This year has felt like it has stretched on forever while at the same time passing us by so fast. Taking preventative measures for the Coronavirus such as staying 6 ft apart while wearing masks is a norm now, seasons are changing, political chaos for the election is coming up, earthquakes, brush fires, and holidays are just around the corner. We are all concerned with the safety and well-being of all our family members including our pets, so it's natural to feel anxious. Due to the Coronavirus, many people are staying at home with their pets more than ever. This is a perfect opportunity to create an emergency preparedness plan and checklist if you have not done so or need to update information and supplies. In times of emergency preparedness, be sure to include your pets! Awhile back we blogged about pet preparedness, however this is another good reminder and practice. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
First Aid Kit - The First Aid Kit should always be in hands reach at home or in your car, especially if you travel with your pets often. In case your pet gets injured and you are not nearby a vet clinic, you can quickly patch up the wound. There are various types of emergency kits from basic ones to more advance. You can purchase a simple one here, simply create one on your own with a checklist here and here, or a more advanced kit with water and food here that lasts for 5 years.
Basic necessities- Have your pet’s collar, ID tags, leash, and a blanket. Be sure to have at least an additional 2 week supply of food, water, and medicine on hand until help arrives.
Owner’s contact info and updated pet records - As a pet owner, you should keep track of the papers and documents throughout your pet’s life. Documentation is an essential part of owning a pet. Prepare and save all paperwork (i.e. registration, medical records, vaccination records) because you will be leaving your pets vulnerable. Those who do not have paperwork often don’t know where it is if there is an emergency that requires use of it. All paperwork should be updated, stored, and organized in a folder in case you can not be with your pet at all times and/or the information needs to be passed on, so people know the ins and outs of your pet.
Portable crate or carrier - Crates and carriers come in various shapes and sizes. Transport your pet in a portable crate or at least have one on hand to utilize in case your pet need to be placed at a local pet rescue center. This will be quicker and safer for people to handle your pets properly.
For more information - The Animal Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) covers animal-related topics, resources and tools can be found here.
Be sure your phone settings are set up to receive emergency notifications and keep up to date with your local city’s news for alerts.
A checklist for us that hopefully we will never need:
Take good care of yourself and your family. Stay vigilant when needed and revisit your emergency plans and checklist once in awhile, so information is current and supplies are not expired. We hope that you will never have to encounter an emergency, but if so, we hope this will help make the evacuation process easier.
