Are Your Pets Ready For An Emergency?

As I mentioned a few days ago, September is National Preparedness Month!

Today, I'd like to talk about pets and disasters. I've written more on the subject in the past, and I hope you'll pop on over and read it if you haven't already, because it contains some good information on how to be ready in case of a natural disaster.

But on this post, I want to remind you a few things:

First, have an up to date picture of each one of your pets that you can access anywhere. A private Flickr account, your Facebook page - it honestly doesn't matter which site you use. Just make sure that it has an easy to remember password that you won't forget if you're upset. Not only could this help in day to day emergency where your pet was accidentally let out of the house or yard, but it would help if an earthquake, or something similar happened and your cat ran away, and you're not able to use your own computer.

Each pet(s) should have an up to date ID tag on their collar, even if they don't wear it all the time. I'm guilty as charged on this one folks - I noticed yesterday at our emergency trip to the vet that Captain's tag actually has a wrong cell phone number! Guess what I'm running over to Petco to have made up on DH's day off? To make it easier on your pets, choose the kind of tag that slides onto the collar itself, not the dangly kind. This way it doesn't clink against the rabies or license tags and drive you crazy. ;)

Consider micro-chipping your pet if you haven't already. Don't mess with the ones that request money every year - request a lifetime company, and be sure to check that all your information is up to date with the company!

Take a minute this week to phone your veterinarian and confirm that all information that they have on your pets are up to date. Do they have an extra cell phone number to contact you if your landline isn't working? Is there another family member allowed to pick up your pet if they are dropped off at the vet? While you are at it, if you don't already have a file with all the up to date medical information on your pet(s), request copies so you can have it ready in case of emergency. (This really helps if your pet has a serious medical emergency and you have to run to an emergency 24 hour clinic - trust me on this one. It can save precious time - because they may have to wait to treat your pet until they have confirmation of previous treatments or medications!)

For more random preparedness thoughts from my blog, click here.