We get that not everyone has access to a 24-hour clinic. If you're in that situation, that's OK. You are still a good pet parent and you can lean on us in the Tripawds Forums during recovery. Here's what to think about before surgery:

Option 1: Ask if your vet works with a nearby 24-hour clinic. 

See if you can coordinate overnight care with a nearby emergency clinic. High quality, small practices will have arrangements with larger facilities that have a certified veterinary technician stop by periodically throughout the night to check on patients. Or, your vet might have an arrangement that allows new amputee cats and dogs to be transferred to that provider at night, and returned in the morning. Just keep in mind that you will probably need to transport your Tripawd to and from the clinics. 

Option 2: Can your vet care for your pet at their home?

Many small town veterinarians like Mona's vet will take their patients home with them. Ask if yours will.

Option 3: You will be your pet's overnight nurse.

Bringing a cat or dog home same day of amputation surgery isn't fun, but it's not impossible. Many Tripawds members have taken on the task and lived to tell about it. Being a vet nurse at home is not easy, but it's better than not doing the amputation at all.

My nerves are fried. He hasn't stopped moaning since he got home but acts like he wants to get up and then screams out of no where. I don't know what to do, it doesn't seem like sleep is something he wants or can do at all. I am laying next to him and talking to him. Im scared to touch him or let him move even thought he has attempted to move himself a few times. So at a loss... Elvis' mom, @cgodinez

If bringing your cat or dog home same day of amputation surgery is your only choice, don't panic. Just be prepared. 

• Ask your vet for overnight contact numbers, just in case you need help.
• Talk to your vet about pain management side effects. Know how your pet may react to medications beforehand.
• Most new Tripawds are extremely wobbly and out-of-sorts at first. Anxiety and restlessness are common.
• You probably won't get any sleep. Try to have a nursing partner with you for extra help.
•  The first two days can be rough, but they do get better!

The best amputation aftercare situations start when you know what to expect on amputation surgery day. Some low cost amputation surgery clinics like our friends at Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic in Richmond, Virginia, keep their costs down by requiring pet parents to handle post-op amputation care. They make this easier on clients by giving helpful information about amputation surgery recovery before the dog or cat goes home. 

Whatever you decide to do, Please don't let your pet to stay alone at the clinic after amputation surgery.

Even if your vet says it's OK to leave your new Tripawd overnight without monitoring, please reconsider.

Betsy's Law in New Jersey was written in response to the tragic death of a dog who died alone in a vet clinic after an eye surgery--a simpler procedure than a leg amputation! Written in 2015, the New Jersey law requires veterinarians to notify their clients if they do not provide 24-hour care for hospitalized animals. 

Pets left alone after amputation surgery are at risk. In our community, we've seen some pets die when left alone. There's no way to prove if they could have been saved if someone was on-site overnight, but why risk it? Bringing pets home same day of amputation surgery is better than not doing it at all.  

A Great Recovery Starts with Great Care

A cat or dog amputation surgery is often one of the biggest procedures a veterinarian does. But some clinics may only do a few amputations each year, others will do dozens. Before you decide on a clinic, ask good questions before amputation surgery. Find out how many amputations your vet does in a month or a year. The more the better. And remember that AAHA-accredited clinics follow the most stringent protocols for safety, surgery, pain management and more. If you’re not familiar with AAHA clinics, learn Why Your Pet Should See an AAHA Accredited Vet.