If a foster family reaches out regarding an emergency, copy + paste the email template below and send.

Thank you for reaching out about your foster dog. We understand how stressful this situation can be, and we’re here to help.

To determine the best course of action and appropriate veterinary care, we need you to complete the following checklist and send us a few key photos as soon as possible. Please be as detailed and honest as you can—your answers will directly guide how we respond and treat the dog.

Please answer the following questions:

  • Is your dog having trouble breathing or choking?

  • Is your dog unconscious, collapsed, or unresponsive?

  • Is your dog actively bleeding and it won’t stop?

  • Is your dog vomiting or having diarrhea repeatedly? (especially with blood)

  • Has your dog had a seizure (or multiple) today?

  • Is your dog bloated or has a distended abdomen and appears in pain?

  • Has your dog eaten something toxic (e.g., chocolate, grapes, xylitol, medications, etc.)?

  • Is your dog straining to urinate or hasn’t peed all day?

  • Did your dog experience trauma (e.g., hit by a car, fall, dog fight)?

  • Is your dog limping severely or unable to walk?

  • Is your dog hiding, whining, or acting unusually quiet or aggressive?

  • Is your dog not eating or drinking at all for over 24 hours?

  • Is your dog excessively panting or restless with no obvious cause?

  • Is there swelling on your dog’s face, muzzle, or body?

  • Does your dog seem disoriented or confused?

  • Does your dog have any known medical conditions? (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)

  • Has your dog had any recent surgery or vaccinations?

  • How long has the issue been going on?

  • Is the condition getting worse quickly?

Please also include the following photos:

  • A clear photo of your dog’s gums and tongue (we’re looking at the color: pink, white, grey, black)

  • A photo of any stool, vomit, or other symptoms if applicable

Timeline – Past 24 Hours:

Please provide a timeline including the time and date for the following:

  • When your dog ate, drank water, peed, pooped, vomited

  • Any changes in behavior, mobility, or energy

Veterinary Care Options:

We work with several clinics and will guide you based on the urgency of the case:

  1. Pet Central Animal Hospital (Twin Cities):

    • Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

    • Offers emergency services during business hours

  2. Advanced Care Pet Hospital (Sartell/St. Cloud area):

    • Open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM

    • Flexible and quick to see our rescue animals

  3. Blue Pearl Emergency Clinic (Multiple MN locations):

    • Limited hours, often long wait times (3–5 hours depending on severity)

    • Used only when other options are unavailable

Once you’ve gathered the requested details and photos, please send everything to: foster@greyfacerescue.org.

Thank you for your attention to this—your quick response helps us ensure your foster dog gets the best possible care.

Once we have received the above, send via email to vetting@greyfacerescue.org, Dr. Anne and the Executive Director (if needed, you can send a text to inform them an email has been sent and needs to be evaluated).