Pet Safety
Best Practices to Keep Your Pets Safe
Emergency Preparedness
It's vital to prepare BEFORE disaster strikes.
CLICK HERE for pet owner preparedness resources.
Collar and ID Tags
Pets should wear ID tags on their collar with the pet's name, owner's name, address and phone number. Using a cell phone number allows communication when you are not at home or on vacation. Using "O" rings to attach your pet's tag to its collar will ensure the tag remains on the collar more securely. Update ID tags when you move or get a new phone number. If you are traveling with your pet, it is a smart idea to put a temporary tag on your pet with your "travel location." Rabies and license tags can also be helpful if your pet becomes lost.
Microchips
Microchips are another way of identifying your pet. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a variety of resources on micro-chipping . This give you and your pet a better chance of reuniting in the incident your pet gets lost. With the technology of the microchip, you can store your information as well as your veterinarian's information and can be easily updated if you move or change veterinarians. Also, in the vent that your pet is injured or taken to a hospital, the microchip will enable your veterinarian to contact you as quickly as possible. Before purchasing a microchip, it is wise to discuss the process with your veterinarian. They will have the information you need as well as which microchips can be scanned at certain animal clinics and shelters.
Pet Food
Many people don’t realize that the basic principles of food safety apply to their pets’ foods too. For example, pet food or treats contaminated with Salmonella can cause infections in dogs and cats. And contaminated pet food that is not handled properly can cause serious illness in people too, especially children.
If you’re a pet owner, one of the most important things you can do to keep your pets, your family, and yourself safe from food-borne illness is to wash your hands.
Before and after handling pet foods and treats, wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot running water and soap. After petting, touching, handling, or feeding your pet, and especially after contact with feces, wash your hands for 20 seconds.
Wash hands before preparing your own food and before eating. Because infants and children are especially susceptible to food-borne illness, keep them away from areas where you feed your pets. Never allow them to touch or eat pet food.
FDA 101: Product Recalls
How to Report a Pet Food Complaint (FDA)
People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet (ASPCA)
Poisons/Toxins
Home Safety Guide for Pet Owners
List of Pet Poisons (Pet Poison Helpline)
Pets and Toxic Plants (UC Davis)
Signs of Poisoning in Dogs and Cats (Pet Poison Helpline)
Animal Poison Control (ASPCA)
First Aid
First Aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until you can get veterinary treatment. Learn how to prepare for pet medical emergencies, stock a first aid kit for your pets, and administer basic first aid to dogs, cats, and other animals.
Basic First Aid for Your Pet (The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
First Aid for Pets (American Red Cross)
First Aid and Emergency Care (VeterinaryPartner.com)
Pet First Aid - Basic Procedures (AVMA)