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Visit Your Veterinarian to Discuss
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You've done some planning.
Now you're working on your dog's evacuation kit.
Visit your veterinarian for help with any questions you might have about medications or keeping your dog calm during that stressful time. You might also have questions about some of the tools or supplies in your first aid kit.
Here is a list to discuss when you visit your veterinarian.
- Go over your disaster evacuation plan with your veterinarian. She might have ideas on what to do or bring with you for your specific circumstances.
- You'll need
medical information and records
for your evacuation kit, including copies of all vaccination records, showing the date of the last shot. If your vet provides rabies certificates, ask for one.
You'll also need a complete medical history, including important test results (for example, heart worm) and any medical conditions your dog has.
- Ensure that this information goes into your dog's evacuation kit as soon as you get home.
- If your dog is on medications, ask your vet for an extra two weeks' worth so you can keep them with the evacuation kit or stored in the refrigerator. Remember to rotate through your supply, always using what's already on hand before opening what you just purchased.
- If the medications require refrigeration, ask your vet how long they'll last without refrigeration, and how long they'll last in a cooler with ice or freezer packs.
- If your dog frightens easily, or is generally nervous, ask your vet for advice on keeping him calm. She might suggest a certain medication, or recommend a herbal or aromatherapy treatment.
- Ask any questions you might have about how to use a tool or supply in your dog first aid kit so that you know how to use it in case of an emergency.
- Ask if the clinic will be evacuating as well, in case you need to board your dog somewhere. If they will be open, and you want to board him there, ask what arrangements you'll need to make and what items you'll need to bring.
- You may need to visit your veterinarian if your dog needs medical attention when you return. Ask your vet if her practice will be open when you return. If not, ask her to recommend one who will be available.
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Is Your Vet Prepared?
Is your vet prepared for a disaster?
When you visit your veterinarian, speak to her about this. If she's not prepared, mention the Disaster Preparedness for Veterinary Practices brochure available from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Or download the PDF version (opens new window) and offer it to her.
If your dog is scheduled to visit your veterinarian some time soon, ask your questions and get your information and meds then.
If not, call and book a special appointment to collect what you need.
The sooner you have it, the sooner you'll be ready to evacuate if the need arises soon.
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