryside, are vacationing in nature, or are traveling to an area with fewer resources, accidents can happen.
It’s good to be prepared before an accident happens, but it’s also good to know all your options when you’re faced with a dilemma to ensure your pet’s care. Illness, disease, and injury can happen at any time. The only thing you can do is access the resources you’re given and follow the instructions you receive.
Featured image credit: SvetikovaV, Shutterstock
