OVERVIEW
The Emergency Veterinary Transport Procedure establishes a written emergency plan for situations in which a pet requires immediate veterinary evaluation or emergency medical care during grooming or pet care services.
The SOP explains how businesses should prepare before an emergency by identifying primary and secondary veterinary hospitals, maintaining emergency contact information, establishing transportation roles, keeping supplies accessible, and ensuring employees understand their responsibilities. It also outlines the actions to take when emergency veterinary care is required, including stopping grooming, notifying management and the owner, contacting the veterinary hospital, and following the approved emergency transport plan.
The procedure also covers safe transport, factual owner communication, documentation, staff training, and regular emergency preparedness.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- How to establish a primary and secondary emergency veterinary plan.
- What medical and emergency information should be identified before services begin.
- How to respond when immediate veterinary care is required.
- How to establish clear employee roles during emergency transport.
- How to prepare the veterinary hospital before arrival when possible.
- How to transport a pet calmly, securely, quickly, and safely.
- What information and documentation should accompany the pet.
- How to communicate factual information to the owner.
- How to document the emergency timeline and transport decision.
- How to prepare and train staff for emergency scenarios.
BUSINESS BENEFITS
This SOP creates a standardized framework for emergency veterinary transport and preparedness. It helps establish clear responsibilities for management, staff, owner communication, paperwork, transportation, and veterinary contact before an emergency occurs. It also supports consistent documentation of observations, actions, communications, transportation decisions, and final disposition. Regular staff preparation and emergency scenario practice help employees understand where emergency resources are located, who has authority to make decisions, and what role they have during an emergency.
RECOMMENDED FOR
- Groomers
- Bathers
- Grooming Assistants
- Front Desk Staff
- Salon Owners
- Managers
- Mobile Groomers
- Veterinary Grooming Departments
- Training Staff
IMPLEMENTATION NOTES
Implement this SOP before an emergency occurs by selecting primary and secondary veterinary hospitals, posting emergency contact information and directions, verifying client emergency authorizations, stocking the first aid kit, maintaining transport supplies, and assigning staff roles. Ensure employees know the emergency procedure and periodically practice emergency scenarios. When transport is required, stop grooming, notify management and the owner, contact the veterinary hospital when possible, and follow the approved transport plan. Use the related Incident Report Form and Emergency Veterinary Transport Checklist as applicable, while ensuring documentation does not delay urgent veterinary care.
