The "back-up" vet
I know it's a wise idea to have a back-up vet for pet emergencies and I'm wondering what the best way to handle this situation is.
Short back-story... I live on the Canadian side of the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie. A 10-minute drive away is the American side.
I really prefer the American vets to the ones in our city. They're much friendlier, more compassionate and waaaay cheaper. I've been bringing my pet degus to one veterinary office in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan that is absolutely wonderful, and I plan on taking my puppy there too.
The trouble is, I know that I should also have access to a vet in my city, if there's ever an emergency where I don't have time to cross the International bridge (It can be a 30-60min wait).
BUT... It seems like all the Sault Canada vets are slightly... heartless. They refuse you business if you're not their #1 vet. I've heard horror stories from fellow Sault Canadians who had dying dogs (one ripped off part of her paw and the other ingested something very toxic) and were desperately trying to find a vet who would help. EVERY single Canadian vet turned them down. The dog with the ripped paw managed to get across the bridge in time to see an American vet, but the poisoned dog was not so lucky.
I'm still planning on approaching some clinics in town to ask if they'd be willing to act as a back-up vet, but I'm expecting a no.
Has anyone else run into trouble like this? Do you have a "back-up" vet?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ludi on
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Is there such thing as Yelp for Canadian veterinary doctors? Perhaps you could look there for reviews from owners that aren't just the "regulars". I would be mortified if someone turned down Ace in an emergency situation.
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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on
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If you have a great Vet you've been working with, I would discuss this with him/her. My solution would be to use the Vet close to you for routine shots and your other vet for any medical problems, letting your current Vet know about it so they will not expect you going for shots) and saying nothing to the other one. In time you may even get to liking both Vets :-)
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Permalink Reply by Julia on
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Are there any specialized "Emergency" vet clinics? These type of clinics don't expect to be used for routine matters. Where I live, in Wisconsin, vets hand out the Emergency clinic phone numbers on magnets, for use after-hours. What do Canadian vets tell their clients to do late at night when their clinic is closed?
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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on
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Yes, it largely depends on where you live of course, most vets have direct contact with emergency vets in the area.
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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Our vet is also a large animal vet with a "Dr. on call at all times" I have never had to wait more than maybe 20 minutes for a call back and I figure that by the time I was on my way they would be calling me back...good luck BUT I would try to find an emergancy vet if that would be the case...what a bummer!
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Hi Janna,
I don't know any vets that would turn away business, it makes no business sense, emergency cases makes great money, it is not a cash only business after all, not every vet takes pro bono cases.
I also don't believe that Sault Canada has no good vets, wouldn't they be out of business by now? Take what you hear with a grain of salt, that's how rumour started.
I wouldn't put a back up vet in the same category as an emergency vet, ER vet charges a much higher rate, you also don't go there for routine stuff. A backup vet should be younger in age, someone who you can talk to and take an active interest in your dog. There's no short cut in finding a vet, it takes time.
There's 3 vets in this particular clinic that I go to, the head vet is older, experienced, but not personable, he felt challenged dealing with a younger PA, not open to discussing treatment plan. The female vet is ok, reasonable experience, a textbook vet through and through. The youngest vet is very personable, bonds with my dog, gentle, he has the least experience, but he discuss his cases with the other two, he went above and beyond for me, stayed at the clinic for 6 hours after closing, just so I can get back in town and pick up my dog's rx. He call me personally at 11pm at night to check on my dog. He has a good network of specialty vets in town, not afraid to ask questions among his peers, post questions in professional forum, respect my medical background and include me in making treatment decisions. That's a good vet in my book.
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