Emergency Plan for Pet Hotel Stays

Every pet owner should have an emergency plan before leaving their pet.

The Three Documents to Leave

1. Emergency Contact Sheet

Name: Primary phone: Secondary phone: Email:

If I cannot be reached, contact: Name: Relationship: Phone:

2. Veterinary Authorization

"I authorize [Hotel Name] to seek emergency veterinary treatment for [Pet Name] and I accept financial responsibility for all treatments. Contact my vet first: [Vet Name, Phone]. If unavailable, use nearest emergency clinic."

Signed: Date:

3. Medical Information Card

Pet name: Breed/Age/Weight: Microchip number: Vaccinations: (dates) Current medications: (name, dose, timing) Known allergies: Known health conditions: Nearest emergency vet: (name, address, phone)

What Hotels Should Have Ready

  • Nearest 24-hour emergency vet (within 20 minutes)
  • Your authorization to treat
  • Your spending limit (or "unlimited - please treat and bill me")
  • Clear protocol if you cannot be reached

Common Emergencies at Hotels

SituationImmediate Action
Vomiting onceMonitor, withhold food 2 hours
Vomiting repeatedlyCall owner, vet consultation
LimpingRest, call owner
Not eating day 1Normal (stress)
Not eating day 3+Call owner, vet consultation
Collapse/seizureEmergency vet IMMEDIATELY
Severe breathing difficultyEmergency vet IMMEDIATELY