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.
Spring in the Midwest means one thing…tornado season. So now is the perfect time to make sure both you and your pets are ready for any sort of unexpected disaster. Maybe you already have a kit of extra food and water set aside (or maybe you don’t…in that case check out this blog post on disaster planning for your pets), but have you included all the paperwork that your pet needs?
Most people don’t.
Which is why this topic gets it own blog post. Exciting or not.
Necessary Paperwork
Rabies certificate: First and foremost…you need a copy of your rabies certificate. A tag on your pet’s collar is not sufficient proof of rabies vaccination. You will need the information listed on the actual certificate that your veterinary provides when your pet is vaccinated. Make sure you update this with the new certificate each time your pet is vaccinated for rabies. Keeping your rabies certificate handy can make it much easier to find shelter (hotel, emergency shelter, etc.) with your pet after a disaster…as well as serve as a form of identification if you need to reclaim your pet if you become separated.
Vaccine records: Just like rabies, having a record of your pet’s additional vaccines is a must! This is particularly important if you find yourself in a situation where you need to board your pet for a period of time after a disaster. 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 the rabies certificate, make sure to keep this document updated. You can always ask your veterinarian to print out a vaccine record at your yearly visit.
Medications: If your pet 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 pet’s medication if it is lost in the disaster (especially if you need to see a different veterinarian than usual), it also makes it easier for someone else to help care for your pet if needed. If your pet has a specific diagnosis or condition, it’s a good idea to list these here as well.
Veterinarian’s 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 pet is injured during a disaster. (And by contact information, I mean for their offices…don’t expect your veterinarian to give you their personal information! They need to be able to separate work from the rest of their life just like everyone else!)
Photos: One of the most important things you can have of your pet is up to date photos. From all angles. Make sure they show your pet’s entire body clearly, especially any unique markings. Have photos of your pet alone as well as with family members. These photos can help with the identification and reclaiming process if you are separated from your pet during a disaster.
Microchip information: If your pet 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 pet if you are separated.
Registration papers: If your pet is registered with any organization, 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 (though some are much more helpful than others!).
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, your cell phone, and your laptop. Keep a copy with your emergency kit…and a copy with you (purse, cellphone, etc.)…you might even consider giving a copy to a trusted family member or friend.
