Emergency Medical Treatment

**BackInBlack** · 09-17-2007, 06:20 PM

To any vets or lawyers on our board....I have a question for you.

I am leaving my dogs with friends for the next week while I am in Texas. I wanted to give them something "just in case" and in case they cannot make it to my vet. My vet knows me really well and would accept any of my dogs in an emergency, but if they had to go to another vet or an after hours vet.....who knows.

If you were a vet, would you accept this?

AUTHORIZATION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT

The undersigned owner or authorized agent of the animal named ZIRIS (permanent identification, Home Again Microchip # 482 81F 4369) hereby authorize a licensed veterinarian, and whomever may be designated as his assistants, to administer such treatments and to perform such procedures as are considered therapeutically or diagnostically necessary for the care of said animal, including administration of anesthesia.

In the event that emergency treatment is required, I authorize the veterinary staff and their assistants to perform medical and surgical treatments necessary to preserve the life of the patient until I can be contacted for further authorization.

I understand that no guarantee of successful treatment is made. I accept financial responsibility for the treatment of the above-named patient, and I understand that payment in full is due upon release of the patient, or when service is otherwise terminated. I understand that I am entitled to a written estimate of charges at my request.

I certify that I have read and fully understand this authorization for emergency medical treatment, the reasons why such treatment is considered necessary, as well as the advantages and possible complications.

Signature: ____________________________ Date: ___________________

I made one for each of them. I found this on the internet and kind of modified it. Is there anything else that should be included?

**Jenny** · 09-17-2007, 06:27 PM

Do you have notary publics in your state? I'd have them notorized. It sounds good to me but I am neither a lawyer nor a vet.

**Burns** · 09-17-2007, 06:33 PM

I am a vet tech, and I would accept this statement without a second thought, and I know any doctor I work for would do the same.

The only other thing I would include are any phone numbers that you will be reachable by - cell phone, hotel phone, etc. That way there is no confusion about how to contact you for further instructions if needed.

**K9Jarko** · 09-17-2007, 06:53 PM

I'm a notary for the State of North Carolina - have a seal and all

I don't think there will be a problem...whoever is caring for them is still going to have to sign the authorization at the Emergency Vet (in your city).....been there and done that for someone elses dog - no biggie though as the person who actually owned the dog was honorable and took care of things.

**doberkim** · 09-17-2007, 09:17 PM

As a vet I would accept it. I leave similar forms when I leave my own animals (you should see them, I have one for each dog, for the cats, and even for the rats on down...).

The one thing I add is that I specify for some animals that every attempt should be made for them (this would include things like ventilators, etc) until I can be reached.

The last thing is, I actually leave a credit card for the person caring for my pets.

While I would accept it, many clinics (especially if they don't know you) are not going to do a lot of treatment without the immediate prospect of being reimbursed. I would hate for my animals to not be cared for because I was unreachable to pay the bill, so I leave a credit card and authorization for the card, with the animal caretakers as well.

I also leave phone numbers and full contact info for me, and all people that are related to me that could be held responsible.

heck, when I left the country for 7 days when I had my first dobe, I had plans in place for him in case I died including where to buy his food, what he eats, when he was due for things... and I've also got them taken care of in my will. Just a little paranoid... gotta make sure the babies are taken care of. And no, I'm NEVER having kids at this rate, they would live in a bubble.

Another thing to consider is contacting the vet they would be going to - either your own vet, or the ones near the caretaker (regular and emergency) and letting THEM know that someone else is caring for the animals and that you are authorizing things, and even leave them a copy of the paperwork. Right now we have 2 similar notes from clients authorizing all treatment for their pets while they are away hanging in our reception area. Another client leaves her credit card on file for us while she is away, just in case...

**BackInBlack** · 09-17-2007, 10:27 PM

I have my contact info at the bottom of the form, my cell phone, my moms, my sisters, and my grandmothers home phone. I could for sure be hunted down by one of them.

Kim, how would you word something like that?

Maybe change this:

In the event that emergency treatment is required, I authorize the veterinary staff and their assistants to perform medical and surgical treatments necessary to preserve the life of the patient until I can be contacted for further authorization.

to something like:

In the event that emergency treatment is required, I authorize the veterinary staff and their assistants to make every attempt possible, including but not limited to, medical and surgical treatments necessary to preserve the life of the patient until I can be contacted for further authorization.

???

Thanks for the replies everyone. Lacey, you are still the alternate contact for their microchips

Hopefully they will never have to call you.

reddobes · 09-18-2007, 02:54 PM

I would accept that as well. I think it sounds great. I agree with Kim - about contacting the vet giving them a heads up as to what you would want done. We often have much less than this. Many of our clients call us to let us know someone else will be caring for their dog(s) and to have us put a credit card on file. Sometimes if it is an elderly dog, the owner may say, that they don't want heroics done.

Keep in mind that some people say "do whatever" and really mean "do whatever as long as it's less than $100".

So if the vet doesn't know you they may be reluctant to go too far. So just make it clear up front if there is a monetary limit or certain things you wouldn't want done (like if you didn't want the dog on a ventilator). A credit card number is a good idea. I, too leave detailed instructions (when I have a dog/pet/house sitter) about who to call where to go and what to authorize and a credit card to take with.

Another thing would be any special needs your dog has (or even a copy of his/her medical record - you can get a copy from your vet) such as allergies to medications (like penicillin) or any medications he is on.

Most forms that people sign for treatment at vet clinics/emergency clinics say something like "owner or authorized agent".

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

**BackInBlack** · 09-18-2007, 03:08 PM

Thanks everyone. I called my vet to let them know, and it is no problem there. I have left instructions with the "caretakers" about payment.

I am so sad, I dont think I have ever been away from my dogs all at one time. I feel like I am leaving my children behind! I seriously ALWAYS have at least one of them with me, this is going to be so odd.

Aden and Grip (the two puppies) are staying with one friend, and since she works at a vet clinic they will even get to go to work with her. (I know they would accept this form) Piper will be with her breeder (who will also take her to work with her....she works in a small mortgage office and is THRILLED to be able to keep Piper, this is the first time ever.)

At least Rommel and Ziris will be with me all the way up until I walk into the airport. The person dropping me off at the airport will be keeping them so she will pick us all up at the same time, and she has promised to take them tracking everyday. So......they will all be well loved, but

Im gonna miss them.