If you tend to accumulate stuff, it’s likely your pet will as well! One side benefit of being an organized pet lover means that anything that is not supposed to be a pet toy (like shoes) stays out of a pet’s reach. Keeping surfaces in your home clear of anything small and valuable (like jewelry) means that jumping pets don’t eat, play with or hide precious objects.
If you live in a smaller home, consider less used spaces like under the stairs, in an attic, basement or closet to store surplus supplies. Vertical space on the walls can provide a home for things that would otherwise end up in a pile on the floor. The following tips and suggestions should help you be a better steward AND companion to your friends, whether they have feet, paws, wings, scales or fins!
HOW MUCH STUFF DOES YOUR PET NEED?
Even before we talk about HOW to organize your pet’s stuff, let’s look at how much is enough when it comes to your pet’s belongings. Remember that, with few exceptions, it will fall to you to keep these things organized. How much time do you want to spend putting toys and other things away? Ask yourself that the next time you see something so adorable you think you and Fluffy can’t live without it.
FOLDER OF IMPORTANT PET DOCUMENTS
Create a folder that contains all vet, health and immunization records. Include a photocopy and/or the number on any rabies tags, and any other important papers and receipts. Take this folder with you whenever you visit the vet or board your animal. If you don’t have a complete file, ask your vet for copies of any missing information.
If you tend to worry or like to be prepared for anything, include pre-printed emergency flyers in your folder. These should include your pet’s name, your contact information, and photos of your pet from different angles.
A list of hotels in and around your immediate area that allows pets is another useful tool—better to have it handy than to scramble when an emergency occurs.
ADDRESS BOOK ENTRIES
Create an address book entry for your vet, including your vet’s emergency phone number. Make sure the record also includes the address of your vet’s emergency room as well as all microchip and rabies information.
MICROCHIPS
If your pet is microchipped, include the name and contact information of the company and microchip number in your folder. Register the microchip with the company and regularly update your information, especially if you relocate. If you do move, check with your new vet to see if local shelters can read your pet’s current microchip.
NOTE: microchips can move around under the skin. Periodically, have your vet scan for the chip to ensure it hasn’t moved.
OTHERS CARING FOR YOUR PET
Create a guide for anyone caring your pet that includes all necessary information, such as your vet's contact information, amounts and schedules for feedings and medicine, and what your pet likes to do for fun and doesn’t enjoy. No need for someone to wonder why Fido doesn’t want to go outside when it’s raining even if she keeps pacing by the back door. The guide should also include a current medical treatment release form. This form enables someone to make medical decisions on behalf of your pet if you can’t be reached. A first aid book for your pet is also useful. It details what requires a vet’s attention and how quickly to see the vet, as well as what you can take care of at home.
PHOTOS
Take pictures of your pet from many different angles. Be sure to document any unique pattern markings and scars. It’s useful to have these images in both printed and digital format.
Keep them in the folder mentioned above as well as on your phone. If you even need to identify your pet, these pics will come in handy.
ORGANIZING TIPS
FOR PET LOVERS
by Andrew Mellen