Disaster Preparation Tips For Pet Owners

May 8th is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. This is definitely something that is worth taking a little time on, and getting prepared in advance, just in case. A Rockwall, TX vet goes over some disaster preparation tips in this article. 

ID 

We can’t overstate the importance of making sure that your pet has been microchipped and is wearing proper ID tags. Things can get hectic fast in a disaster. If you and your furry best friend are ever separated, that identification could be the only thing linking you together. Consider getting a GPS collar for extra protection. You’ll also need to make sure your information is current. (Tip: try using the AAHA Pet Microchip lookup tool here to check your records.) If your pet has a crate, put ID on that as well. Luggage tags work well for this. You can also use a mailing label. Cover it with tape to make it waterproof. 

Emergency Kit 

It’s a good idea to have a pet emergency bag ready. This can also double as a travel bag. Stock it with basic necessities, such as food, treats, dishes, bedding, toys, medication, a first-aid kit and a leash and collar. Fluffy will need a litter pan and litter, while Fido will need waste baggies and a muzzle. Keep this in or near your pet’s crate, so everything is all in one place and easy to grab.

Planning Ahead

This is one area where it’s best to have plans in place ahead of time. That may mean finding out what pet-friendly hotels and shelters are nearby, or sorting out plans to stay with friends and family. Be sure to include your furry pal in your preparations! 

Keep Current 

While many shelters and hotels do allow pets, many also require proof that Fido and Fluffy are registered and up to date on key vaccines and parasite control. Make sure your furry friend is current on not just core vaccines, but also non-core vaccines, such as bordetella. Keep copies of that paperwork handy. You can keep hard copies in the emergency crate, but it’s also not a bad idea to email yourself copies or store digital copies in the cloud, so you can access them online.

Do you have questions about your pet’s care? Do you need to make an appointment? Contact us, your local Rockwall, TX pet hospital, today!