Your pets need to be prepared for an emergency

We've all heard the importance of being prepared in the event of a disaster, whether it be an earthquake or a house fire. But have you considered that your pets need to be prepared for an emergency as well?

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day was on May 13, and we thought discussing your pet's safety in an emergency would be a good way to celebrate this holiday.

There are many of us who don't realize how important it is to be prepared for a disaster and have a plan; including a plan for our beloved pets.

Here are some useful ideas for pet emergency preparedness:

Make sure your pet has proper identification. Your address, phone number, pet's name and vet's phone number are important things to have on ID tags. Having your pet microchipped is ideal.

Assemble a pet emergency kit. Include these items:

Pet food
Bottled water
Food/water dishes
Medications
Cat litter/pan/scoop
Garbage/poop bags
Manual can opener
First aid kit
Leashes/collars/harnesses
Pet carrier/cage
Blanket
Toys
Bed
Current vaccine records and medical history




Arrange shelter for your pet beforehand. Most emergency shelters do not allow pets due to public health reasons. Make a list of possible boarding facilities and shelters (some animal shelters allow temporary care in an emergency, but should be considered as a last resort) and include phone numbers and addresses. Create a list of motels and hotels that allow pets in advance. Also, find a family member or friend outside your immediate area who would be willing to foster your pet if needed.

No one can determine when a disaster may strike. Be aware of your geographical area so you may anticipate disaster and plan accordingly. If you are not safe in the event of an emergency, neither is your pet. Your pet is a family member and needs to be protected if something bad happens. Take proper precautions as we've mentioned and always BE PREPARED!









For more detailed information about pet emergency preparedness, visit these helpful sites:

Ready
Red Cross
ASPCA *this site provides important tips for birds, reptiles and small animals*

Shelter Pets Need Your Love

April 30 was National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and we at Parrish Creek want to share the importance of pet adoption.

There are thousands of pets around Utah that are in need of forever homes. While purchasing from a breeder may sound enticing, adopting a shelter pet may be the best decision you will ever make. There are so many pets willing to offer their love to you. They are often vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and potty trained. Most shelter pets have been abandoned and are in need of a loving owner. In our experience, shelter pets have made some of the most loyal companions.

Courtney, our receptionist, believes highly in pet adoption and has adopted several dogs in her lifetime.

Members of Courtney's family. L to R: Rowdy, Anna, and Walter.

"I’m a huge advocate for adopting a 'shelter pet' because of so many reasons.  The first and most important reason is because a shelter dog is as deserving of the comfort and consistency of a forever home as any new puppy that came from a breeder. A shelter pet is really just a label. And that label doesn’t describe the personality and character of the animal.  I have three dogs. Two of them were adopted from a rescue center and one from an owner release. I can’t imagine my life without my three furry kids. They add so much love and laughter to my family. The fact that they were spayed and/or neutered, housebroken and somewhat trained when we crossed paths was a perk! The shelter is a stressful environment for any dog and just one day in a shelter is too long. The sooner you can rescue a dog from any shelter especially a high kill shelter the better.  Your 'shelter dog' will thank you with lots of kisses and unconditional love. I know mine do."

As we celebrate Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, let's remember our furry friends in shelters and the love they deserve.