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How to use our Out of Hours Emergency Service by calling 020 8300 8111 or 0845 543 8492.
These are the things to think about before you call the vet:
- Is it really an emergency?
- If your pet truly suffering or is its life in danger?
- If it is or you are genuinely unsure please call us.
Please don't just go to your local Parkvets veterinary clinic - it will probably be closed. The emergency service is run from the Parkvets Veterinary Hospital in Foots Cray, Sidcup.
If you have not been to the veterinary hospital at Foots Craybefore make sure you get directions or input the address 53-55 Maidstone Road, Foots Cray, DA14 5HB into your tom-tom.
When you call us a Parkvets nurse will answer the phone and help you determine whether to come into the hospital. They may refer to the on-call vet at this piont or they may simply suggest you come straight in. They will want to know:
What's wrong? When did it start? Has it worsened?
If the vet thinks that your pet's condition is urgent but not life threatening you will be advised of the costs and give you the opportunity to decide whether you feel your pet can wait until the normal consultation hours to be seen. Charges for our out of hours consultations range from £112 - £140 depending on the time. Please ensure you bring a method of payment with you.
If your pet has a major problem or injury be prepared to make some urgent decisions.
Emergencies to call immediately about are:
- Poisoning - if possible identify the poison and keep any packaging. The vet can then contact the Veterinary Poisons Unit for advice while you are on your way to us.
- Road Traffic Accidents - a severely injured animal can usually be moved safely and quickly. It is always best to speak to the vet for advice if you are unsure. If it is safe to do so have as many helpers as possible to pick up the pet and bring it to the hospital as quickly as possible after contacting the duty vet.
- Bloat or Gastric Dilation - if your dog's stomach swells up then ring the vet so that they can see you as soon as possible to check.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea with or without blood.
- Breathing difficulties
- Any other condition that appears to be making your pet acutely ill.
Late Night Consultations
Parkvets run late night consultations up until 9.30 p.m. If you're getting worried about your pet during the evening ring then have it seen straight away in a normal consultation. Leaving it until the early morning hours means a delay in treatment and significant extra cost.
And Finally
Providing an effective 24-hour emergency service is all part of the veterinary profession's service and no vet would begrudge their time to help an emergency case. At Parkvets you will always be seen by one of our own vets and your pet will be cared for by our own nursing staff 24 hours a day.
