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Creating an Emergency Plan for Your Pets: Dogs, Cats, and Exotics

Emergencies can happen with little warning. In Texas, recent flood disasters have shown just how quickly families—and their pets—may have to evacuate to stay safe. At All Pets Veterinary Medical Center in College Station, we know your pets are part of the family. That’s why it’s essential to create an emergency plan that includes your dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

Why Planning Matters

Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and other emergencies often mean evacuating quickly. Leaving pets behind isn’t an option—they depend on you entirely for safety and care. Planning ahead can help you keep your animals calm, secure, and healthy even in a crisis.

Our veterinary team is committed to supporting College Station pet owners with expert veterinary care before, during, and after emergencies.

1️⃣ Have an Evacuation Strategy

Always plan to evacuate with your pets.
✔️ Know where you’ll go (pet-friendly hotels, friends, relatives)
✔️ Research local shelters or boarding facilities that accept animals
✔️ Plan multiple routes in case roads close

Tip from our College Station vets: Keep a list of these options handy. Our team at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center can help you identify local resources.

2️⃣ Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit

Store this kit in an easy-to-grab spot. Include:

3–7 days of food and water (plus bowls)
Medications and dosage instructions
Vaccination records and medical history
Collars with ID tags, harnesses, leashes
Recent photos for identification
Waste bags, litter box and litter for cats
Comfort items like blankets and toys
Pet first aid supplies

For exotic animal care:

Species-appropriate travel enclosure
Heat source (battery-powered heat pad if needed)
Specialized diet or supplements
Bedding or substrate

Need advice? Our exotic animal veterinarians in College Station can help tailor your kit for your unique pets.

3️⃣ Prioritize Identification

Pets may become lost or separated during an emergency.
✔️ Ensure they wear collars with updated ID tags
✔️ Microchip your pets, and keep registration info current

Pro tip: Include your cell phone number on tags for contact while evacuated.

4️⃣ Plan for Shelter-in-Place

Sometimes you’ll need to stay home without power or water. Prepare to:

Have extra food, water, and meds on hand
Maintain temperature and humidity for exotics
Secure rooms to prevent escape during storms

Our veterinary team can help you plan for these situations, especially if you have reptiles, birds, or other exotic species with special environmental needs.

5️⃣ Manage Stress for Your Pets

Emergencies are frightening for animals.

Practice crate training well before you need it
Get pets comfortable with carriers
For birds and small mammals, rehearse gentle handling and enclosure transfers

Our College Station veterinarians can offer calming techniques and personalized advice for anxious pets.

6️⃣ Include Pets in Your Family Drills

Everyone in your household should know:
✔️ Where the pet emergency kit is
✔️ How to secure each pet quickly
✔️ Who is responsible for which animal

Including your pets in drills ensures you’re truly ready.

7️⃣ Keep Important Contacts Handy

Prepare a printed list of:

Your veterinarian’s number (📞 All Pets Veterinary Medical Center: [Insert phone number])
Emergency veterinary clinics
Local shelters that accept animals
Animal poison control hotlines

Even if your phone battery dies, you’ll have what you need.

8️⃣ Special Considerations for Exotic Pets

Exotic pets may have unique needs:

Temperature and humidity control
Specialized diets
Transport challenges

Our exotic animal vets in College Station can help you create a species-specific emergency plan, including advice on:

Backup power for heat lamps or incubators
Portable, secure enclosures
Safe transport solutions

We’re always happy to help you prepare.

✅ Final Thoughts

Your pets rely on you completely in an emergency. By planning ahead, you’ll ensure their safety, health, and comfort—even in stressful, uncertain situations.

At All Pets Veterinary Medical Center, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care in College Station for dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Whether you need routine wellness exams, emergency vet services, or help building a detailed emergency preparedness plan, our team is here for you.

📞 Call us today at 979-696-4411
🌐 Visit us at www.allpetsmedical.com
📍 Proudly serving College Station, TX, and the Brazos Valley

Point-of-Care Ultrasound at All Pets Medical Center: Fast, Accurate Answers for Your Pet’s Health

At All Pets Medical Center, we’re committed to delivering the highest level of care by using the best diagnostic tools available. One of the most valuable technologies we offer is point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). This in-house imaging service allows our veterinarians to quickly and non-invasively assess your pet’s health, often during the same appointment.

POCUS is a versatile, painless procedure that uses sound waves to create real-time images of your pet’s internal organs and structures. Our trained veterinary team uses ultrasound in many ways to help pets feel better faster.

Our Point-of-Care Ultrasound Services

🫀 Cardiology Scans

We perform focused cardiac ultrasounds to assess heart function, detect valve issues, evaluate chamber size, and screen for diseases like cardiomyopathy. This is especially helpful for pets showing signs of heart disease (coughing, exercise intolerance, fainting) or for breeds at higher risk of cardiac conditions.

🐾 Abdominal and Thoracic (Sick Pet) Scans

When pets are sick, they can’t tell us what hurts. Abdominal and thoracic ultrasounds help us quickly evaluate organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, stomach, intestines, and lungs. This is invaluable for:

Vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Unexplained weight loss
Suspected fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen
Trauma cases

With POCUS, we can make rapid, informed decisions about treatment plans or referrals.

🩺 Wellness Screening

Ultrasound isn’t just for sick pets! We also use it in preventive care. Routine abdominal screenings in older pets can help detect early changes in organs that might not yet cause symptoms. Early detection leads to better outcomes.

🐶 Reproductive Tracking

For breeders or owners of pregnant animals, we offer reproductive ultrasound to:

Confirm pregnancy
Estimate fetal counts
Track fetal development
Monitor for complications

This helps ensure healthier pregnancies and deliveries.

Why Point-of-Care Ultrasound Matters

POCUS is fast, safe, and comfortable for pets. It provides immediate insights that can guide treatment, reduce the need for invasive procedures, and improve outcomes. Having this capability in-house means your pet gets answers quickly, often without needing to travel to a specialty hospital.

At All Pets Medical Center, we believe in combining compassionate care with advanced technology. Our point-of-care ultrasound service is just one of the ways we work to keep your pets healthy, happy, and by your side for as long as possible.

📞 Contact Us
If you have questions about our ultrasound services or want to schedule an appointment, please call us at979-696-4411 or visit Allpetsmedical.com.

When Every Second Counts: Daytime Emergency Services at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center

Emergencies can strike without warning — and when they do, your pet deserves swift, expert care from a team you can trust. At All Pets Veterinary Medical Center in College Station, TX, we offer daytime emergency services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Whether your companion has been injured, is in sudden distress, or just isn’t acting like themselves, our skilled veterinary team is here to help.
What Qualifies as a Veterinary Emergency?

Emergencies come in many forms. If you’re not sure whether your pet needs urgent care, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Common emergencies we handle during the day include:

Difficulty breathing or severe coughing
Bleeding that doesn’t stop
Vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
Seizures or collapse
Heatstroke or hypothermia
Sudden weakness or lameness
Ingestion of toxins (medications, plants, chemicals, etc.)
Difficulty giving birth (dystocia)
Eye injuries or severe swelling
Foreign object ingestion

We also regularly see exotic pets for emergencies, including birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and more — a service not commonly offered in our area.

Why Choose All Pets for Emergency Care?

🏥 Experienced Team: Our veterinarians and support staff are trained to act fast and efficiently in high-stress situations.

🐾 Comprehensive Diagnostics: With in-house bloodwork, digital radiography, and ultrasound, we can diagnose and begin treatment immediately.

⏰ Same-Day Walk-In Availability: While we encourage you to call ahead, we accept emergency walk-ins during business hours.

🦜 Exotic Animal Expertise: From parrots to pythons, we offer emergency care for species that many other clinics cannot accommodate.

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

Stay calm and contact our clinic immediately at (979) 696-4411.
Let us know what’s happening so we can prepare for your arrival.
If safe to do so, transport your pet to our hospital as quickly as possible.

If your emergency occurs outside our business hours, we’ll help you find an appropriate referral hospital to ensure your pet receives care without delay.
We’re Here When Your Pet Needs Us Most

Emergencies are stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. The All Pets Veterinary Medical Center team is here to provide compassionate, lifesaving care when it matters most. We’re proud to serve the pets of College Station and the surrounding communities with emergency veterinary care that’s both expert and accessible.

Call us at (979) 696-4411 or come by during business hours if your pet is in distress.

Endoscopic Spay & Gastropexy: Minimally Invasive Surgery Performed In-House at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center

Minimally Invasive Surgery Performed In-House at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center

If you’re searching for a veterinary clinic in College Station or Bryan, TX that offers laparoscopic spay or gastropexy, you’re in the right place. At All Pets Veterinary Medical Center, we proudly provide minimally invasive laparoscopic spay and gastropexy surgeries—performed in-house by Dr. Agnes Rupley.

What Is a Laparoscopic Spay?

A laparoscopic spay (also called an endoscopic spay) is a modern surgical technique that removes the ovaries using a camera and small instruments through tiny incisions. It is less invasive than traditional spay surgery and results in:

Smaller incisions and less post-operative pain
Faster healing and reduced risk of complications
Minimal scarring and quicker return to normal activity

Clients often search for laparoscopic spay for dogs in College Station because they want safer, more comfortable options—and that’s exactly what we offer.

What Is Gastropexy and Why Is It Important?

A gastropexy is a preventive surgery that attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to stop it from twisting—a condition known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat. This is especially critical in large, deep-chested breeds like:

Great Danes
German Shepherds
Dobermans
Standard Poodles
Weimaraners

By combining a laparoscopic spay and prophylactic gastropexy in one procedure, your pet can benefit from both reduced surgical risk and long-term protection from GDV.

Why Choose Our Veterinary Team for Lap Spay in Bryan–College Station?

At All Pets, laparoscopic spay and gastropexy procedures are performed entirely by our in-house veterinary staff—not a traveling surgeon. That means:

Continuity of care with the same team before, during, and after surgery
No delays or complications from third-party referrals
Surgical expertise backed by over 35 years of experience

Our lead surgeon, Dr. Agnes Rupley, DVM, performs these advanced procedures using state-of-the-art equipment, including Ligasure vessel sealing technology, for safe and efficient results.

Trusted by Pet Owners in College Station and Bryan, TX

Whether you’re trying to reduce recovery time, lower surgical pain, or prevent bloat in a large-breed dog, our team is here to help.

📞 Call All Pets Veterinary Medical Center at (979) 696-4411 today to schedule your pet’s surgical consult or ask about laparoscopic veterinary services in Bryan–College Station.

Now Open Saturdays: Extended Veterinary Hours in College Station, TX

All Pets Veterinary Medical Center is now open every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to better serve busy pet owners and provide urgent care when it matters most.

Why We’re Expanding Our Saturday Veterinary Hours

Pet emergencies and health concerns don’t follow a 9–5 schedule—and neither should we. We heard from clients who struggle to find time during the workweek for veterinary visits, wellness exams, and urgent pet care.

By offering Saturday veterinary services in College Station, we aim to:

Increase access to trusted, same-day pet care
Reduce weekday scheduling pressure for families
Provide timely support for exotic and traditional pets alike

What Services Are Available on Saturdays?

All Pets Veterinary Medical Center is proud to offer a wide range of Saturday veterinary services:

Urgent care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets (reptiles, birds, small mammals)
Emergency veterinary services
Wellness exams and pet vaccinations
Non-elective surgical procedures

Please note that elective procedures such as spays, neuters, and dental cleanings are available on weekdays only.

Benefits of Saturday Vet Appointments

Adding Saturday hours means:

Convenient Scheduling: No need to take off work for routine pet care
Peace of Mind: Access to emergency vet services in College Station without waiting until Monday
Continuity of Care: Our Saturday team accesses the same records and care plans as during the week
Walk-Ins Welcome: We accept walk-in urgent care visits, though availability is limited

How Saturday Hours Benefit Our Clinic

As a full-service veterinary hospital in College Station, these extended hours:

Improve our ability to care for more pets in a timely, effective manner
Reduce wait times and overcrowded weekday schedules
Align our services with the needs of modern pet families

Schedule Your Saturday Veterinary Appointment Today

If your pet needs urgent attention, routine care, or a wellness check, our doors are now open six days a week. Call us today at (979) 693-7806 to schedule your Saturday visit.

Affordable Wellness & Diagnostic Ultrasounds for Your Pet

Comprehensive & Affordable Ultrasound Imaging at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center

At All Pets Veterinary Medical Center, we’re proud to offer in-house ultrasound imaging to help diagnose illness early, monitor chronic conditions, and support wellness care across a wide range of species—including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive way to evaluate your pet’s internal organs in real time. Whether your pet is sick, aging, or simply due for a routine check-up, ultrasound gives us the ability to see more—and act sooner.

Our Ultrasound Services Include:

Abdominal or thoracic scans to evaluate the liver, kidneys, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and more
AFAST scans (Abdominal Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) to quickly identify internal bleeding or fluid in emergency cases
Routine wellness scans for early detection of underlying disease—even in outwardly healthy pets
Pregnancy scans and fetal viability checks
Cardiology study scans, including echocardiograms, to assess heart function and structure (available by appointment)
Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates for targeted diagnostic sampling
Professional review by board-certified specialists available when advanced interpretation is needed

We offer affordable pricing on both urgent and wellness scans, because high-quality diagnostics shouldn’t be out of reach. Our experienced team provides imaging services for pets of all species, and we’re happy to collaborate with board-certified radiologists or cardiologists when additional expertise is required.

📞 Call (979) 696-4411 to schedule an ultrasound or inquire about scan pricing.
All Pets Veterinary Medical Center – Expert imaging. Exceptional care. Every species.

Does Music Affect Animal Behavior

Music has been shown to have an effect on animal behavior in a variety of ways. In some cases, music has been shown to have a calming effect on animals, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. For example, research has found that playing classical music for cows can help to reduce their heart rate and improve their overall behavior. Similarly, playing music for dogs has been shown to help them relax and feel more at ease, especially during times of stress or anxiety such as during fireworks or thunderstorms.

Music has also been shown to have a positive effect on the behavior of birds. In one study, researchers played music for a group of parrots and found that the birds responded to the music by dancing and singing along. Another study found that playing music for zebra finches improved their singing ability and social behavior.

In addition to its calming effects, music can also stimulate and energize animals. For example, horses have been shown to respond to music by becoming more active and playful, and research has found that playing music for dogs can increase their activity levels and improve their overall mood.

While the specific ways in which music affects animal behavior can vary depending on the species and the individual animal, it is clear that music can have a powerful impact on the behavior and well-being of animals. In many cases, music can help to improve the quality of life for animals, whether they are kept as pets or living in more natural settings.

Overall, the research on the effects of music on animal behavior suggests that music can be a valuable tool for promoting the physical and emotional well-being of animals. Whether it is used to calm anxious animals or to energize and stimulate them, music has the power to positively influence the behavior of animals in a variety of ways.

Positive Effects for Children with Their Pets

Pets can have a very positive impact on children. Not only can they provide children with a sense of responsibility and care-giving, but they can also serve as a source of emotional support and companionship. Children with pets often form strong emotional bonds with their furry friends, which can help to promote their social and emotional development.

One study found that children who had a pet dog or cat at home had higher levels of self-esteem, were more responsible and empathetic, and had better social skills than children who did not have a pet. Another study found that children who had a strong bond with their pet also had a greater sense of attachment and social connectedness with their human family.

Pets can also have physical health benefits for children. For example, children who have a dog or other pet that they walk or play with regularly may be more physically active, which can help to reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems. In addition, pets can provide children with a sense of comfort and security, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Despite the many benefits of having a pet, it is important for parents to be mindful of their child’s age and maturity level when choosing a pet. Children should be able to understand and follow basic pet care instructions, such as feeding, watering, and cleaning up after their pet. It is also important to teach children how to interact with pets in a way that is safe and respectful.

Overall, children with pets can experience many positive benefits, including emotional and social support, a sense of responsibility, and improved physical health. However, it is important for parents to choose the right pet and to teach their children how to care for and interact with their pet safely and responsibly.

Reasons to Adopt a Cat from a Shelter

Adopting a cat from a shelter can be a rewarding experience for both you and the cat. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider adopting a cat from a shelter:

Save a life: By adopting a cat from a shelter, you’re giving a home to a cat that may not have had one otherwise. This can be especially important for older cats, who may have a harder time being adopted.
Support a good cause: Many animal shelters are non-profit organizations that rely on donations and adoptions to continue their work. By adopting a cat from a shelter, you’re supporting the important work they do in finding homes for animals in need.
Get a healthy pet: Shelters often have strict protocols in place to ensure that the animals in their care are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. This can give you peace of mind that you’re getting a healthy pet.
Find the right fit: Many shelters have staff and volunteers who can help you find a cat that’s the right fit for your lifestyle and personality. They can help you find a cat that’s good with kids, for example, or one that’s more low-key if you’re looking for a calm and easy-going companion.
Save money: Adopting a cat from a shelter can often be less expensive than buying one from a breeder or pet store. Shelters may also offer discounted adoption fees for senior citizens or military families.
Get a fully-vetted pet: Shelters often provide spay/neuter services and other veterinary care for the animals in their care, which can save you money on these services.
Help control the pet population: By adopting a cat from a shelter, you’re helping to control the pet population and prevent overbreeding. This can be especially important in areas with a high number of stray cats.
Feel good about yourself: There’s no denying the warm, fuzzy feeling you’ll get from knowing that you’ve given a cat in need a second chance at a happy life. Adopting a cat from a shelter can be a truly rewarding experience.

Ways to Keep Your Hamster Healthy

There are several ways to keep your hamster healthy and happy:

Provide a balanced diet: A hamster’s diet should consist of a commercial hamster mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats such as seeds and nuts. Avoid feeding your hamster sugary foods or foods that are high in fat.
Keep the cage clean: Hamsters are prone to respiratory infections and other illnesses if their cage is not kept clean. Clean the cage at least once a week and spot clean as needed. Use a disinfectant to clean the cage and replace bedding, food and water dishes, and toys regularly.
Give your hamster plenty of space: Hamsters are active creatures and need plenty of room to run and play. A cage that is too small can lead to boredom and stress, which can lead to health issues. Make sure the cage is large enough for your hamster to move around freely and has plenty of toys and activities to keep it entertained.
Handle your hamster gently: Hamsters can be skittish and may bite if they feel threatened. When handling your hamster, use a gentle touch and make sure to support its body properly.
Keep your hamster’s teeth trimmed: Hamsters’ teeth grow continuously, so it is important to provide plenty of chew toys to keep their teeth trimmed. You can also offer hard vegetables such as carrots to help wear down their teeth.
Provide a healthy living environment: Hamsters are sensitive to temperature changes and drafts. Keep their cage in a room that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
Keep your hamster away from household toxins: Many household products such as cleaning agents and air fresheners can be toxic to hamsters. Make sure to keep these products out of reach of your pet.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hamster stays healthy and happy for many years to come.