This month is National Preparedness Month, which encourages people to plan for natural disasters and other emergencies. It is also a good time to think about how you’d care for your family — including your four-legged family members — in an emergency. As your Fishers vet, we are here to provide expert veterinary care and advice for giving your pet the best life possible. That’s why we decided to share a few tips on how you can prepare for serious situations involving your pet. 

Prepare for Evacuations

Leaving your pet behind is never the correct answer when you have to evacuate. Leaving your pet at home in the event of a natural disaster puts their life in jeopardy, and even if they survive, you may never see them again. To avoid this, come up with an evacuation plan that includes your furry family members. 

Research shelters in your area that accept pets, and look for pet-friendly hotels along potential evacuation routes. If possible, find friends, relatives, or colleagues who could care for your pet if you’re ever in a situation where you can’t take them with you. 

Build an Emergency Kit

You probably have an emergency kit for your human family, but do you have one for your pet? If not, fill a backpack with these emergency pet-care essentials: 

• Extra collar, leash, and harness
• Carriers for smaller pets
• Two weeks work of any medications your pet takes regularly
• Two weeks worth of food and bottled water
• Collapsible food and water bowls
• Copies of veterinary records and your vet’s phone number
• Pet first-aid kit

If you have a feline family member, be sure to include a small litter box and some litter, too. 

Schedule a Vet Visit

If it’s been a while since you last brought your furry friend to VetCheck Pet Urgent Care Center for a checkup, consider scheduling an appointment this month. In addition to ensuring that your pet is in good health, we can provide additional tips for preparing your pet for disasters. Call now to learn more.