As pet owners, we are the first line of defense and care for our furry, feathery, or scaly companions. Yet, there are moments when our basic knowledge falls short and we require professional intervention. This is where emergency veterinary hospitals come into play. While it's never a pleasant experience to have a pet in need of emergency care, it's crucial to be prepared and to know how to choose the best possible care center for them. To aid in this decision-making process, here are twelve essential inquiries you should make before entrusting your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital.

• Is the hospital AAHA accredited?
• Are the veterinarians board-certified in emergency and critical care?
• Are you open 24/7?
• Do you have specialists on staff or on call?
• What diagnostic and therapeutic equipment do you have on-site?
• How do you handle triage and waiting times?
• What is your average cost for emergency visits and procedures?
• Do you offer payment plans or accept pet insurance?
• How do you handle communication and updates during and after the procedure?
• Do you provide stabilization and transfer of critical patients?
• What is your aftercare and follow-up procedure?
• What is your policy on visitation?

The game theory, an aspect of decision theory that helps understand situations where the outcome depends on the choices of others, can be applied here. When you and the emergency veterinary hospital both prioritize your pet's well-being, the outcome is more likely to be optimal.

The Pareto principle, or the 80/20 rule, could also be applied here. Investing time to research and ask these important questions may seem tedious, but it ensures that you can quickly and efficiently choose the right care center when an emergency arises, potentially saving you time and emotional distress in the long run.

Asking these twelve questions allows you to sift through options using a critical lens, ensuring that your pet receives the best care possible during an emergency. It is the responsibility of every pet parent to be prepared for such situations, after all, our pets depend on us entirely for their well-being. It is only fitting that we arm ourselves with knowledge and awareness to make the best decisions on their behalf.