Paperwork is no one’s idea of a good time. It’s certainly not something exciting to write about in a blog post (in equally unexciting topics…see: insurance). But…it’s a necessity.
It’s spring in the Midwest which means one thing…tornado season. So now is the perfect time to make sure both you and your horses are ready for any sort of unexpected disaster. Maybe you already have a kit of extra halters and buckets set aside (or maybe you don’t…in that case check out this blog post on building a horse disaster response kit), but have you included all the paperwork that your horse needs? Most people don’t. Which is why this topic gets it own blog post. Exciting or not.
Necessary Paperwork
Coggins test: First and foremost…you need a copy of your current Coggins test. This serves not only as a form of identification, but it also facilitates transport of your horse during a disaster. Horses need current Coggins tests to cross state lines and they are also often required to stay at a boarding facility or fairgrounds (even temporarily).
Vaccine records: Having a record of your horse’s vaccines is a must! Don’t count on your veterinary hospital to be able to provide a copy in a pinch. They’re often affected by the disaster as well and may not have access to their records…or they may be overwhelmed dealing with veterinary emergencies related to the disaster. Be prepared and have these in advance. Just like your Coggin’s test, make sure to keep this document updated. You can always ask your veterinarian to print out a vaccine record at your visit.
Medications: If your horse is on medication, make sure to keep a list of all current medications. List the name of the drug, the strength or concentration, and directions for how to give the medicine (how much to give and when). Not only does this make it easier to replace your horse’s medication if it is lost in the disaster (Especially if you need to see a different veterinarian than usual), but also makes it easier for other people to help care for your horse. If your horse has a specific diagnosis or condition, it’s a good idea to list these here as well.
Veterinarian contact information: Having contact information available for both your regular veterinarian as well as other practices and emergency hospitals in the area can make it easier to find help if your horse is injured during a disaster. (And by ‘contact information,’ I mean the information for the veterinarian’s office! Don’t expect your veterinarian to provide their personal details…even for emergency use. They need a healthy work-life balance just like everyone else!)
Insurance information: If your horse is insured, make sure to have copies of their insurance policies with your disaster paperwork as well as contact information for the insurance company.
Photos: One of the most important things you can have of your horse is up to date photos. From all angles. Make sure they show your horse’s entire body clearly, especially any unique markings or scars. Have photos of your horse alone as well as with family members. These photos can help with the identification and reclaiming process if you are separated from your horse during a disaster.
Microchip information: If your horse is microchipped, keep a copy of the microchip number as well as contact information for the microchip company in your disaster kit. This can help with identification and reclaiming your horse if you are separated.
Registration papers: If your horse is registered, it’s a good idea to include a copy of the papers with your kit. These can serve as yet another layer of identification if needed.
Keeping Your Paperwork Safe
Keeping your paperwork safe and accessible can be a challenge because you never know where you are going to be when a disaster strikes…or even what that disaster is going to be. A location that might be safe during a hurricane may not be as safe during a house fire! Ideally you should keep multiple copies of the information…in multiple forms (both hardcopy and digital)…in multiple locations.
Seal hardcopies in large Ziplock bags to help protect them from water. Scan documents (or take photos) and save them on emergency flash drives. Keep a copy with your emergency kit…and a copy with you (purse, vehicle, etc.)…save a copy on your phone and your laptop.
