Be Pet Prepared
Is your pet prepared for an emergency? Do they know who to go to if you don’t come home? Who to call? No, they’re your pet. Essentially your baby and you have to make preparations for your little fluff ball just as you would for your child. We have some tips on how to prepare Sir Raphael The Third (and yourself) in case any disaster comes your way this summer.
She's too busy sleeping to do all of this work.
Understand Mother Nature. Obviously it’s impossible to do this, but we all know what disasters our areas are prone to more than others. If you live in an area that’s a high risk for flooding, then prepare for a flood. If you are in an area that is on a tornado watch, then don’t prepare for a flood. Prepare for a tornado.
Understand your animal. Is Farrah the Feisty Ferret updated on all of her shots? You may know this by heart, but if her collar isn’t updated with her last rabies shot and you’re not there then someone may not be inclined to take her in. If your animal doesn’t have a collar with your latest address and phone number, then get one now before a storm comes your way.
Rescue Mission. Create the course of action for whatever life may throw your way. It shouldn’t be that different than your current disaster plan, except it’s for a furry creature that can’t talk. So talk to your neighbors about it, the pet sitter or your niece who is attached to your little pup so they know what to do if you can’t do it. Research where you can evacuate your pet if you need to get out of dodge quickly, because you don’t want to just leave them home and taking them with you may not be an option. GoPetFriendly and GoFido are great resources to use. The next time you’re at the vet, bring up animal shelters that will look after Knight Cuddly of Snugglesshire for you.
First Paw Kit. Create a disaster kit just as you would for yourself. Include the basics, gauze, adhesive tape for animals (not humans, there’s a difference) and non stick bandages for example. Since you don’t want them running around by themselves, include an extra leash too - there’s one for every animal now. Make sure to download the Pet First Aid app so you know how to use your first aid kit for their little paws accurately.
Disaster Pack. You probably already have one of these for yourself, and if you don’t then get one.There are just a few differences that you will want to include like a photo of you and your fur baby with names, dates and maybe an address on the back of the photo. Any papers you have for them such as their health history, vaccination dates and a contact list of phone numbers and addresses should be included as well.
Stock up. Get out those coupons and start walking those sales aisles, because you’ll want extra leashes, bowls, kitty litter, litter pans and a 5-day supply of food and water to be safe. Make sure to have a crate for your animal with their favorite toys, blankets and that pillow they like to squat on at bedtime too.
If you want to learn more about what to do after your pet experiences a disaster, then check out our other blog on how to deal with pet emergencies. More information on how to keep your pets safe in cases of emergencies can always be found in our Pet First Aid app. Stay safe and cuddly with your pet children tonight!