petFAQsPrep

Moving?
When moving and changing veterinarians, try to provide a copy of your pet's records via fax, email, mail or in person prior to your first appointment. This aids your new veterinarian in establishing a record for your pets and can shorten the time you will need to check in for your first appointment (while your pet is waiting anxiously with you). In addition to any medical concerns, be sure to inform your new veterinarian of any idiosyncrasies that your pet may have. These are important to have in your pet's record and can help the staff to know how best to deal with your pet and ensure as comfortable and relaxed a visit as possible. (Does your pet have a fear of white coats? Are they more comfortable on the floor or exam table? Are they more relaxed and cooperative with a firm hold or very little restraint? Do they bite or claw when scared? Is your pet more calm with or without you in the room? Are you anxious about anything we do - would you rather not watch injections?) We record these details in your record to make you and your pet's visit as stress-free and pleasant as possible.

Vacation Plans?
Traveling with your pets can be fun, but stressful. Keep a firm hold on leashes and be very careful when opening car doors with unrestrained animals inside. Even the most obedient and calm pet can become excited and disoriented. Cats are notorious for "heading for the hills". Have identification and contact numbers on your pets at ALL times. Be sure to carry vaccination information (i.e., proof of rabies vaccination). If your pet is anxious and injures someone, having your rabies information with you can save you a lot of hassle by local health department officials (and hopefully prevent the local animal warden from confiscating your pet for quarantine or until you can provide proof of vaccination). Additionally, if you find you must board your pet while out of town you will be able to provide the kennel with needed information (i.e., you won't have to wait until the kennel can call your regular veterinarian for the information). www.petsbest.com/vetlocator http://www.petsbest.com/vetlocator may be helpful if you need to find veterinary care away from home.

If Disaster Strikes …
"Disasters" come in many shapes and sizes … snow, fire, power outage, tornado, train derailment/toxic spill. Be prepared.
1. Have a safe place to go (friends/relatives, boarding facility, hotel/motel, local animal shelter). Socialize your pets so they will handle the transition as well as possible.
2. Keep identification on the pet … collar, tag, microchip. Address and phone number of your evacuation site should be on your pet's collar. Photos will help if separated.
3. Vaccination records, long-term medication and a first-aid kit should be kept together in a convenient place.
4. Keep food and water on hand. Experts recommend a two-week supply (rotate your supply to ensure freshness). Water requirements are roughly one quart per day per ten pounds.
5. Be sure you have a means of restraining your pet (leash, harness, carrier, crate, etc.).
6. Be aware of waste. Take bags and kitty litter with you.
7. Bring as many "creature comforts" as is reasonable … pet beds, blankets, toys, treats.
More information can be found on the Humane Society of America website: www.hsus.org

Pet Identification
Theoretically, all shelters, rescue organizations and veterinary clinics scan all "stray" or "found" animals for the presence of a microchip. Stonewall Veterinary Clinic scans every animal brought in as a stray or "found" pet. We implant Home Again microchips and have a "universal" scanner that can detect the presence of any brand of microchip currently available. However, for microchips to be completely effective (i.e., for the lost pet to find it's way home), each chip must be registered with the respective company ... and updated when the pet moves to a new address. Collars and tags can come off or be removed, but microchips are permanent identification that have proven to be safe and effective.