A pet emergency requires calm, quick action. First, secure your own safety and remove the pet from any ongoing danger such as traffic, toxins, or aggressive animals. Restrain an injured animal gently with a towel or blanket to prevent biting driven by pain and fear.

Call your emergency veterinarian or the nearest 24-hour animal hospital immediately. If you suspect poisoning, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Have your pet's weight, species, and the substance or situation details ready before calling.

For bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth and elevate the wound above the heart if possible. Do not apply a tourniquet unless trained. For choking, look inside the mouth carefully; remove visible objects only if you can do so without pushing them deeper. For seizures, move furniture away, dim lights, and time the episode without restraining the animal.

If the pet is unconscious and not breathing, you can attempt rescue breathing by closing the mouth and breathing gently into the nostrils, giving one breath every three to five seconds for small animals. Check for a heartbeat on the left side of the chest behind the elbow.

Never give human medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as these are toxic to most pets. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinarian or poison control.

Keep your emergency vet's number, your pet's medical records, and a basic first aid kit accessible at all times. Practice locating the nearest emergency clinic before a crisis occurs so you are not searching while panicked.