Taking your pet to the vet is rarely a joyful occasion, but for some animals, it can be downright terrifying. If you have a pet who goes berserk every time you try to put him in a carrier or every time you step into the vet's office, it may be a good idea to rethink taking it to the veterinarian for little things that could be treated at home.
If going to the vet is a must, there are some things that you can do to make the trip less traumatic for everybody involved. For starters, stop hiding the carrier. Either leave it out so your pet can get used to it, or take it a step forward and transform the carrier into a hiding place or extra bed. In the case of a dog, make sure that you take him for rides in the car for other reasons besides going to the veterinarian. Taking your pet to the vet will be less traumatic if the animals don't start worrying out the second they leave home. On some occasions, it may make sense to avoid taking your pet to a veterinarian completely and instead to have an in-house call.
Taking your pet to the vet during an emergency requires quick thinking, and it's not the right time to rush around the house trying to find medical records. Make sure you keep all paperwork somewhere accessible, so you can grab it on your way out of the house if necessary. If your pet takes any special medications, keep a record of names and doses also available.
Keep in mind that taking your pet to the vet is expensive, so you may want to learn how to take care of minor things like an upset stomach or a small cut at home. Don't avoid the vet if you suspect something serious, however. Not only is unfair to the animal to have it suffer through illness, but the more you wait, the more likely it is that the treatment will be expensive and lengthy.