Pet Emergency Tips & Services in Banff & Canmore
A pet emergency is a scary situation. Seeing your family pet in distress can cause panic and a feeling of helplessness. Getting your pet to a veterinarian as quickly as possible is important, but when you’re on vacation and visiting somewhere new, you likely don’t have a clinic on speed dial.
Fortunately, there are great vet clinics nearby when you stay in Banff and Canmore. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Knowing the signs of a pet emergency helps pet owners act quickly and potentially save their pet’s life.
- Common pet emergencies include breathing difficulties, seizures, poisoning, traumatic injuries, and sudden collapse.
- If a pet emergency occurs, owners should remove the pet from danger, call a veterinarian immediately, and transport the pet safely.
- Banff does not have emergency veterinary clinics; the nearest options are in Canmore, about 20 minutes away.
- Canmore has several well-regarded veterinary clinics offering emergency and urgent pet care.
- Mobile and in-home veterinary emergency services are available in Canmore, including after-hours care.
- Travelling with pets requires preparation, including leashes, medical supplies, vaccination records, and regular breaks.
How to Prevent a Pet Emergency When Travelling
Travelling with your pet can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important that you prepare in advance so you can do your best to avoid situations that could put your dog in danger.
A few small steps can go a long way towards preventing a pet emergency.
- Bring a proper leash: This is especially important in the Canadian Rockies, where wildlife can pose a real danger to your pet.
- Bring medical supplies: If your pet needs medicine, make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip.
- Bring vaccination records: This can be useful for veterinarians if emergency care is needed.
You should also make sure you plan to take lots of breaks as you make your trip to Canmore or Banff so that your pet can get the exercise it needs, relieve itself and drink lots of water.
Pet Emergencies in Banff & Canmore
What Is Classed as a Pet Emergency?
When it comes to your family pet, even small medical issues can feel like major emergencies. As a general rule, though, a pet emergency is considered to be anything where your animal’s life, health or long-term wellbeing is at risk. If you’re on a trip with your pet, it’s no different than if you were at home. If your pet needs urgent, immediate medical care, it’s considered an emergency.
Pet emergencies can include:
- Respiratory difficulty
- Bleeding or traumatic injury
- Sudden collapses or loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Broken bones
- Poisoning
That’s just a short list. There are many other medical situations that can qualify as a pet emergency, and you should always try to get your dog to a veterinarian as quickly as possible if they occur.
How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost in Canada?
This depends on the type of treatment required, but an initial emergency consultation can cost between $150 and $300, while emergency surgery can cost up to $5,000.
While you can call several different veterinary clinics to compare prices, in emergency situations, most people just want to get their pets the care they need as quickly as possible. Costs can add up quickly, which is why many pet owners choose to pay for insurance to help cover the costs when emergencies do arrive.
What to Do in a Pet Emergency
Seeing your animal in medical distress can be extremely difficult, but it’s important that you do not panic. Your pet needs your help, so it’s important that you do your best to stay calm, assess the situation and act quickly.
- Remove your pet from danger: If they’ve been attacked by another animal, get them out of the area quickly. If they’re injured or are reacting to something in the area, move them away.
- Call a vet: You’ll want to get your animal to a veterinarian as quickly as possible, but call before you leave where you are. The clinic may be able to provide you with useful advice or instructions on how you can help your pet right away.
- Transport them safely: You’ll want to get your pet to the vet clinic quickly, but make sure they’re safe and comfortable during the trip. Bring a blanket or a crate. A pet emergency isn’t easy for anyone, but keeping your pet as comfortable as possible is important.
- Bring medical records: If you have your animal’s vaccination history or a record of medications they’ve taken, bring it along. This can help vets.
Signs of a Pet Emergency
In some cases, an emergency can be easy to spot. In others, you may not realize your pet is in trouble right away. The sooner you can identify an issue, the faster you can get them the care they need.
Some symptoms that can be a sign of a pet emergency include:
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Exhaustion
- Sudden collapse
- Aggression
Who Do We Call If We Have a Pet Emergency?
You likely have a veterinarian you visit regularly at home, but if you’re visiting Banff or Canmore, you’ll need to find a clinic in the case of a pet emergency.
Emergency Pet Hospitals in Banff
Unfortunately, if you have a pet emergency in Banff, you will need to make the 20-minute drive to Canmore for veterinary care. There are several clinics in Canmore that offer high-quality veterinary care for pets. Calgary is about an hour and 20 minutes by car, too, and there are 24-hour veterinary clinics in the city that can assist, as well.
Emergency Pet Hospitals in Canmore
If you have a pet emergency in Canmore, there are several highly-regarded veterinary clinics in town that can help your pet. Each of them comes with a great reputation, and you can feel like your pet is in safe hands and will get the best care possible.
Are There In-Home Care Options?
Mountain Vet Care has a mobile unit that will come directly to your home or hotel if needed, including in after-hours situations. Their pet ambulance can bring ultrasound and pharmacy equipment directly to your home.
Bring Your Pet on Your Next Rocky Mountain Vacation
Canmore is an incredibly pet-friendly destination. There are doggy daycares, amazing off-leash areas and incredible hikes you can bring your dog on. There are also several exceptional vet clinics, so you can feel safe in the knowledge that in the case of a pet emergency, you can find the care your four-legged friend needs.
Staying at a pet-friendly hotel like the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre makes a trip to the Canadian Rockies even better, and your pet will receive a comfortable bed, treats and a bowl for water and food when you arrive.
Travel with confidence and book your stay at Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, where you and your pet can enjoy a comfortable, pet-friendly home base in the Rockies.
FAQ
Is wildlife a threat to pets in Canmore?
If you take precautions, your pet will generally be safe in Canmore. The area is home to grizzly bears and cougars, though, so it’s important that you always keep your dog on a leash unless they are in a designated off-leash area.
Is Canmore pet-friendly?
Absolutely. While a pet emergency can happen anywhere, Canmore is a great place to bring your pet, and there are lots of pet-friendly activities.