DO YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN FOR YOUR PET?

As of late, Weirdos, there has been a threat to our health and wellness spreading globally. I wanted to take the opportunity today to propose an idea to help you and your pet during an emergency of any sort where you might be unable to properly care for your cat yourself. It is your duty as a pet owner to contemplate what and who will assume care for your animals in a situation that may restrict you yourself from doing so; today, I will be walking you through how to make an emergency plan for your animals.
I have written previously about what to do in the event that you must rehome your animals. I reinforced the idea that rehoming can be in the best interest of the animal, in some situations. However, in the blog today I want to strictly focus on steps you can take to ensure that if you are suddenly ill, injured, or otherwise involved in an incident that hinders your ability to effectively provide care, rehoming them immediately is not necessary.

First, it is imperative to evaluate your animal’s needs. Do you have animals that require special care? Daily medication? A prescription diet? Log everything that goes into a day of providing care for your pet and be sure to display it clearly, with the ability to easily read it. Record your daily routine in a fashion that best suits your animal, considers the person caring for your animal, and will overall be less stressful for both pets and people. It may be worth adding your pets preferences. You will want to add your regular veterinarian’s name and number, as well as the name and number for the closest emergency veterinarian to you. Include your pet’s pharmacy’s name and number as well, if your pet is on any regular medications or injections. During an emergency situation, being prepared will lead to the best results for both you and your animal. It is recommended to place a card or sticker on your door to alert any visitors or emergency responders of any animals inside your home (a link to an emergency care card by Adcat Designs will be linked below and is a great example).

Secondly, you will want to form an open line of communication with whomever may be caring for your animals and establish that they would be comfortable doing so. Have multiple people briefed and able to care for your pets, should someone else you previously considered be unable.
Lastly, be sure to display everything needed to care for your animal(s) and make it easily accessible. For example, provide a spare key that is obtainable by anyone you have chosen to care for your pets in your absence. If your animals need medication, a special diet, injections, etc. be sure to have an emergency supply with the name and number of your pet’s veterinarian and pharmacy. Making every item that is a necessity in your pet’s life and including other enrichment items easily identifiable will ensure your pet is receiving the best care and will provide the most stress-free transition. 
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Discussing who and what will happen to your animals if you are unable to care for them temporarily could be a frightening or off-putting thought. It is necessary to devise a plan, regardless, as it will provide a more positive outcome for both you and your pet. There is no doubt that shelters and rescues will be flooded with unwanted animals or animals that are no longer able to be cared for by the owner because they, or someone close to them, are sick. In an effort to keep animals in their homes, difficult discussions like this must take place. I encourage you to share the idea of creating an emergency plan with your friends, family, and neighbors. Below is a short list of boarding facilities for you to reference. An extended version is located on our website at www.weirdocatloversofcleveland.org.​ 
 
Best wishes to you and your animals,
Hannah Schramm
 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/266033435/emergency-pet-care-card

Boarding Facilities:

Inn the Doghouse
(216) 651-0873
1548 W 117th St, Lakewood, OH 44107
 
Bartels Busack Pet Hospital Resort & Spa
(440) 845-7141
6270 State Rd, Parma, OH 44134
 
INN to PETS
(440) 835-2535
827 Bassett Rd, Westlake, OH 44145
 
The Barkley Pet Hotel and Day Spa
(440) 359-6213
27349 Miles Rd, Orange, OH 44022