When an unexpected turn happens in your pets life, it can be heartbreaking. Emergency vet care is expensive! However, many programs have been set into place to help animals and their owners in times of need, financially. Hopefully this article will have you prepared on what you can do to make your pet most comfortable and get them the care they need as soon as possible!

First, know where your nearest emergency vet is and have their phone number saved in your phone, on the fridge, or somewhere easily accessible. For small pets, you should have a carrier to make transport easier and more stress free. Next, know the number for animal poison control. The number for ASPCA is (888) 426-4435, have your credit card ready to pay a possible consultation fee. Often, when animals consume something they are not supposed to, it can be treated at home.

Another step you can take to quicken the process of emergency care is to apply for a Care credit card. Care Credit is not only great for pet emergencies but, also personal medical emergencies! Care Credit can be used for a variety of things for your pet as well including: annual check-ups, spay and neutering, teeth cleaning, parasites, dermatology, rehab, medication, diagnostics, emergency services, care of chronic pet diseases and conditions, vaccinations, microchipping, pet food and nutrition, and surgical procedures. They have a great program that allows you to pay a minimum payment interest free for 6,8,12 and sometimes 24 months after the purchase. You can apply for Care Credit at http://www.carecredit.com/apply/.

Some vets will take payments, however, finding one that does is difficult. Another option would be asking the vet to open a donation account for your pet. Sharing your animal on social media with a vet estimate and a direct vet phone number will encourage people to donate. Unfortunately, many people get scammed with sob stories of injured or sick pets. Vet estimates and direct phone number will ensure the money is going to the care of the animal.

In Largo, the Community Veterinary Hospital has two options of payments, Care Credit and iCare. Care credit is based on credit, however, iCare is not. iCare expects you to pay 30% of the entire bill upfront. The rest can be paid up to 18 months interest free. The client is required to have an open valid checking account and the payment is deducted from the account on the same day each month. For more info, check out their website at http://www.communityveterinaryhospital.com/homepag.... or call at (727)531-5752.

The Humane Society also has a program called the Save-A-Pet Medical Fund. This program is for pets who are in need of emergency care, however, their owners cannot afford it. You can call and apply at 813-870-3304, proof of financial hardship is required. For more information, check out their website at http://humanesocietytampa.org/save-a-pet/. They are always in need of donations for this program.

For animals that were adopted from HCAS, there are two programs for medical issues. These programs are great because, a lot of pet owners do not want to have to deal with the expenses of health issues so it allows sick animals to be more likely to get adopted. The two programs include Friends of HCAS and Jagger's Dream. To see if your pet qualifies, read the guidelines here http://www.friendsofhcas.org/our-programs/medical-.... They are always in need of sponsors and donations as well.

Another precaution that can be done is putting a sticker on a window closest to your door notifying emergency personnel of the animals in the house hold. In the event of a fire, fire fighters will know how many animals were in the house. Stickers and a magnet with poison control number can be ordered for free at: https://secure.aspca.org/form/free-pet-safety-pack

Lastly, take a pet CPR and first aid class! The time from when you get your pet from the accident to the vet is crucial! If the animal is bleeding and you can stop or slow the bleeding, this can save a lot of time for your pet. A course can teach you how to care for your pet and stay calm in emergency situations. It can also teach you how to take your pets vitals, check their gums, and warn you of possible dangers for your pet. I loved my course at http://www.pethealthacademy.com/content/Default.as.... Good luck to you and your furry friends!