Pets are Family Too…Don’t Forget the Gifts

December 12, 2009 Comment

If you are still trying to think of a great Christmas gift that is related to preparing, thoughtful, and fun then here is an idea for the pet lover in your midst.

Pets are often overlooked in our planning but like every other family member pets need a 72 hour kit too. They also need their own section in our General Stores. This Christmas do the unexpected and stock the self for man’s best friend.

Purchase a plastic pet dish or a plastic bowl from a dollar store and fill it with a collar, a small toy, a brush, and leash.

Design a fun Emergency Card which can be filled in by the pet’s owners. Designs are easy and free with all the resources on the internet. Be sure to create spaces for the owner’s information, name of pet, history of vaccinations, medications being taken and their frequency, vet’s name and phone number, allergies, and an out of area contact person. Include a gift certificate for a photo shoot with the pet and you to create some pictures to include in family members’ 72 hour kits.

Purchase a pet carrier.

Purchase a back pack and have the kids decorate it for “Fido” and tuck in a list of items which should be included in a pet 72 hour kit, even get them started and include a few.

Purchase the items necessary to help stock the pet section of a General Store, a little dry food, a few canned foods and a gallon of water. If you purchase dry food in a box be sure to put it into the freezer for a few days to kill any moth larva before you gift it.

Stock the toiletries section with pet shampoo, dental chews, toothpaste labeled for pet use and a finger brush to brush teeth.

Our pets are so important us but we often forget about their needs during an emergency until it is too late. Be the oh so smart one and give the gift now.

Other items to consider:

A muzzle, even the most calm pet can become aggressive when frightened during an emergency.

Small plastic bags and a scoop. For cats, kitty litter.

ID tag for collars and/or a micro identification chip.

Giving a fun gift and keeping it preparedness does not have to be expensive and can be a very unexpected and much appreciated surprise.