Briar & Bark provides phone triage for established clients. For immediate hands-on emergency treatment, we direct families to our nearby 24-hour referral hospital.
Call first if you need help deciding whether to leave for emergency care. If your pet is unconscious, struggling to breathe, or actively bleeding, travel to the ER immediately.
Call urgent triageEmergency sign
Difficulty breathing, blue or pale gums, collapse, or loss of consciousness.
A swollen painful abdomen, repeated unproductive retching, or suspected bloat.
Active bleeding, trauma, a bite wound, or a sudden inability to stand.
Known toxin ingestion, including medications, xylitol, grapes, or antifreeze.
Sample referral partner, 14 Harbor View Road, Portland. Call ahead when safe to do so and bring your pet's current medications and records.
Get directions to the sample ERDetail
Use a carrier, crate, or a flat blanket for transport. Avoid food, water, and human medication unless a veterinarian tells you otherwise.
Tell the triage team what happened, when it started, and any known exposure. This helps the ER prepare for your arrival.
Take packaging for anything ingested and a current medication list. Do not delay travel to search for paperwork.