We understand that it can be a stressful time for cat guardians when their cat suffers an unexpected emergency at a time when our clinic is not open. In order to help reduce that stress, and due to some changes in the way we will be handling after-hours emergencies, we would like to inform you of the current protocol you can expect should such a situation arise. Please be aware that many of the local veterinary clinics share this type of triage coverage.
Below are the steps required to access emergency service coverage. All emergency cases are required to be triaged similar to the human emergency system.
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If you have concerns and believe your pet is suffering from an urgent or emergency condition please contact our regular clinic phone number at 705-586-0414. If our clinic is not open at the time, please follow the instructions on the message and you will be directed to an emergency triage service. You will speak directly to an Ontario Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who will then discuss your cat's situation with you and ask you some basic questions. This step may take a few minutes to complete.
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If the RVT determines that your cat is suffering from a life threatening emergency and requires an in person examination right away, they will contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital and provide you with further instructions.
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If the RVT feels your cat's condition may be able to be handled without an in person emergency visit, they will assist you in setting up a virtual appointment with an Ontario based veterinarian. This means that the RVT does not feel your cat is currently suffering from an immediately life threatening condition.
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The RVT will aid you in setting up an account that meets the legal requirements for the provision of veterinary medicine in Ontario. Payment is accepted in the form of a Credit Card, Debit Card or e-transfer. This payment is required to proceed further though the triage process. This step may also take several minutes.
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You will now be in the scheduled queue for your virtual consultation. We understand that this wait can be stressful for owners. It is important to note that if your cat experiences a new symptom or change in condition during this wait you are able to contact the RVT again and your place in the queue may be reassessed. Otherwise please be patient and know that if your pet is waiting for a consultation that is a good thing! It means their emergency situation has not been deemed life threatening.
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During your virtual consultation, the veterinarian will further assess your cat. This may mean requesting a video or photos to aid in the process. This veterinarian may be able to prescribe certain medications for your cat which would allow you to avoid the unnecessary cost and travel time for an in person visit. Their records and treatment will be sent to us the next business day so that we can proceed with any follow up for further treatment required.
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At the end of your consultation, If the virtual veterinarian believes that your pet should be seen in clinic, they will arrange a transfer to the facility most suitable to your pet's expected level of care and provide you with further instructions. When a transfer is facilitated Smart.Vet will provide a reduced consultation fee.
We understand that this process is much different than the way most clients have previously accessed emergency service. However, as the demand for veterinary service increases these changes allow us to continue to provide care for our patients in the most effective and timely manner for pets facing critical emergencies. It also lowers the costs for urgent and emergency services which can be handled virtually.
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Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Triage & Emergency Care
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Direct line to SmartVet: 705-410-2131
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Visit SmartVet online at smartvet.ca
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For other non-urgent questions about accessing emergency care please drop us a line. Individual emails may not be answered however the FAQ will be updated based on pertinent questions: sudburycatvet+smartvet@gmail.com
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