If you’re like me and have a pet who you adore, you want to do everything you can to protect them during the COVID-19 outbreak. My veterinary hospital sent out this helpful guidance that I wanted to share. I know it’s off topic for my blog, but as a dog mom, I thought it was important to share it. Stay safe.
Take time now to make plans and prepare your pets in case you need help caring for them due to
COVID-19. For a downloadable guide you can complete to help with emergency planning for pets, see NYC Emergency Management’s Pets page.
Make a Plan for Your Pet – Prepare for a Human Health Emergency
- 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.
- Record important information about your pet so that you can easily access it during an emergency.
- 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.
- Keep a collar/harness, leash, and your animal’s Go Bag in a place where it can be easily found.
- Have crates, food and extra litter and other supplies on hand for quick movement of pets.
- 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.
- 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.
- Update animal vaccines (Rabies, Bordetella) in the event boarding becomes necessary.
- If your pet is on medication, ask your veterinarian for an extra supply.
- Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions.
- 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.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch often.
Ensure Proper Identification
- Dogs and cats should wear a collar or harness, rabies tag, and identification tag at all times.
- Identification tags should include your name, address and phone number and the phone number of an emergency contact.
- Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered and up to date.
Veterinary Care
- Refrain from physically visiting your veterinarian for routine or non-urgent issues during this time.
- Call your veterinarian ahead of time to confirm if your pet is experiencing an emergency.
If You Are Sick with COVID-19
- If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), the CDC recommends that you restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
- When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick.
- Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food.
- Wash pet bedding, leashes, collars, dishes and toys the same way you would clean other surfaces in your home.
- If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
For more information visit: “What to Do if You are Sick.”