Your Brain and Disaster Planning – If You Have A Pet

Posted on May 31st, 2010

One way of comforting the brain is to feel prepared.  There are many things we cannot control, but many things we CAN control.  An important mantra is to just keep Chipping Away at the “many things” so our brain doesn’t get overwhelmed.

Tara Parker-Pope, columnist in the New York Times, just posted an article with some important recommendations and links if you have a pet:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/disaster-planning-for-pets.

Take a moment right now to gather just this much:

1.    Veterinary records for each pet.

2.    A photo of you with your pet.  Parker-Pope quotes a suggestion from the American Veterinary Medical Association:  “Pack documents showing proof of ownership and even add photos showing you with your pet. A photograph will help you reclaim a pet should you be separated during an emergency.” 

3.    A list of places you can board your pet in case of an emergency (shelters, friends’ homes, groomers).

 

Place them in a plastic, waterproof box, or in a re-sealable bag (Ziploc, Glad, etc.).

Promise yourself that, from now on, you will immediately place all new documentation about your pet in the box or bag.

 

This will make you – and your brain – feel comforted.

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