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Veterinarians Can Save Animals By Stressing Emergency Plan

Posted by Maria Shayna Tzouvelekis | Wed, Jun 08, 2016 @ 01:00 PM

Natural disasters may strike at any moment and often without warning. In the event that a twister touches down or the ground starts to shake, evacuating human and animal family members to safer locations is often a necessity. Access to resources such as energy, food or water, and transportation may be cutoff, so establishing an emergency plan in advance will eliminate the need to scrounge for essential materials at the last minute. The larger the number of people and animals, the larger the task.

Veterinarians encouraging animal owners to implement a disaster preparedness plan may save lives that might otherwise be stranded during a disaster or evacuation. 

Animal Rescued in Hurricane Sandy, featured in beforeitsnews.com

The American Veterinary Medical Association has created a disaster preparedness guide entitled Saving the Whole Family for a wide variety of animal species, including domestic pets and livestock. Veterinarians who discuss the need for a plan with pet owners during appointments and offer physical copies of the guide ensure that individuals are educated and prepared for whatever strikes. 

As part of a disaster plan, pet owners should establish an animal emergency kit and evacuation plan with instructions for others in case the owners are away during an emergency.

Planning Ahead

  • Identification: Microchips (registered with current contact info), collars, ear tags, felt markers on reptiles, or permanent markings on animal hooves could ensure families are reunited with their animals should they be separated. 
  • Accommodations: Since emergency shelters cannot house animals per health regulations, pet owners are advised to prearrange an evacuation site for their family and animals outside of their immediate area.
  • Absence: All pet owners should place bright visible stickers on their buildings, notifying rescuers about animals on the property and location of evacuation supplies. 

Providing pet owners with the tools to create an emergency kit is as easy as guiding them to useful resources. For example, veterinary offices can stock and sell evacuation kits or simply print out a list of emergency kit essentials.

Animal-Specific Evacuation KitsK9 First Aid Kit Provided by outdoorsafety.net

  • Three days of food and water in an airtight waterproof container
  • First aid kit, sanitation products and gloves
  • Collar with ID tag, harness or leash
  • Crate or other pet carrier
  • A recent picture of animals, preferably with their owner to help document ownership
  • Familiar items to help reduce stress for pet(s)

Beyond the emotional trauma placed upon pet owners, natural disasters may be costly if animals are injured. With CrossCheck’s Multiple Check service in place, veterinary clinics and animal hospitals offer a compassionate payment solution that allows customers to care for their animals in good times and bad.  Pet owners write up to four checks that can be deposited by the business over a 30-day period. Funds are guaranteed for the clinic and veterinary care is provided without delay. Download CrossCheck's free guide to learn about how your practice can utilize this helpful tool.

hold check, multiple check

 

Topics: Veterinarians

Written by Maria Shayna Tzouvelekis

Maria Shayna Tzouvelekis is an Inbound Marketer at CrossCheck in Petaluma, CA.