Those of us who have the privilege of answering your e-mails are worried. In recent months we have received several e-mails from desperate pet owners asking for help during a pet emergency. Online is not the place to go for advice during a serious pet emergency.

We are more than happy to answer your preventive health questions or to discuss treatment options for your pet. However, we cannot give you the kind of attention your pet needs in an emergency. Examples of e-mails we have received include a kitten that had been hit by a car, a turtle that hadn’t eaten for days, and a bird that was bleeding through its nostrils (nares).

In a pet emergency, contact your regular veterinarian immediately. Most veterinary hospitals have doctors on-call or provide referrals to emergency pet hospitals that take cases when your regular veterinary hospital is closed. One of these options should be available in most places-regardless of population.

All AAHA-accredited veterinary hospitals must provide 24-hour access to emergency care for your pets. The actual standard on this topic from the American Animal Hospital Association Hospital Standards and Accreditation Manual reads, "Emergency services (professional diagnosis and emergency treatment) must be provided and must be readily available at all times. Every accredited AAHA hospital must have a procedure by which a sick or injured animal may be assessed and either treated or referred to an appropriate facility."

The staff of HealthyPet are proud to have you as a visitor to our site. Our number one concern is the health and safety of your pet. So next time you face a pet emergency, please seek help from your veterinarian or your local emergency hospital for pets. Remember, all AAHA-accredited veterinary hospitals must offer emergency care. For a referral to an AAHA-accredited hospital near you, visit our "Find a Hospital" section.