Pet Safety Checklist

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Whether they are furry, feathery, scaly, or slithery, our pets all play such an important part in our lives, and it is our responsibility to keep them safe. For National Animal Safety and Protection Month, we wanted to share these steps to promote a safe and enjoyable lifestyle for us and our pets!

Prioritize Wellness

The first step to safety is prevention. Booking regular wellness checkups with your vet and keeping your pet up to date on their vaccines can give you a head start on any preventable diseases.

Spay or Neuter

Any pets not intended for breeding by responsible and knowledgeable breeders should be spayed or neutered by a veterinarian at the appropriate age as determined by the vet. Doing so can regulate hormones in the pet and prevent accidental litters to keep pets happy, healthy, and off the streets.

Monitor Human Food

Most human food is actually quite bad for your pet and can make them sick. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about what you can do to supplement your pet’s diet and be sure not to feed table scraps!

Ensure Pet-safe Environment

Animals can be prone to ingesting, chewing, or clawing at unsafe items in your home. Be sure to pet-proof any space that they may be able to reach, removing toxic chemicals, plants, electronics, and anything else that might pose a danger.

Discuss Animal Care and Safety

Be sure everyone in the home knows your pet’s schedule, off-limits items, and safety precautions, especially children. Educating your children on the importance of pet safety can protect both your pet and your little ones from mishaps and accidents. You should also keep an eye on your children anytime they are around a pet, even if it’s one you are familiar and comfortable with.

Have an Emergency Action Plan

Have a plan put in place for if your pet has any sort of health emergency. Have a list of what you would need to take (things like vaccination and health records, collar with tags, etc.) and which vet you would go to. If your vet isn’t 24-hour, know of the nearest emergency veterinarian as well. Another good addition is creating a care chart that is easily accessible if anyone ever needs to care for your pet while you’re away or in case of an emergency.

Make Your Pet Identifiable

1 in 3 pets becomes lost in its lifetime. A great safeguard is identification. Chipping your pet can make it identifiable by veterinarians or shelters if your pet gets lost. Be sure to register the chip with a national pet recovery database! Putting something like a Tile Tracker on your pet’s collar can also make it easier to locate them at close distances (up to 250ft).

Know Your Animal

At the end of the day, you know your animal best. If you notice your pet acting abnormally, consult with your vet to make sure you are taking the steps necessary to keep your pet pal happy, healthy, and safe.