At one point or another, you may (or maybe you already have) experienced an emergency with your pet. Sometimes in significant moments of panic, it is hard to think straight and know what to do. Having a pet emergency plan for yourself and your furry friend can help ease some stress if you end up in a stressful situation.
This blog will outline what a pet emergency plan is and why it is crucial to have one on hand for your Aurora and Newmarket pet. As much as we would like to think we can live safely with our pets every day, bad things can happen! The more you prepare yourself, the better you will be able to handle the situation.
What is a Pet Emergency Plan?
A pet emergency plan is an outline or a roadmap of the necessary steps you need to take depending on what emergency you come across. As a pet parent, you want to ensure that your dogs and cats will be safe if anything were to occur in the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster.
Your emergency plan can consist of evacuation instructions, a pet emergency kit, a general disaster kit, your pet’s vaccination records etc., and where you will take shelter.
Keep Your Pets’ ID Up To Date
God forbid you ever become separated from your pet. It is crucial to make sure their identification tags are always up to date. Make sure your phone number and name are on the back of their ID tags or they have an ID collar from Wagz Wear. If you change your phone number, be sure to get your pet a new tag. If your pet is not microchipped, it is not too late to have that done either! In the event that your pet gets lost and turns up at an animal shelter, chances are they will scan the pet for a microchip first. Usually, you can get your pet microchipped at your local vet in Aurora or Newmarket. It is relatively inexpensive and only takes a few minutes!
One thing many pet parents forget to do is update their pets’ information on the microchip when they move. This is usually an easy process of logging onto the site and updating your information.
What To Include In Your Pet Emergency Kit
Your pet emergency kit should contain all your pets’ essential items that you can grab and go with if you need to evacuate quickly. Your basic disaster kit should include food, water, and any medications your pet is currently on. For our cat families, pack some cat litter, a litter box, and a pooper scooper. Leashes, harnesses, toys are good to have to secure your pet and keep them close to you. In this era of social distancing, having hand sanitizer and masks handy will keep you protected.
Carry an up-to-date good photo of your pet in case they become lost. That way you can make it into posters or show it around which is much more effective than trying to describe your pet.
Lastly, you can also include some of your pets’ favourite toys and treats. This is not an exhaustive list of things to pack. You can customize your kit based on your pets’ current needs and choose to include whatever you would like in there. Along with the emergency kit, you should also make arrangements for where you and your pet will take shelter if you cannot stay at home.
Rehearse Your Escape Plan With Your Pet
During a time of emergency, there is nothing more stressful than your dog wanting to stop and smell all the smells around them and take in the sights when you’re trying to leave as fast as possible. Before any emergency happens, practice your escape route with your dog. If you choose to run out of the front or back door, make sure you leave a clear path for you and your pet to get out safely. In an apartment building, get your dog comfortable with going up and down the stairs from time to time in case of a fire emergency. Never take the elevator!
As much as we would love to live blissfully with our pets, we cannot ignore that disasters and emergencies will occur. Disaster preparedness can save you a whole lot of stress if you ever need to take off with your pet on short notice. As a pet owner, you must always guarantee the safety of your pets. If you ever end up in a situation where you need to leave ASAP, you will not regret creating your pet emergency plan ahead of time!
York Professional Pet Sitting is here for you if you ever need assistance caring for your pets while you are away! If you have a pet emergency plan, please share it with us.
Morag is the owner and founder of York Regions most trusted premier in-home pet care and dog walking companies. In 2000 she saw a need for an alternative to kennels, catteries for family pets in the area and has always believed that pets are much happier and less stressed staying in their own familiar environment. Morag and her team are all certified in Pet 1st Aid and CPR, she also offers continuous training to her team members through online and hands on pet care and pet behaviour and care courses. Morag has earned her certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Professional Dog Walking and Canine Attendant training. She has lived in the Newmarket/Aurora area since 1991 is a wife, a mother of 2 adult children and a grandmother of 2 delightful little balls of energy. She has also been owned by fish, birds, mice, rats, cats, dogs, gerbils and guinea pigs and is an advocate for all living creatures. In her spare time she likes to be involved in her community and events travelling, reading and cooking.
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