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 1-877-863-4749 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 us — we 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 in the VET CARE & PREVENTION CHAT IN FOSTER LOUNGE

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!!!! 

VET CARE, PREVENTION, & MEDICAL COMMUNICATION

At Fishy's Friends Rescue, all medical care is coordinated through the rescue to ensure continuity of care, accurate record keeping, and proper use of rescue resources.

Medical Concerns & Internal Triage

If your foster pet becomes ill, injured, or you have a medical concern, your first step is to post in the Vet Care & Prevention chat within the Foster Lounge GroupMe. Our team will internally triage the situation and provide guidance on the next steps. Please do not schedule veterinary appointments, seek treatment, or make medical decisions independently unless specifically instructed to do so by Fishy's Friends Rescue.

Approved Veterinary Providers

Foster animals may only be seen by veterinary clinics approved and scheduled by Fishy's Friends Rescue. Do not use another veterinarian, emergency clinic, or specialist without prior authorization from the rescue.

Medical Records & Ownership

All veterinary records must remain under the name Fishy's Friends Rescue (FFR). At no time should a foster animal be entered into a veterinary system under a foster's personal name or account.

When attending a veterinary appointment:

• Verify that all records are listed under Fishy's Friends Rescue.

• Review all paperwork before leaving the clinic.

• Request that all medical records, invoices, treatment notes, and receipts be emailed directly to the rescue.

• Notify the rescue once the appointment has been completed.

Medical Decision Making

All medical decisions regarding foster animals are made by Fishy's Friends Rescue. Our team must be involved in discussions regarding diagnostics, treatment plans, medications, procedures, and follow-up care. Foster homes are expected to follow all veterinary instructions and treatment plans provided by the rescue and attending veterinarian.

Prevention Pick-Up Procedures

Monthly prevention (heartworm, flea, and tick prevention) is a required part of fostering. Pick-up dates, times, and locations may change periodically to best accommodate rescue operations and volunteers. Current instructions will always be communicated through the Foster Lounge GroupMe.

When your foster is due for prevention, the rescue team will provide reminders and tag you in the appropriate GroupMe chat. It is the foster's responsibility to monitor GroupMe communications and coordinate pick-up as instructed.

Communication Expectations

All foster-related medical communication must occur within the Foster Lounge GroupMe so that the appropriate team members can assist, document, and track care. Keeping communication in one central location ensures that foster pets receive timely support and that important information is not lost.