How Technology Has Improved How We Care For Our Pets

There are no upgrades for pets per se. Our pets do not change. How we as humans bond with animals will not change. However as society becomes more immersed in technology as times goes on we see improvement on how we care for our pets.

With more accurate testing and treatment for disease as well as advancements in the animal surgery realm our pets are living healthier and longer. Microchips have helped reunite lost pets with their owners. Vaccines have prevent disease from running rampant in our pets.

The Internet has become a excellent tool for accessing pet information and products. A pet owner can now in a instant order medications, obtain pet insurance and find out about pet-friendly accommodations. Not to mention the plethora of pet products from toys for entertainment, quality food brands and pet boutiques galore to dress up your pet.
People can give their pets personal and Internet fame. Blogs, Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms have given rise to the Internet-famous pets and pet viral videos. After all who doesn't like a cute pet and their antics?

However the Internet has a dark side as well. People seem to seek advice from the general public about the health of their pet. Asking advice about your pets health from a random stranger  is dangerous. Often home remedies are recommended in which case one should never give a pet herbal remedies without consulting a veterinarian first in person. Anyone can say they are a expert on the Internet but in reality the only expert you should ever listen to is your local veterinarian. Ill-given advice from the Internet (intentional or unintentional) can endanger your pet's health or even cause death. Be careful out there on the wide-world web.

How to Help Animals Now

How to Help Animals Right Now

Make toys, homes or bed for shelter/rescue animals.

Donate items such as old blankets/towels, pet food, leashes, collars, carriers, pet bowls/dishes and first aid supplies. As well as: Distilled water, bleach, laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, trash bags, AA,AAA and D batteries, cotton balls, Ziploc bags (all sizes), disinfecting wipes, sanitizer, lint rollers, Kleenex and house training pads

Volunteer at you local animal shelters/rescues.

Sign petitions for animal welfare.

Spread the word. Learn to speak up for animals. Hang up fliers. Share adoption profiles on social media.

Start a campaign, donation drive and/or fundraiser.

Foster a animal.

Adopt a pet.

Be a responsible pet owner.

Shop cruelty-free.

Report any and all suspected animal abuse and neglect.

Teach kindness, respect, compassion and responsibility to animals to others.

Help stray pets: Try to find the owner and take to the shelter.

Donate money funds to shelters.

Sponsor an animal.

Offer transportation.

Support pet-friendly businesses and companies that give back and support animal welfare.

Offer free grooming for pets.

Train local shelter pets.

Spay and neuter your pets as well as start a trap-neuter return program for local stray cats and dogs.

Support and thank shelter volunteers.

Pet Safety and Natural Disasters

The most important things to do for your pet during iminent natural disasters:

•  Get and ID tag containing your current info (name, address, phone number) and attach to your pets collar (opt for a neon colored collar so your pet can be easier to see!). Ensure your pet wears that collar at all times. A pet with an ID tag indicates to emergency crews that your animal is a pet that belongs to a family and not wild, which could mean the difference between getting rescued or not.

• Get your pet microshipped and up-to-date on vaccinations.Because an ID tag can come off or become damaged during an emergency, you also need to get your pet microchipped. A microchip can be inserted under your pet's skin by your veterinarian. To be effective, the microchip must be registered to the pet's owner so he or she can be contacted in the event the animal is lost. Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date to reduce their risk of illness. If you are evacuated, your pet may not be able to come with you to a shelter and may be held in boarding with other animals whose health status is unknown.

• Have a photo or several photos of your pet on hand for proof of ownership and accurate identification of your pet. It would be a good idea to have a document on hand pointing out identifiable special color markings or scars that will help identify your pet as well.  

• Have a first-aid/emergency kit on hand for your pet. Any emergency kit made for humans can be utilized for your pet as well. Also include your pet's paperwork. Make copies of your pet’s  immunization records, microchip information and vet and emergency contact numbers. Include this paperwork in your emergency kit.

• If at all possible never leave your pet behind! Try to bring your pets with you or plan somewhere you can temporarily house your pet be it with relatives/friends or a boarding facilities away from the natural disaster zone. If you have not other choice but to leave you pet behind make sure plenty of food and water is left behind and post a flyer outside your house that their are pets inside. Never leave your pet in a cage, locked up in a room or tied up! Give a chance for your pet to escape if need be leave a window open, gate open or have a accessible doggy door.

• If your pet goes missing during a natural disaster, it’s important that you don’t endanger yourself looking for your pet. Avoid going outside or far from home if the conditions outside are unmanageable or downright dangerous. Instead, check sites like Nextdoor, Craigslist, Facebook groups or PetFinder – to see if anyone has found your pet. Next, call or visit your local shelters and veterinarian clinics in case your pet was dropped off by an emergency crew or Good Samaritan.

Pets are often overlooked or abandoned during natural disasters because they don’t have the proper identification or paperwork. Because natural disasters can happen any time and with little warning, plan for your pet as you would for any member of your household. Doing so could mean the difference between your pet staying with you during an emergency or getting left behind.

What You Should Do With Your Pets During A Hurricane

Before You Evacuate

• Check in with your vet. Ensure you have copies of your pet's records and proof of vaccinations. Make sure to have a 2-3 week supply of any medication your pet mat take. It's a good idea to have your pet microshipped and has a current ID tag and rabies vacination tag.
• Put together a pet emergency kit. Include food, water, leashes, carriers and picture to establish ownership and accurate pet identification.

Where To Go

• Seek out a pet-friendly boarding place since unfortunately most evacuation shelters do not take pets.
• Consider places that will take you and your pets. Check out sites like BringFido.com, GoPetFriendly.Com and PetsWelcome.com

If You Have To Let Your Pet Stay At Home

• Do not confine them or have them tied up. Leave plenty of food and water for your pets. Post a note outside your house that there are pets inside.
• Do not abandon your pets!  
• Make it easy for your pets/livestock to ride out the storm. Prepare shelters and possible escape routes for your pets/livestock if need be