Dallas County Living Well Magazine September/October 2020 | Page 33

• Trusted family or friends are an excellent option, if any can
watch your pet. Since you know them, and likely so does your
pet, family and friends may be more likely or able to provide
care in your home or take your pet into their own home.
Family and friends offer pets a familiar face and perhaps even
a familiar place. This can be particularly helpful to ease your
pet’s stress. So ask if any friends or family members are willing
to watch or take-in your pet, even if only until suitable options
can be arranged.
• Some shelters offer temporary foster placement for a
specific amount of time with the intent to reunite pets
with their owners.
• Dog and cat boarding kennels, in-home boarding services,
and pet hotels are available to host your pets when needed. Be
sure to read reviews, tour the facilities, and ask questions in
advance to ensure your pet will be well-cared for and according
to your preferences.
• There are also pet sitting or walking services depending on
the situation and needs of your pet. These are good options
for shorter-term situations, and when your pet doesn’t need
as much care or would just do better at home than in an
unfamiliar place.
• Your veterinarian may also be able to offer recommendations,
since vets often know many of the local services. Veterinarians
also know your pet and are more likely to be invested in
making sure your pet is taken care of.
Whatever options you choose, get to know your emergency caregivers
ahead of time, if possible. Also let them get to know your pet
and vice versa, and make sure the caregiver understands your pet’s
needs. In the event of a crisis, you’ll feel more at ease knowing your
pet is in good hands.
MAINTAIN YOUR PET’S HEALTH
Emergency preparedness requires maintaining your pet’s health.
Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and medical checkups.
You should also keep a sufficient supply of any prescriptions,
special foods, or other needs on hand to ensure your pet’s health in
unforeseen circumstances. Also, keep the documentation for proof of
shots and spaying or neutering in an accessible place, since these may
be required by kennels, shelters, or foster services.
PREPARE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR PET’S CARE
Create instructions for your pet’s care and keep both virtual and
printed copies. Give one to anyone who may look after your pet.
Also, post a copy on your fridge or in a conspicuous place in your
home in the event you aren’t able to point it out. Every pet is different
and keeping the same routine as much as possible will ease your
pet’s stress during a crisis.
You’ll also want caregivers to know about any special needs, such as
medications and when your pet needs to see the vet again. The caregiver
should be aware of special foods your pet needs or can’t have.
Your pet’s stress level and other avoidable problems can be reduced
if the caregiver knows your pet’s training commands, personality
quirks, behaviors, and things to watch for. The instructions should
also include contact numbers for you, your pet’s vet, and emergency
contact if something should happen.
HAVE A BAG READY TO GO
Keep a bag packed for emergencies with the basic needs for your pet
like food, toys, and a leash. Also, include a list of frequently used things
you don’t want to keep packed, but want to make sure your pet has. This
might consist of favorite toys or blankets to provide your pet some sense
of normalcy and comfort when away from you. Also, include your list
of instructions and routines in the bag. Then keep the bag easily accessible
and near a crate or whatever you use to safely transport your pet.
HELP CAREGIVERS EASE YOUR PET’S STRESS
During a crisis, pets can experience anxiety or depression, just like people,
especially if they’re separated from their family and don’t follow
their regular routines. So make sure your pet will be in a safe, comfortable
environment with people you trust. Hopefully, the caregiver has
interacted with your pet in the past, so they are familiar with each other.
Although you may not be able to predict when a crisis might turn
your life upside down, one thing is within your control. You can have
a plan in place for emergencies that ensures your pet will be adequately
taken care of, leaving you one less thing to worry about.
OTHER THINGS
CAREGIVERS CAN DO TO
RELIEVE SOME OF YOUR
PET’S STRESS INCLUDE:
3 give gentle physical affection at
your pet’s comfort level
3 stick to routines as much as
possible
3 provide your pet the
opportunity for regular exercise
3 stick to your pet’s usual diet
3 have a designated quiet space
with comfort items from home
3 play classical music or turn on
TV shows explicitly designed
for animals
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