COvid-19 and pets

Take time now to make plans and prepare your pets in case you need help caring for them due to COVID-19. 

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• Designate a trusted pet caregiver (family, friend, neighbor, colleague). Your identified caregiver should have a set of your house keys, be familiar with your home and pet, know your emergency plan, and have your contact information.

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• Record important information about your pet so that you can easily access it during an emergency.

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• Put together a Go Bag for each pet with basic food, supplies, medicine, identification, a list of emergency contacts, your veterinarian’s contact information, and vaccination proof.

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• Keep a collar/harness, leash, and your animal’s Go Bag in a place where it can be easily found.

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• Have crates, food, and extra litter and other supplies on hand for quick movement of pets.

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• If you have neighbors who are self-quarantined or otherwise in need of help, offer to walk their dog or take pets for routine visits.

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• Talk with your local veterinarian, kennel, grooming facility, or other potential boarding facilities to see if they can offer safe shelter for your pet during a health emergency.

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• Update animal vaccines (Rabies, Bordetella) in the event boarding becomes necessary.

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• If your pet is on medication, ask your veterinarian for an extra supply.

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• Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions.

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• If you do not have a yard, be sure to have extra cleaning products and newspaper/puppy pads on hand if you cannot leave your home to walk your dog.

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• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch often.

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*Source Animal Medical Center