My pet is sick. Do I need to go to a vet?

Many times it is tough as a pet owner to know when your animal needs to go to see a doctor and when it is okay for them to stay home.   We understand this so we encourage everyone to call us at 410-420-7297 if you have any questions about your pet's health.  We are here to answer any questions 24-7.

The following is a short list of common emergencies that must be seen as soon as possible:

• Breathing problems
• Excessive Bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Hit by car
• Pale white colored gums
• Eye injuries
• Bleeding birds
• Prolonged vomiting
• Neurological abnormalities (seizures, paralysis, circling, etc.)
• Male cats straining to urinate or not producing urine (see our Urinary Obstruction page)
• Non- productive retching and/or distended (bloated) abdomens especially in large breed dogs (see our Canine Bloat page)
• Heat stroke
• Vomiting blood
• Toxin Ingestion  (see our toxins to your pet page)
• Dystocia (see our Pregnancy & Puppy / Kitten Care Tab)
  
  

Please call us if your animal isn't acting normally and you need advice.   More questions? Go to veterinarypartner.com.  This website is very helpful and may answer many of your pet owner questions.

You can also check out our Resources / Pet Information Tab

Need your regular vet's phone number / address?  See our Maryland Veterinarians link!

What types of animals does Animal Emergency Hospital see?

Here at Animal Emergency Hospital we see a wide variety of pets. 
     - Dogs
     - Cats
Many of our doctors will see (please call and ask): 
     - Birds
     - Small exotic mammal species such as:
             -Hamsters
             -Guinea Pigs
             -Sugar Gliders
             -Ferrets
             -Rabbits
             -Hedgehogs
             -Chinchillas
Animals we do not treat: Fish, Large animals (goats, horses, cows, etc)

How much is the emergency exam fee?

The emergency exam fee is 110 dollars.   Additional costs are determined according to what is happening with your pet’s condition and these costs will be provided to you in a written estimate. Payment is due at the time services are rendered.

What type of payment do you accept?

Our hospital accepts: Cash, VISA, Mastercard, Discover and Care Credit
We do not accept: American Express

What is Care Credit?

Care Credit is what we offer as a payment plan for those families that can not afford to pay all the medial expenses up front. It is the only monthly payment plan we offer. It offers no interest or low interest plans.  Care Credit is a medical credit card offered through GE. It is accepted by many veterinary, dental, and cosmetic medical offices. The card offers varying payment options with low interest or interest free payment options. You can apply at home.
To apply or for more information please visit www.carecredit.com

Am I allowed to visit with my pet in the hospital?

Yes!  You are more than welcome to spend some quality time with your pet and you can even come back into ICU to see where they are staying.  Please do try to call and let the staff when you want to come in to visit.  Please be aware that there may be times you will have to wait to be brought in to visit your pet regardless of calling ahead. This is usually due to an unforeseen emergency and our staff will attend to your visit as soon as is safely possible.

I found a stray dog / cat. What do I do?

Call Animal Control and report the stray.  You are encouraged to not attempt to pick up or handle any stray animal due to the risk of being bitten / scratched.   Remember most strays do not have vaccines and can possibly be carrying diseases such as rabies.   Do not risk your own health. 

Animal Control of Harford County:   410-638-3505
Office Hours...

• Animal Control Services 7:00am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday

• 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturday and Sunday (limited staffing, no office staff, voice mail only, leave message. NOTE: tape is read hourly).

Animal Control Officers work assigned 24-hour emergency duty daily. For a bite, injury or vicious dog situation, contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office 410.838.6600 after hours.

Animal Control of Baltimore County: 410-887-5961
The Animal Control Division has officers available to respond to emergencies around the clock seven days a week.

• Regular Services: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Adoption Visiting Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Animal Shelter Lost Pet Search: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After business hours, call Animal Control for instruction or call 911 for emergencies involving animals.

If a stray is injured and Animal Control is not available:
We do accept injured strays at our hospital for treatment.  After a stray is surrendered you will no longer be able to receive any information about the animal, the treatment it receives, or its condition.  Call us at 410-420-7297 to let us know you are bringing a stray in.   Since we are not a shelter, we can not accept any strays that are not injured.  However, we will happily scan any stray for a microchip so you can easily find the owner.

For local humane societies/ shelters/ rescues phone numbers please see our Pet Information Links page      
                       

I found injured wildlife. What do I do?

Call Animal Control and report the wildlife.  You are encouraged to not attempt to pick up or handle any wild animal due to health risk.   Remember wildlife carry many dangerous diseases such as rabies.   Do not risk your own health.   Animal Control numbers are listed above.

If wildlife is injured and Animal Control is not available:
We do accept injured wildlife at our hospital.   Call us at 410-420-7297 to let us know you are bringing an animal in.  After wildlife is surrendered you will no longer be able to receive any information about the animal, the treatment it receives, or its condition.

I found a baby bird/deer/rabbit /other wildlife and I do not see its mother. What do I do?

Do not touch the animal.  Due to human scent on the babies mothers may abandon their young.  Wildlife mothers cannot be with their young constantly, however, that does not mean they are not taken care of.  Animals such as rabbits will spend only a few hours a day with their young.  With you standing nearby the mother will not return.   The best thing to do?  Leave them exactly how you found them.  If you picked them up then put them back.  Most wildlife young do not survive in captivity so do not try to attempt to raise them yourself.  If you are not sure what to do call your local animal control or wildlife rescue.