Pet Preparedness Month

June is Pet Preparedness Month. While we hope that all of our patients stay safe and sound, it is always a good idea to be prepared. You never know when a disaster will strike! Read on as a local San Antonio, TX vet offers some tips on getting your pet ready for an emergency.

We recommend making a travel bag for your pet, and keeping it stocked with thing you may need in an emergency. This includes things like food, medicine, bedding, toys, treats, dishes, and a leash and collar. Fido should have a tie out line and a muzzle, while Fluffy will require a litterbox and litter. Keep the bag in or near your pet’s carrier.

Has your pet been microchipped yet? If so, that’s great! If not, you may want to remedy this right away. If you and your furry pal are ever separated in an emergency, that tiny chip could be the only thing linking you to together if your pet has been chipped, try using the AAHA pet microchip lookup tool here to verify that your information is correct. ID tags art also important!

If you don’t have a good pet first-aid kit, we recommend making one. Get one made for people, and then add some pets-specific items. Also, download some pet first-aid apps. The Red Cross has a good one. You may also want to print out some brochures.

Print a list of pet-safe hotels and shelters within a few hours’ radius. Many of these places will require proof that pets are registered, vaccinated, and current on their parasite control. Keep copies of this documentation with your pet’s carrier and/or in your glove box. Or, email photos or scanned copies of them to yourself, so you can access them from anywhere.

In some cases, boarding may be your best bet. If you don’t have a kennel, do some research and choose one. Bring your pet in for an overnight stay as a trial run, to help your pet get used to their hotel.

Most first responders try to save pets if they can. Window stickers will let firemen know you have pets. Include the number of pets you have, and where they may be hiding.