01
Keep the patient quiet
Keep the patient in a calm, secure and warm environment. Avoid unnecessary handling and keep other animals away.
Important emergency instruction
Please phone CARE before bringing an emergency to the practice.
Calling first helps the team prepare for your patient, advise you on safe transport and guide the next appropriate step.
Emergency information
Concerned about your patient? Phone CARE directly.
If your bird, reptile or exotic animal appears unwell, please contact the practice as soon as possible.
Exotic animals can hide signs of illness. Changes in appetite, breathing, droppings, posture, movement, behaviour or energy levels may be clinically important.
Urgent signs
Sudden changes should be checked.
Please contact CARE directly if you are concerned about breathing, weakness, collapse, injury, bleeding, seizures, egg-binding, sudden loss of appetite, abnormal droppings, severe lethargy or any rapid change in behaviour.
02
Phone before travelling
Please phone the practice before arriving so the team can advise you on the next step and prepare where needed.
03
Do not self-medicate
Do not give medication, food, supplements or home remedies unless instructed by a veterinarian.
What helps us
Details that help us assess the case.
When you phone, it helps to have details about diet, housing, temperature, humidity, lighting, supplements, medication, droppings, appetite and recent behaviour. Photos or short videos can also be useful.
Transport
Transport the patient safely and calmly.
Use a secure carrier or container suited to the species. Keep the patient warm, stable and protected from stress. Avoid transporting loose animals in the car.
For urgent concerns, please phone. A website form or email may not be seen quickly enough.