Practical tips

Money tips

• Ask your regular vet whether they can see urgent cases during the day, which may cost less than an emergency clinic.
• Ask whether follow-up rechecks can be done at your regular vet.
• Ask for written prescriptions to compare pharmacy prices.
• Read financing terms carefully before you sign.

Insurance tips

• Read your policy's exclusions and waiting periods now.
• Keep digital copies of invoices and records for claims.
• Note your claim deadline; many policies have one.
• Ask the clinic if they can send records directly to your insurer.

Prevention tips

• Keep medicines, chocolate, grapes, xylitol gum and cleaning products out of reach.
• Keep up with vaccines and parasite prevention.
• Pet-proof areas where your pet spends time alone.
• Learn your pet's normal breathing and behavior so you notice changes.