Preparing Pets For Emergencies Make Your Own First Aid Kit

Preparing Pets for Emergencies – Make Your Own First Aid Kit

  • Angela Hick-Ewing, RVT

We never plan for an accident, but we can always try to be prepared for when one happens.

Having a first aid kit for your pet is the first step to trying to be prepared; you can make your own or purchase one that is ready made.

Important Paperwork to Include in Your First Aid Kit:

  1. Contact information of your veterinary clinic
  2. Contact information of your closest 24 hour emergency clinic
  3. Current copies of your pets vaccines certificates
  4. Animal Poison Control Contacts – ASPCA Poison Control 1-888-426-4435;

        Pet Poison Hotline 1-855-764-7661

  1. Be sure your pet’s permanent identification information is correct and have copies of the ID number. Permanent identification is a microchip (most are good internationally), tattoo (good for local use only and may fade with time). Collars and harness are not good ID as they are typically removed when an animal is injured.

Customizing Your Kit

Different age groups and pet lifestyles have different kit needs. Pets who take medication regularly should have a couple of days supply of all current medications (be sure to rotate meds so they don’t expire). Be sure to ask your veterinary health care professional about any additional things your first aid kit may need for your pet.

Consider taking a pet first aid course to help you be prepared. In the Edmonton area St. John’s Ambulance and the Edmonton Humane Society offer pet specific courses.