May 9th is National Animal Disaster Prep Day. This year, making preparations for the coronavirus pandemic has been a huge news and conversation topic. However, the pandemic won’t stop other incidents, like tornados and floods, from happening. It’s important to be prepared for anything! Read on as a Wichita, KS vet offers some tips on getting your pet ready for a disaster.
Supplies
It’s always a good idea to have some extra supplies on hand. We recommend keeping at least a few weeks’ worth of pet food, treats, and medicine. You’ll also want to put together an emergency bag for your pet. This should include things like bedding, towels, and dishes. If you have a dog, include some waste baggies as well. Kitties will need a litterbox and litter. We also recommend including a first-aid kit and some water.
Carrier
If your pet doesn’t have a carrier, this is a good time to get one. Keep the emergency bag in or near the carrier, in a place that’s easy to get to. You’ll want to put some ID on it as well. You can easily use luggage tags to do this.
Preventative Care
An ounce of prevention is worth several pounds of cure! Keep up with your pet’s basic wellness care. Your furry pal should be microchipped, fixed, and kept up to date on vaccines and parasite control. ID tags are also important.
Training
Do you have a dog? Make sure Fido knows—and obeys—basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, and Lay Down. The last thing you want is to have to be chasing after your pup in an emergency!
Planning
Make sure you have your plans laid out in advance. We recommend printing out a list of pet-safe hotels and shelters within a few hours’ drive. Many of these places will require proof that your furry buddy is up to date on vaccines and parasite control. Keep copies of this paperwork with you, just in case. (Tip: store them in your glove box.)
Comfort
One thing about our animal companions is that they really are sources of comfort in trying times. Your pet will stay with you through thick and thin. Enjoy some cuddles from your furry best friend, and offer lots of belly rubs and ear scritches.
Please contact us, your local Wichita, KS vet clinic, anytime. We’re here for you!