Emergency Preparedness Part II: Pets

Good Morning & Welcome to another Worry-Free Wednesday post!

I thought this Wednesday I would carry on with the Emergency Preparedness theme that I started a couple of weeks ago.  So, this time I'd like to cover an important topic that many of us might overlook, our pets.  I figure since they are like family to us, we should consider them in our emergency preparedness plan as well.
  There are several things I'd like to point out when it comes to safety concerns for our beloved four-legged friends.  The first being an emergency check off list.  I came across this great link the other day courtesy of the American Red Cross.  Check it out.  I think it has some great information on how to prepare for a disaster when it comes to your pet.

http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/PetSafety.pdf

In addition to this link, you might find these of help as well.  The first one is a website where you can buy emergency kits/supplies for your pet & the second one is a link that offers a list of supplies that you should include if you opt to make your own pet emergency kit.  I think I will make one for my dog, Charlie and keep it in the car.

http://www.iprepare.com/pet-supplies.html
http://philosophyofdog.com/blog/canine-health/making-your-dogs-first-aid-kit/

In addition to these emergency links, there are a couple of other items I would like to mention that I use regularly & highly recommend.  The first can be found at this link: http://www.waterrover.com/.  I ordered one of these last year shortly after adopting my dog & have loved having it in the car especially on hot days & long road trips.  It is so convenient.  You might even be able to purchase something similar at your local pet shop.

The second item that I would like to suggest is a dog car seat or harness depending on the size of your dog.  I know many of you might be rolling your eyes and shaking your head at the thought of this, saying "Katherine have you lost your mind?!  It's only a dog!"  But let me tell you, if you travel regularly like I do each day on my one hour commute with Charlie, I think it is an absolute must.  Not only does it protect Fido in the event that he/she gets thrown in a car accident, but it also keeps you safe while driving.  Having a dog wandering around the vehicle and jumping from seat to seat while you are on the freeway, is just an accident waiting to happen so please considering getting one if you travel with your dog frequently.

http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3245549&sr=1&origkw=car%20seat

(Here's the one I got for my 20 lbs. dog)

I guess that about sums it up as far as Pet Safety/Emergency Preparedness goes.  I know it may seem a tad bit extreme to some of you, but I personally feel that if you follow some of the advice offered in the above links I have included you will be happy you did.  After all, with a little planning on your part, your favorite pet will be around for many more years to come.

REMEMBER: IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL!  :(

ALWAYS BE PREPARED!  :)