Many animal lovers in our community may be concerned about who will care for their pets if they become sick or need to be hospitalized.
This is an ideal time to plan for the care of your pets whether your emergency is an illness due to coronavirus or some unforeseen calamity.
Obviously, the best home for your pets is their current home. However, if there is no one within the household who can properly care for your pets, you should have prearranged plans on who will care for your pets and where they should be housed.
Here are some things to consider prior to a calamity or sickness that leaves you too ill to physically care for your pets:
• Identify and obtain consent from a relative or friend who agrees to be a temporary caregiver for your pet in your absence, either at your home or at theirs.
• Ensure that individual or family will provide a level of care that’s in the best interest of your pets.
• Ensure that caring for your pets does not cause an unnecessary burden on that individual, their family or on their pets.
• Prepare a pet supply kit that includes vaccination and healthcare records, necessary medications and contact information for your pets’ veterinary clinic.
• Provide the temporary caregiver with adequate food and necessary medications for your pets or the financial compensation needed for the duration of your anticipated absence.
• Provide the temporary caregiver with daily care instructions such as feeding, medication, treat and exercise schedules.
• Provide the temporary caregiver with items needed to care for your pets such as food and water dishes, collars, leashes, crates and bedding, etc.
Having a pet care plan in place prior to a calamity or sickness will help ensure an easier transition if and when such action is necessary. Such a plan also will help keep the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley from becoming unnecessary overcrowded with animals on hold for the duration of any human illness.