Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2020 | Page 26

Have a Crisis Plan in
Place for your Pet
By KIMBERLY BLAKER
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.
If there’s one thing the spread of COVID-19 has taught us, it’s to expect
and plan for the unexpected. This doesn’t just apply to preparing for
yourself and the people in your life. In the event of an emergency, advance
preparation for the care of your pet is vital to your pet’s wellness.
COVID-19 hospitalization is just one of the many situations that could
require last-minute care for your pets. But many other crises could also
require arrangements for your pet’s care. Examples include other illnesses
requiring hospitalization, last-minute travel for emergencies or work,
homelessness and eviction, financial hardship, rehab, natural disasters,
deployment, death, and more. Your pet is an important part of your family.
So make sure you have a sufficient plan in place for your pet before a
potential crisis hits.
WHO WILL WATCH YOUR PET?
In times of crisis, especially community-wide or family situations that affect
other people as well, such as COVID-19, your first plan may not work
out. So have a backup plan, so you aren’t left scrambling. There are many
options available depending on your financial situation, preferences for
your pet, and the length or type of care you may need.
24 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020