Pet Preparation Tips

June is Pet Preparation Month! National disasters seem to be happening more and more frequently, but that isn’t the only type of emergency that can arise unexpectedly. Things like fires and chemical spills are all too common these days. While hopefully none of you have to deal with any of these things, it is a good idea to be ready, just in case. A local vet offers some tips on pet preparation in this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX animal hospital.

Travel Bag

It’s a good idea to have a travel bag ready to go. Keep this in or near your furry friend’s carrier. You’ll want to pack things like collapsible dishes, a few toys, blankets, a leash and collar, a litterbox and litter, bottled water, food, treats, and medicine. A pet first-aid kit and a few brochures or books are also good additions. If you have a dog, it’s not a bad idea to include a muzzle for your canine buddy. Even if you don’t like to muzzle Fido, some emergency shelters may require them.

Preventative Care

Keeping Fido and Fluffy current on vaccinations and wellness care is crucial for their health and well-being. It can also make a huge difference if you were ever to have to evacuate. Many shelters and hotels will require proof that your furry buddy is current before allowing entry. Keep documentation handy. You can keep hard copies in your car or with the travel bag we just mentioned. It’s not a bad idea to store some digitally, so you can access them from anywhere. This is also something to consider when deciding whether to get non-core vaccines. Bordetella, for instance, isn’t considered a core vaccine, but may be required by shelters or hotels.

ID

Make sure that your four-legged pal is microchipped, and that their information is up to date in the manufacturer’s database. (Tip: try using the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool here.) ID tags are also a must. You may also want to consider adding smart tags or GPS-enabled tags to your pet’s collar.

Information

Preparation doesn’t just entail packing: it’s also important to know evacuation routes and potential destinations. Print or save a list of pet-friendly hotels within a few hours’ drive.

Do you have questions about your furry pal’s health or care? Contact Fairfield Animal Hospital, your local Cypress, TX animal hospital, anytime!