As a pet owner, your furry friend is an integral part of your family, and their safety and well-being are of the utmost importance. However, it’s crucial to consider the unexpected and prepare for emergencies to ensure that your pet is protected. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to include in your pet preparedness plan, including a pet preparedness kit, important documents, and additional supplies.
Pet Preparedness Kit
A pet preparedness kit is a must-have for any pet owner. The kit should include basic supplies that will keep your pet comfortable and safe during an emergency. Some items to include in your pet preparedness kit are:
- Food and water: Pack at least three days’ worth of food and water in waterproof containers.
- Medication: Ensure you have an ample supply of any medications your pet takes regularly.
- Leash, collar with ID tags, and harness: Ensure that your pet has proper identification tags on their collar or harness.
- Appropriate-sized pet carrier with bedding: In case you need to evacuate, a pet carrier will keep your pet safe and secure.
- Pet first aid book and first aid kit: Include items such as gauze, bandages, thermometer, etc.
- Basic grooming tools: Pack a brush, nail clipper, and any other grooming supplies your pet needs.
- Cleaning supplies for accidents: Pack paper towels, plastic bags, disinfectant, and any other cleaning supplies you might need.
Important Documents
In case of an emergency, you should have all the necessary documents related to your pet’s care and health. Some of the essential documents to include in your pet preparedness plan are:
- Rabies certificate: Ensure that your pet’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date, and you have a copy of the certificate.
- Vaccination records: Keep your pet’s vaccination records up-to-date and have a copy of the records with you.
- Medical summary: Prepare a summary of your pet’s medical history, including any allergies or medical conditions.
- Medical prescriptions: Keep a copy of your pet’s prescriptions in case you need a refill or forget their medication.
- Current heart worm test result (for dogs): Ensure your dog is up-to-date on their heart worm medication and have a copy of their current test result.
- Current FeLV/FIV test result (for cats): Ensure your cat is up-to-date on their FeLV/FIV test and have a copy of their current test result.
- Microchip information: Ensure that your pet’s microchip information is up-to-date, and have a copy of the information. Double-check that the contact information associated with the microchip is accurate and up-to-date.
- Your contact information: Have your contact information, including your address, phone number, and other appropriate means of contact.
- Photocopy of your pet’s registration information: Include proof of ownership, adoption records, or any other relevant registration information.
- Pet description(s): Include a description of each pet, including breed, color, size, and identifying features.
- Recent photos of each pet: In case you need to search for your pet, having current photos will be helpful.
- Waterproof storage for documents: Store all the important documents in waterproof containers to protect them from damage.
Additional Supplies
In addition to the pet preparedness kit and important documents, there are a few other items to consider including in your pet preparedness plan. Some of these items include:
- Instructions for boarding your pet: Include your contact information, feeding instructions, medication instructions, vet info, up-to-date vaccine records, and behavioral notes.
- Litterbox and two-week supply of litter (cats): Ensure your cat has a clean litterbox and enough litter to last at least two weeks.
- Poop bags: Self explanatory. Be kind, pick up your poo!
