Pet Emergencies
What to do when things go wrong. Stay prepared and know how to handle emergency situations.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, take the pet to the emergency vet immediately.
Types of Emergencies
Medical Emergency
EXAMPLES:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Collapse or unconsciousness
- Suspected poisoning
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Action: Take the pet to the emergency vet immediately
Lost Pet
EXAMPLES:
- Pet escaped from home
- Pet ran off during walk
- Cannot find pet in the house
- Gate or door left open
Action: Search immediately, then contact host and local services
Property Emergency
EXAMPLES:
- Water leak or flood
- Power outage
- Break-in or security issue
- Heating/cooling failure
Action: Secure the property and contact the host
What to Do in an Emergency
Stay Calm
Take a deep breath. Pets can sense your stress, and staying calm helps you think clearly.
Assess the Situation
Determine if it's a true emergency requiring immediate vet care or something that can wait.
Contact Emergency Vet
If it's a medical emergency, call the vet first. The host should have provided emergency vet details.
Notify the Host
Contact the host as soon as possible. Use the emergency contact number provided.
Document Everything
Take photos, note the time, and keep records of what happened and what you did.
Contact SitterRight
For serious situations, reach out to our support team for additional assistance.
Veterinary Resources
Regular Vet
Contact for non-emergency health questions during business hours.
Emergency Vet
24-hour emergency animal hospitals for urgent situations.
Poison Control
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (fee applies)
Important: Always get vet contact details from the host before the sit starts. This information should be in the booking details or welcome guide.
Be Prepared
Before every sit, make sure you have this information ready:
Lost Pet Protocol
If a pet goes missing, act quickly:
- 1Search immediately - Check the house, garden, and nearby area thoroughly
- 2Call the host - Notify them immediately and ask about favorite hiding spots
- 3Alert neighbors - Show them a photo and ask them to look out
- 4Contact local shelters - Report the missing pet to nearby animal shelters
- 5Check microchip registry - Ensure the pet's microchip details are up to date
- 6Post on social media - Share in local lost pet groups with photo and details
SitterRight Emergency Support
For serious emergencies where you need platform assistance, our support team is here to help:
- Email: support@sitterright.com
- In-app messaging: Available 24/7
After the Emergency
Once the immediate crisis is handled:
- Document everything - photos, vet records, timeline of events
- Keep the host updated on the pet's condition
- Keep all receipts for any expenses incurred
- Contact SitterRight support if you need help with any disputes or reimbursements