Proudly serving our furry friends in Oklahoma and surrounding areas!
When there’s an emergency, you need a vet who’s available, period.
For many, we’re the closest emergency vet clinic that’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That’s why we make it our duty to not only serve Oklahoma, but also the surrounding areas, such as Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Colorado, and even New Mexico.
- We’re here for your pet's needs every day of the year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Day or night, you can give us a call knowing you’ll receive an answer.
Before arriving, you should go ahead and fill out any necessary paperwork, if you can. We offer these documents for free online for you to fill out at your own convenience. You should also bring proof of vaccinations and any relevant medical history records.
Yes, you can bring your dog or cat on a plane, as long as it meets airline requirements. However, these requirements can be fairly strict. While most may not have any specified pet size requirements, it becomes more and more difficult the larger the animal. It goes without saying that medium and large dog breeds simply cannot travel as a carry-on.
So we recommend avoiding flying with your pet if you can. Taking a car will be much more comfortable for your furry friend, especially if they are experiencing medical problems.
Some animals love rides in the car, while others can’t stand them. And if you’re traveling all the way in from out of state, it’s reasonable for you to have some concerns about how your pal will do on the trip.
The main thing is to make sure they are safe in the car and are allowed breaks about every two hours to relieve themselves, eat, and drink.
Generally, the answer is yes, you can sedate your pet for travel if you’re concerned about how they will handle the ride. There are various over-the-counter sedatives and motion-sickness medications available for cats and dogs at most pet supply stores. However, we recommend doing this only if it’s absolutely necessary in order to calm your companion.
Special Financing Options
No matter where you’re located, you’ll find compassionate care awaiting you here. Visit our centrally located Tulsa Surgical Location.
When Traveling Out of State to See a Vet is Necessary
Sometimes your dog or cat may need more advanced veterinary care than what your local vet clinic is able to offer.
Maybe your pet has been having medical issues that can’t seem to be resolved by other clinicians. Your poor pooch or kitty has had to undergo various medical tests, attempt multiple lifestyle changes, and try several medicines, but nothing seems to be helping them get back to normal. If this is the case, speaking with our Internal Medicine Specialist may help.
Or maybe your local vet doesn’t offer the same services we do, such as dermatology (treatments for skin conditions) or ophthalmology (treatments for eye conditions). These specialized treatments are harder to find, but still necessary for certain medical issues such as skin rashes, vision problems, and even some types of cancer.
You may even find yourself in a situation where your pet needs a more complicated procedure. Not all vet clinics offer every kind of surgery, so traveling out of state might be necessary to give your cat or dog the treatment they need. Or maybe you just want to make sure you choose a veterinarian you know you can trust to ensure your friend gets the quality of care they deserve. Either way, we’re here for you and your companion.
In other circumstances, it might be that your pet needs emergency medical attention and we’re the only vet clinic open, available, and able to provide the services they need right then.
Whatever your reason for your visit, we’re here for you day or night, rain or shine, weekends and holidays. Whether you’re coming from Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, or even somewhere further out, our doors are always open.
We believe compassionate care makes all the difference, and we can’t wait to see what we can do to better your furry friend’s quality of life.
How to Prepare for Your Visit to Oklahoma Vet
If you’re coming in from out of state, there are a few things you should do to prepare for your pet’s visit to the vet.
Firstly, if it’s not a medical emergency, be sure to schedule an appointment with us before showing up. If it is an emergency and you’re several hours out, it will still be beneficial to call us ahead of time to let us know you’re coming. This way, we can have a better idea of what to expect and better prepare for tending to your pet’s needs. Don’t worry though, if you can’t find time to call us before you show up, we’ll make sure your pet still gets the highest quality of care there is.
You can also go ahead and start filling out the necessary paperwork so you don’t have to do it where you get here. You can fill it out online here. Make sure you have any necessary vaccine and medical records with you as well when you come in.
When it comes to traveling in from out of state to bring your pet to us, we recommend taking a car in favor of a plane, if you can. This is because airlines tend to have strict requirements about traveling with pets, and ultimately, being in a car will be more comfortable for your companion. And, some airlines won’t allow pets with certain medical conditions on the plane, so it’s best to play it safe and take a car if the option is there. If you must take a plane, don’t let that hinder you from visiting us. There are ways to make the trip more comfortable for everyone.
Traveling with Your Pet by Plane
Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying. Generally, you must present a health certificate from the last 10 days in order for your pet to be permitted to fly. You’ll also need to provide valid proof of rabies vaccination. Be sure to contact the airline well in advance for specific regulations and to secure your pet’s reservation. This will help you avoid potential issues upon boarding the plane.
Also try to book a nonstop, midweek flight and avoid plane changes if possible to make it easier on your pet. During warm weather, choose early morning or late evening flights to keep your companion from getting too hot. In colder months, aim for midday flights to avoid freezing temperatures as much as possible. Make it a priority to arrive at the airport early so you have enough time to walk your pet, make sure they’re comfortable, and ensure there are no issues.
Last but not least, you’ll need to make sure your pet has a good transport crate for the flight. You can get these at most pet shops and airlines, but make sure they meet the following criteria:
- Be large enough to allow the animal to stand (without touching the top of the cage), turn around, and lie down.
- Be strong and free of interior protrusions, with handles or grips.
- Have a leakproof bottom that is covered with plenty of absorbent material.
- Be purchased in advance so the pet can become acclimated to the crate prior to travel.
- Be appropriately and clearly labeled. Include your name, home address, home phone number, and destination contact information, as well as a designation of “Live Animals,” with arrows indicating the crate’s upright position.
- Be ventilated on opposite sides, with exterior rims and knobs so that airflow is not impeded.
Tips for Traveling with Pets in the Car
If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, we recommend that you take them for a few short rides before your trip. Be sure to make it a positive experience by giving them lots of treats and positive attention.
Try to stick to their regular feeding routine and give the main meal at the end of the day or when you reach your destination. Dry food is more convenient for on-the-road, but if your pet has a sensitive stomach or can’t eat dry food, then be sure any wet food you bring along stays cool after you open it by putting it in a cooler with ice. The last thing you want is to give your pal spoiled food!
Make sure they also get plenty of water during the trip. There are many places you can stop to get bottled water, but it’s always best to keep a big jug with you just in case.
During your trip, try to stop about every two hours to let your pet stretch its legs and get a bite to eat and drink.
Most dogs do just fine sitting in a seat of the car, but some will need to be crated for the ride to prevent injuries. If your dog can’t seem to settle down after a few minutes or is distracting you from your driving, you should put them in a carrier. Either way, make sure you remember to bring a leash so you can walk your dog every couple of hours.
Cats should also be put in a carrier for travel. They generally don’t do as well as dogs on trips, so putting them in a cage or crate will help them feel more safe and comfortable. It will also prevent them from getting in the way of your driving.
If you must leave your pet in a parked car at any point, be sure to lock all doors, park in a shady area, and open windows wide enough to provide ventilation without enabling your pet to jump out or get its head caught. Be aware of weather conditions and don’t leave your pet in a parked car when the temperature and/or humidity are high or when temperatures are near or below freezing.
So, whether you come here by car or plane, there are steps you can take to make sure your furry friend is comfortable. If you have any additional questions, contact us anytime. No matter where you’re coming in from, we can’t wait to have you here.