Macon Reporter

Macomb County Animal Control issued the following announcement on April 3.

Pet parents, please have a plan!

As pet parents, we need to prepare an emergency plan for our pets amid COVID-19 crisis.

A pet’s first line of defense is a well-prepared owner, and we strongly encourage pet owners to take the necessary precautions and incorporate pets into their preparedness plans to keep their family—including their pets—healthy and safe.

Having a plan for your pets is crucial; individuals who become sick or require hospitalization will need to have someone to take their animals, and Animal Control is not equipped to handle hundreds of expected pets that will need care.

Your emergency plan should include:

• Proactively identifying someone who could help with their short- or long-term care in the event you are unable to care for your pet. Consider a family member, friend, neighbor or your favorite boarding facility.

• Crates, food and extra supplies on hand for movement and relocation of pets if necessary.

• Records showing proof of current vaccinations and any pet medical history, including their current veterinary contact information.

• Documentation of pet medications including dosages and administering directions. It’s a good idea to include the prescription from your veterinarian with the medications.

• Consider including things like habits, food preferences, any behavioral tendencies, as this can be a very confusing time for your pet.

• Pets should have proper identification: a collar with ID tag\Digital Pet License and a microchip with current, up-to date contact information. (https://animalcontrol.macombgov.org/AnimalControl-DogLicense)

We understand not everyone has a personal support system or the financial means to meet the above recommendations.

Infectious disease experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Health Organization are reassuring people that there is no evidence that animals can spread the virus that causes COVID-19.

The American Veterinary Medical Association agrees that there is no indication that pets can become ill with the virus or that they can spread it to other animals, including people. Please visit the AMVA’s or the CDC websites for further information.

We will keep you updated on any developments to services at our facility and other public information involving pet safety and COVID-19 as it develops.

Photos below show some of our staff's furry family members and they take pride in knowing that they have an emergency plan for them should something extraordinary happen. Feel free to share photos of your pets to help brighten up this day!

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE AND SAVE LIVES!

Original source can be found here.

Source: Macomb County Animal Control