How to Take an Animal to a Veterinarian

Almost every pet has to be taken to see a veterinarian during its lifetime. This article will explain how to successfully and safely transport any animal both to and from a veterinarian's office.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An appointment with a local veterinarian
• Directions to the veterinarian's facility
• Your pet
• A cage or enclosed area in which to transport your pet
• Travel containers for food and water
• A list of all pet medications, foods, and treats

1. The first thing you must do in order to take one of your pets to see a veterinarian is to make an appointment. You can do this by looking a veterinarian's office phone number up in a phone book or by calling up a friend for a local facility number. After you have the number, call the office and the receptionist will guide you through the appointment set-up process. Pay special attention to the instructions the receptionist gives you towards the end of the call because some facilities require special attention for your appointment time.

2. Before the day of the appointment, find a cage or enclosed box in which your pet could be transported in. If you do not have one available, try shopping at a local store for a cheap travel cage. These pet travel cages are usually the safest way of transporting your pet to and from the veterinarian's office.

3. On the day of the appointment, place your pet in the desired cage or enclosed box for transport. Upon doing this, place the pet in back-side first so the pet is not startled by being placed in a dark, enclosed space. Give the pet a favorite toy or blanket and give it about 10-15 minutes of time to get used to their cage or enclosed box. While the pet is getting acclimated, place a little bit of food and water in small travel containers for your pet.

4. Move the pet from your living area to your vehicle. Always keep the cage or enclosed box where the pet's feet are face-down. Never turn the cage or enclosed box upside-down for this can cause injury to your pet. Never tilt or shake the cage or enclosed box, either. This can also cause injury to your pet. If it is cold outside, place a blanket over any openings to make sure your pet does not catch a chill.

5. Place your pet either securely on the floor of your vehicle or on a seat with a seatbelt. If the pet is on a seat, always secure the seatbelt around the cage to ensure that the cage cannot move off the seat. Do not place anything on or around the cage that could fly off while the vehicle is moving.

6. When you get to the veterinarian's office, take the pet immediately inside with you and listen to the receptionist's instructions. Give the receptionist your list of medications, food, and treats and provide your pet with any needed food or water from your travel containers. Follow the receptionist's and veterinarian's instructions from there.

7. In order to take the pet from the veterinarian's office back home, repeat steps 3-6.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible when being transported to a veterinarian's office. The less stressed your pet is, the more worthwhile your visit to the veterinarian will be.
• Always watch your pet for signs of stress and avoid any situations in which your pet is extremely uncomfortable.