What is the best time of day to arrive for emergency care?

The emergency room at Taylor ER operates like a human emergency room. As such, there may be a wait to see one of our veterinarians. Pets are typically seen in the order that they arrive to the emergency room. Please understand that if a critical patient arrives after you, they may be seen first based on severity of illness.

Do I need an appointment?

Not for an urgent or emergent condition. Walk-ins are welcomed but a phone call allows us to give you any first aid advice and prepare for your arrival. Taylor ER emergency veterinarians see patients by medical priority and then by order of arrival 24 hours daily.

For routine appointments we recommend you schedule appointments with our day veterinarians. Those appointments are offered from 8:30am – 7:30pm Sunday – Saturday.

Can I get help over the phone?

You bet. Feel free to call Taylor ER anytime, day or night. We are happy to help you in any way that we can; however, medical advice can rarely be given over the phone.

Often a recommendation is given to bring your pet to Taylor ER immediately if it is an obvious emergency. If the symptoms are more subtle, you may consider bringing your pet to Taylor ER to be evaluated. We would never want to misguide you, so until your pet is examined by a veterinarian, it is best to play it safe.

If your pet ingested a KNOWN amount of medication, we may be able to advise you of any appropriate action or refer you to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org), a non-profit poison center specific for pets. Their phone number is 1-888-426-4435 and a $65 consultation fee may apply to your credit card.

Can I bring my pet to Taylor ER for routine care (heartworm testing, vaccines, dental prophylaxis, spay & neuter surgery)?

Yes. We have a full service day practice in conjunction with our emergency hospital. Routine appointments can be made by calling 209-669-8600 and we offer flexible appointment times from 8:30am – 7:30pm Sunday – Saturday.

Will my regular veterinarian receive copies of my medical record, blood work and x-rays?

Yes. A detailed record of your visit, testing performed, and medications dispensed is faxed to your primary veterinarian at the conclusion of your visit. Please ensure that we have the correct contact information for your primary veterinarian.

Can I visit while my pet is hospitalized?

Of course. We encourage you to visit your pet while hospitalized at Taylor ER during scheduled visiting hours. As there are other pets and their owners visiting at the same time, please understand that your veterinarian may not be immediately available to meet with you. Your pet may require medications and treatments during your visit; please allow the veterinary technicians to treat your pet as needed.

Who will be with my pet overnight while hospitalized?

Taylor ER is staffed by an emergency veterinarian, licensed veterinary technicians and assistants throughout the night.

How can I pay for services?

We accept cash, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Amex, debit cards, and CareCredit (a health credit card one can apply for at Taylor ER or online at www.carecredit.com). To keep costs down, there is no billing and checks are not accepted.

What do I do if I find an injured animal that does not belong to me?

Contact one of the following Animal Control agencies immediately:

Stanislaus County Animal Services 209-558-7387

City of Turlock 209-656-3140

City of Merced 209-385-7436

City of Livingston 209-394-7916

Household items that are harmful to your pet
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Avocado
  • Chocolate (all forms)
  • Coffee (all forms)
  • Fatty foods
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Moldy or spoiled foods
  • Onions, onion powder
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Salt
  • Yeast dough
  • Garlic
  • Products sweetened with xylitol

Warm Weather Hazards

  • Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
  • Blue-green algae in ponds
  • Citronella candles
  • Cocoa mulch
  • Flea products
  • Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
  • Swimming-pool treatment supplies
  • Fly baits containing methomyl
  • Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Medication

Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:

  • Pain killers
  • Cold medicines
  • Anti-cancer drugs
  • Antidepressants
  • Vitamins
  • Diet Pills

Cold Weather Hazards

  • Antifreeze
  • Liquid potpourri
  • Ice melting products
  • Rat and mouse bait

Common Household Hazards

  • Fabric softener sheets
  • Mothballs
  • Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

Holiday Hazards

  • Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.
  • Electrical cords
  • Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—most often occurs with kittens!)
  • Batteries