Emergency Planning

To all Paws & Kisses Clients: 

Hurricane Irene has us all thinking of natural distasters and other emergency events and wondering what would happen to our pets in the event that the worst happens.  I have attached a link to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, of which Paws & Kisses is a member, which contains two great documents to help pet owners make emergency plans for their pets.  Both documents can be found on their home page.  I encourage you to take the time to read and print the documents and make contingency plans for your pets in the event of a natural disaster.

Also, before traveling and leaving your pets in our care, please take the time to let us know of your emergency planning strategy. Rest assured that we will do our best to care for your pets while you are away, whatever the weather, and will work to ensure that your pets are safe and cared for until your return.  However, there are some things we ask you to consider and plan for when traveling.

• Prepare an emergency kit containing the following:  pet food and water to last for 14 days, a pet carrier, a leash and collar (dogs only), 14 days supply of your pet's medications, copies of your pet's current vaccinations, a form providing all of your pet's vital information, feeding schedule, routine, disposition, pet photo and your contact information, etc.  Please let Paws & Kisses know the location of your emergency kit, in case an emergency occurs while you are away and we are caring for your pets.  Please note:  It is adviseable to create and maintain a pet emergency kit whether or not your are traveling, as you never know when an emergency can happen. 
• Please ensure that your pets are properly vaccinated, so that in the event your home is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster, they will be accepted into a local pet boarding, vet, or other emergency shelter location.  Dogs must be current on rabies, distemper and bordatella vaccines, while cats must be current on rabies and distember.  Proof of vaccination is required.
• Alternatively, please ensure you have made arrangements for an alternate pet guardian to take your pets into their home until you return.  This can be a friend, neighbor or family member.  Please ensure that Paws and Kisses has their names and contact information.
• Please ensure your pets carry ID.  A collar tag is acceptable, however, these can get lost or broken, especially in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situtation, so a microchip is recommended, for both cats and dogs.  If you do have your pet microchipped, please ensure the chip number is located in your emergency kit.
• In the event of a snowstorm occurring while you are away on vacation, Paws & Kisses staff must be able to park in your driveway and be able to safely navigate the path to your house. Please plan ahead and engage the services of a neighbor or snow removal company to plough your drive and shovel your walks while you are away.
• Please make a list containing the names and contact information of the companies you wish  contacted in the event of a household emergency such as frozen pipes or a failed heating system.

We hope that the above information helps you in your emergency planning efforts.  Rest assured, Paws & Kisses stands ready to assist our clients to care for their pets in any emergency situation, and will work with you to ensure they are happy, healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Paws & Kisses