When a pet emergency happens, the last thing you want is to be scrambling for a phone number, a carrier, or the address of an emergency clinic. Spring is a good time for Surrey pet families to refresh their emergency plan, update their supplies, and make sure every household member knows what to do if something goes wrong. At Mainland Animal Emergency Clinic, we have served Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Delta, and the Fraser Valley since 2007 with after-hours and weekend emergency care. This guide walks through what every pet family should have ready before an emergency happens. Pet emergency preparedness takes only a few minutes but can save precious time when every minute counts.
Know the Signs That Require Immediate Care
The first step in any emergency plan is recognizing what qualifies as an emergency. Signs that warrant an immediate call to an emergency veterinary clinic include difficulty breathing, sudden collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected toxin ingestion, inability to urinate, trauma such as being hit by a vehicle, severe vomiting or diarrhea, bloat or distended abdomen, heatstroke, and any sudden change in consciousness. When in doubt, call. Our team can help you decide whether to head in or monitor at home.
Keep Emergency Numbers in a Visible Place
Save these numbers in every household member’s phone and post them on the fridge. Your regular veterinarian’s daytime number. Mainland Animal Emergency Clinic at (604) 588-4000 for after-hours and weekend emergencies. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre at 1-888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). If you have a pet sitter, dog walker, or family member who cares for your pet, make sure they also have these numbers. A few seconds saved by having the number already in hand can matter in an emergency.
Assemble a Pet First Aid Kit
A simple pet first aid kit should include gauze, non-stick bandages, medical tape, blunt-tipped scissors, tweezers for tick and splinter removal, a digital rectal thermometer (normal pet temperature is approximately 38 to 39.2 degrees Celsius), a muzzle appropriate for your pet (injured pets may bite even loved ones), an eye wash solution, and a sturdy leash. Include a small supply of your pet’s regular medications if applicable. Keep the kit in an accessible place and bring it along on hikes and road trips.
Have a Safe Transport Plan
Transporting an injured or sick pet safely is a critical step. Keep a secure carrier for cats and small dogs. For larger dogs, keep a spare blanket or towel in the car that can be used as a makeshift stretcher. A second adult is helpful for transport, so identify a neighbour or friend who could accompany you in an emergency. Know the route from your home to our clinic at 15338 Fraser Highway in Surrey before you need it. GPS can fail under stress.
Keep a Current Health Record
When you arrive at an emergency clinic, our team will ask about your pet’s medical history, current medications, vaccinations, allergies, and any pre-existing conditions. Keeping a digital health record on your phone – or a printed summary in your pet first aid kit – saves time and helps the team make the best decisions. Include your regular veterinarian’s contact information, your pet’s date of birth, microchip number, and a current photo. Dr. Dhaliwal, Dr. Malhotra, and our team can move faster when they have this information on hand.
Spring-Specific Preparedness Considerations
Spring introduces specific risks worth planning for. Review which houseplants are in your home and identify any that are toxic. Store garden and lawn products, including rodenticides and slug bait, in pet-proof locations. Check fences and gates before the first backyard play sessions of the year. If you are visiting beaches, trails, or parks, bring extra fresh water and a first aid kit. Photograph any product packaging if your pet has a possible exposure, so the emergency team can identify the active ingredient quickly.
Have a Financial Plan
Emergency veterinary care can be costly, particularly if diagnostics, surgery, or overnight hospitalization are needed. Consider pet insurance or a dedicated emergency savings fund. Some credit options are available through third-party lenders. Talking through the financial side of an emergency plan ahead of time – not during a crisis – helps families make decisions calmly and confidently. Our team will always walk you through the options before proceeding with treatment, so you can make an informed choice.
You Are Not Alone After Hours
Mainland Animal Emergency Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 5 PM to 8 AM, and 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays. Dr. Dhaliwal, Dr. Malhotra, our registered veterinary technicians, and our support team are here when your regular veterinarian is closed. Every case is triaged on arrival. We stabilize first, communicate clearly, and walk you through every option. Call (604) 588-4000 before heading in so our team can prepare.
| Prepare your family for a pet emergency before it happens. Save (604) 588-4000 in your phone now. After-hours weeknights | 24 hours on weekends and holidays | 15338 Fraser Highway, Surrey. |
| FAQ – SPRING PET EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS |
Q: What should be in a basic pet first aid kit?
A: A basic pet first aid kit should include gauze, non-stick bandages, medical tape, blunt-tipped scissors, tweezers, a digital thermometer, a muzzle, eye wash solution, a sturdy leash, a small supply of regular medications, and a copy of your pet’s health record. Keep it in an accessible location and bring it on trips.
Q: Do I need to call before bringing my pet to Mainland Animal Emergency Clinic?
A: Calling ahead at (604) 588-4000 is strongly encouraged so our team can prepare for your arrival. However, walk-ins are accepted during open hours: Monday through Friday 5 PM to 8 AM, and 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays. No referral is required.
Q: What information should I bring to an emergency visit?
A: Bring your pet’s medical history, a list of current medications, vaccination records if available, and any packaging from a suspected toxin or medication. Also bring your regular veterinarian’s contact information so our team can coordinate care. A current photo and microchip number are helpful as well.
| This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet’s health. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, contact Mainland Animal Emergency Clinic at (604) 588-4000. |