Preparing For Your Pets During COVID-19

Having a plan in place for your pet in the event something happens to you is a topic we’ve covered before, but due to the overwhelming and rapid moving COVID-19 crisis, now is the time to really dedicate some time to secure your pet’s future well-being if you become ill. Here are a few guidelines to get prepared.

Plan and Prepare:

Designate an “in case of emergency” person for your pets and be sure to include their contact information on all your identifying documents and place a copy of this information in your wallet.

Secure a pet boarding facility that can take your pet/s in if necessary (see below)

Include your plan for your pet in your will or legal trust.

Ensure your pet/s are wearing up to date identification at all times and that their microchip information is up to date.

Create an emergency kit for your pet:

A travel crate that closes securely
A copy of all vital records including rabies certificate, spay/neuter certificate
A list that includes the names and contact information of your veterinarian, your preferred emergency vet hospital, a boarding facility where your pet can be taken if needed.
Clear instructions that guide your designated pet guardian how to take care of your pet for anywhere from one day to one month. Include meal schedule, walk schedule, etc.
Provide a credit card number or cash to cover any unforeseen expenses that might arise while in the care of someone other than you.
Medications
One-week supply of pet food and/or instructions for special dietary needs if their food is perishable. For example, where it is kept in your home and where to purchase it if needed
Litter tray and bag of litter for cat owners
A recent photo of your pet in the event they get lost while in a guardian’s care
Extra leash and collar with current ID tag

Keep your pet’s emergency kit in an accessible area of your home and be sure to tell your designated pet guardian/s where it is in the event you are not present when they need to access it.

It is common for pets left behind due to medical emergencies, or death to end up at the local shelter simply because there are no other options available to the person or persons who find themselves responsible for your animal companion. Do not leave the fate of your pets to chance. Make a plan, be prepared, and find some comfort knowing that if anything happens to you your pet is taken care of.

Jennifer Gugliemo, owner of Doggie’s Day Out Palm Springs recommends registering your pet with the facility of your choice now. Otherwise you may run into problems if an unexpected emergency strikes.

“Regardless of the facility you choose to care for your pet during an emergency, it is critical that you pre-resister your dog now. In order to board any pet under any circumstance, we need to have up to date vaccination records on file. I recommend you do that now, if you are in the planning stages.”

Jennifer also strongly encourages putting more than one emergency contact for your pet on file in the event you cannot be reached to further ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet.

For example, if you are in the hospital for over two weeks and cannot be reached, your pet becomes ill or the facility runs out of space, they may be faced with the difficult task of having to relinquish your pet to the shelter as “abandoned”. Be sure to give the boarding facility more than one emergency contact for your pet when pre-registering and be sure to inform your designated pet emergency guardians of their role in your plan of action.

Pet Boarding Facilities in the Coachella Valley

**Most facilities will require your pet to pre-register in order to secure a spot. Please be sure to contact your preferred facility and let them know you are designating them as a safe haven and ask what you need to do to secure a spot for your pet.

Cathedral City

The Canine Spa Pet Hotel & Grooming
68766 Perez Rd, Cathedral City, CA 92234

760-328-0876,

www.TheCanineSpa.com

Indio

The Grand Paw
51750 Jackson St., Indio, CA 760-398-9900
www.thegrandpaw.com

VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital
78-267 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA

760-564-1154

www.vcahospitals.com/all-creatures-ca

La Quinta, CA

The Village Pup in La Quinta

78050 Cll Cadiz, La Quinta, CA 92253