In Case of Emergency...

Scenario:  A loving pet owner suddenly feels a sharp pain and is rushed to the hospital.  An overnight stay is required to diagnose what is wrong.  The overnight stay turns into a week or more.  What about their poor pet at home?  In the shuffle, they may end up neglected and could suffer as a result.  

To prevent this type of situation from happening to your beloved companion animal(s), here are some suggestions and a form to print and fill out to be prepared for any unexpected emergency.  Many of these concepts may be morbid or grim to consider now, but it is best to be prepared.  Accidents DO happen.  If you love your animal and care for it's well being, these are things that should be taken care of.  In many cases, a well loved family animal ends up euthanized because something has happened to their families and no arrangements were made.  IF YOU CARE, PREPARE!  These packages are also excellent to hand out for anyone watching over your pet while you are away on a vacation.  They will include any necessary information regarding your pet, as well as instructions on what to do should anything unexpected happen.  Create one of these for EACH pet... they are individuals and each have special needs and personalities.

What you will need to gather... and to think about:

•   have 3 (or more) extra keys to your home cut.  (Be sure to test them in the lock to make sure they work)  Place one in each of three envelopes with the filled in form offered at the bottom of the page enclosed.  These are to be given to your family and trusted friends with instructions on how to carry out your wishes.  It is important that you go over the information with them to ensure they understand everything.  It is a good idea to have 3 or more of these packages made up simply to ensure that someone will be around to execute your arrangements should something happen.  Make sure they are people close enough to you that they would be notified if something happened.  Or as an alternate idea, ask your vet if it would be okay if you gave one to them.  If you do, be sure to list them as a contact in case of emergency.

• gather all medical history on your pet in one place. (Usually your vet will give you a little folder to keep a record of your pet's history in.)

•   make a list of the items your pet regularly uses such as; brand of food, brand of litter, water bowl, food dish, brush, medications, hairball ointment, etc.  The last thing you'd want to do is subject your animal to the added stress of having to adjust to new items.  Your pet would already be distressed that their friend is missing.  Try to keep all of your pets items in the same cupboard or closet.  This will make it easier for anyone caring for them, as well as to keep things organized.

•   think of situations that effect your pet.. are they afraid of thunder?  Are they destructive when left alone too long?  Any allergies to anything?  Is there something that can be done to comfort them (ie: favourite places to be rubbed/scratched)?

•   if something happens to your pet, which vet do you go to? What kennel would you prefer them to be placed in should an extended period of time elapse?  Is there a particular house sitting service you prefer?

•   what toys do they have a preference for?  Which pet beds do they like to curl up in?  If they are transferred to somewhere else for temporary care, what items would make them feel at home?

•   should you die (heaven forbid), what arrangements would you like carried out on behalf of your pet?

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(This form can be saved by highlighting the text and copying it, then pasting it into a text editor or word processor.  It can then be formatted and changed to your needs and saved for ease of updating, as well as being easier to print out.) 

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 In Case of Emergency Form
Date Last Updated:______________________

Owner:_______________________________________ Phone:_________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________

Pet's Name:______________________________________  Sex:    Male    Female

Breed:_______________________________________  Date of Birth:__/__/_____

Altered? Spayed  Neutered  ID/Tattoo Numbers:___________________________

Species:     Dog     Cat    Other: _________________________________________

Name of Vet:__________________________________ Phone: _______________

Address of Vet: _______________________________________________________

On Medication?  Yes    No  Allergies?  Yes   No   To what?:_________________

Dosage Instructions:___________________________________________________

Brand of Food(s):______________________________________________________

Feeding and Watering Instructions:______________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Location of Food/Treats:________________________________________________

Location of Leash/Harness/Other:________________________________________

Location of Medical History Information:__________________________________

Favourite Toy:_____________________ Favourite Treats:____________________

Favourite place to curl up on/in:_________________________________________

Favourite placed to be scratched/rubbed/petted etc? ______________________

______________________________________________________________________

Things that scare me:____________________________________________________

Kennel/Housesitting Service:________________________ Phone:______________

Should I, ______________________, the owner and caretaker of this animal, die or become incapacitated to continue proper and humane care of my pet, hereby wish that the following arrangements be made for the continued care and health of my  beloved companion animal. These wishes have been made while of sound mind and body and should be carried out by family or friends.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Signed:________________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________________________  

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