EMERGENCY & MEDICAL

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY 

FOSTER MEDICAL GUIDE: KNOWING WHAT’S AN EMERGENCY & WHAT TO DO

(Read this get familiar before Fostering so you have the knowledge prior to an emergency) 

We know things can happen quickly when you're caring for a rescue pup. This guide will help you understand what to do in case of a medical issue — and how to tell the difference between a true emergency and a situation that can wait for care. Please read carefully and keep this handy at all times (we recommend screenshotting the EMERGENCY CARDS below for quick access).

 STEP 1: ASSESS THE SITUATION

Before you panic (we’ve all been there 😰), take a moment to evaluate what’s happening. Ask yourself:

• Is the dog breathing normally?

• Are they responsive or unconscious?

• Is there active bleeding or signs of severe pain?

• Are they vomiting once, or is it repeated and uncontrollable?

• Are they limping a little, or are they unable to stand?

This helps determine whether it’s an EMERGENCY, URGENT, or NON-EMERGENT concern.

 STEP 2: IF IT’S AN EMERGENCY...

Examples of EMERGENCIES:

• Hit by a car or major trauma

• Difficulty breathing or turning blue/pale gums

• Seizures lasting more than 1-2 minutes or repeated seizures

• Heatstroke

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Bloated or distended belly with signs of distress (could be bloat — life-threatening!)

• Inability to urinate

• Suspected poisoning (including ingestion of chocolate, medications, cleaning supplies)

• Collapse or unconsciousness

What to do:

1. Drive the dog IMMEDIATELY to OUR PREFERRED VETS LISTED BELOW or one of the 24-hour animal ERs listed below.

2. Call or message your Foster Director ASAP.

3. If after-hours, go directly to one of our approved 24-hour emergency clinics (see below).

4. Please call us on the way — this gives us time to call the ER ahead and prep help.

PREFERRED LOCAL VET OFFICES 

Midtown Animal Hospital (Lawton)
📍 Address: 1101 SW Park Ave, Lawton, OK 73501 
📞 Phone: (580) 353‑3438 

🕒 Hours:

• Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

• Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Saturday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM

• Sunday: Closed
  🌐 Website:MIDTOWN ANIMAL HOSPITAL 

AFTER HOURS 24 HR EMERGENCY OFFICES OKC

📍 OKC 24/7 Emergency Animal Hospitals:

City Paws Emergency Hospital (First Choice)
📍 Address: 912 Market Dr. OKC, Ok 73114
📞 Phone: (405) 342‑0663 
🕒 Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 24 HOURS A DAY 

• Saturday & Sunday: 24 HOURS A DAY
  🌐 Website: okcitypaws.com 

Animal Emergency & Surgical Center
📍 Address: 931 W I‑240 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73139 
📞 Phone: (405) 631‑7828 
🕒 Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including holidays); visiting hours 10 AM – 10 PM 
🌐 Website: okcanimalemergency.com 

STEP 3: IF IT’S URGENT BUT NOT LIFE-THREATENING...

Examples of URGENT issues:

• Limping but still walking

• Eye irritation or squinting

• Ear infections or discharge

• Persistent diarrhea or vomiting (but otherwise alert and eating/drinking)

• Skin rashes or hives

• Minor wounds or scrapes

• Coughing, sneezing without distress

What to do:

1. Contact our K9 Operations Director — they will help assess and triage the situation and determine next steps.

2. DO NOT rush to a random vet unless instructed — we work with trusted clinics and want to use our partner vets first whenever possible.

3. Many issues can be solved in-house or through tele-vet options, so let us triage before taking action.

 STEP 4: IF IT’S NON-EMERGENT...

Examples of NON-EMERGENCIES:

• Flea/tick sighting

• Nail trim needed

• Behavioral quirks or mild anxiety

• Food allergies/switching food

• Routine vaccines, deworming, microchipping

• Sneezing, mild coughing with no distress

• Crusty eyes without discharge

What to do:

1. Message or email our K9 Operations Director.

2. We’ll advise if we can provide in-house treatment or if a vet visit is needed.

3. We appreciate your patience — all decisions are made with your foster dog’s well-being AND responsible rescue resource use in mind.

SAVE THE BELOW EMERGENCY CARDS (SCREENSHOT THEM!) 

 FINAL REMINDERS

• We love our partner vets and have strong relationships with them. Using them helps us stay on budget and keep saving more lives.

• Always communicate FIRST unless it’s a dire emergency.

• You are never alone — we’re just a call or text away.

• Your judgment, calm response, and quick communication can save a dog’s life.

POST OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS AFTER SPAY OR NEUTER PLEASE READ!!!!