A pet owner, Mr. Li (pseudonym), took his 16-year-old dog on a road trip to Inner Mongolia, where the dog developed diarrhea and was admitted to a highly-rated local animal hospital for treatment costing 3,800 yuan. While in the ICU, a nurse inflated an oxygen bag, which suddenly exploded near the dog with a loud bang, startling everyone present. The dog, severely traumatized, rapidly deteriorated and passed away minutes later.

Mr. Li stated that his dog had been in good health, active and without underlying conditions, and the oxygen explosion was the direct cause of death. He also criticized the medical staff for their slow and passive response, including needing remote assistance from another doctor, which delayed critical care.

The hospital admitted operational errors but disputed liability, claiming, "No one can confirm if the explosion directly caused the death." The director further accused Mr. Li of damaging the hospital’s reputation by sharing the incident online and refused compensation or an apology.

"This was family—my companion and my mother’s for 16 years," said Mr. Li, who had vowed to care for the dog after his mother’s passing last year. Devastated, he demands a public apology and accountability from the hospital.

This tragic incident raises concerns: How safe are pet hospitals? What if your pet falls victim to malpractice or negligence? Here’s a three-step guide to protecting your rights:

**1. Gather Evidence and Assert Your Rights** Many owners feel powerless against hospitals, but focusing on evidence and transparency can lead to justice. For example, on October 30, a consumer reported on the Black Cat Complaints platform that Zhengzhou Andy Pet Hospital misdiagnosed their dog with congenital dilated cardiomyopathy without providing test data. After persistent complaints, the platform mediated a resolution.

**Key Precautions for Pet Medical Visits:** - **Verify Credentials**: Check the hospital’s *Animal Medical License* and veterinarians’ qualifications via local agricultural bureaus or the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association. - **Question High-Risk Procedures**: Ensure oxygen tanks and ICU protocols follow safety standards. Ask: "Is this equipment regularly inspected?" - **Supervise Treatment**: Request to accompany your pet during risky procedures (e.g., anesthesia, ICU) or ask for live monitoring. Refusals should raise red flags. - **Document Everything**: Save all receipts, medical records, and written diagnoses—oral assurances hold no legal weight.

**2. Steps to Take After an Incident** If your pet is harmed, follow these steps: - **Negotiate with the Hospital**: Demand refunds, compensation, or apologies—record all communications. - **File Complaints**: Report to platforms (e.g., Meituan, Douyin) or local veterinary authorities for investigations. - **Leverage Third-Party Platforms**: Public complaints on platforms like Black Cat (backed by Sina) often pressure hospitals to act. - **Contact Consumer Rights Channels**: Dial 12315 or file reports on the national 12315 platform (*https://www.12315.cn/*).

**3. Legal Action** For significant losses (e.g., over 5,000 yuan in damages), consider lawsuits with evidence like payment records, videos, and death certificates.

*Note: ICU refers to intensive care units in pet hospitals, not the stock symbol mentioned in the tags.*