This newsletter focuses on animal safety, and especially preventing lost pets. After our area’s tornado less than 2 weeks ago, the potential risk to our home and even our health has become more apparent. Pets are often lost or stranded after a disaster. When concerning weather approaches, your pets should also seek shelter in the house with you. Have a safe place prepared for them with soft bedding and toys. Train your pet to associate their crate with positive things (food, toys, etc.) so it is easier to place them in a crate during stressful situations. Close the curtains and play classical music or some type of white noise to try to reduce stimuli. Their behavior may be different after experiencing sirens or damage to their surroundings. They may sense their caretakers are more stressed than normal and act out. Keep them on a leash while outside until normalcy returns. Be attentive as animals often try to escape when they are frightened. There are many actions you can take to prepare for our area’s next disaster:
- Make sure your pet is microchipped and, equally important, make sure your contact information is up to date with the microchip company. If you have any questions, please talk to your veterinarian or contact our office.
- Take a close/clear picture of your pet at different angles (at least front and side) including a picture of you and your pet together. These pictures are valuable if you need to post fliers or reclaim your pet. Laminate the pictures or keep them in a waterproof bag.
- Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date and ask your vet for a copy of their medical records. Keep any record hardcopies in a waterproof bag. Many kennels or animal hospitals might not allow emergency boarding if your pet is not current on their vaccinations. Here’s a link to help you find pet friendly hotels: https://www.petswelcome.com/pet-friendly-hotels
- Gather supplies that your pet would need if there was a disaster, including food, water, litter, bags, and even a first aid kit (available online if you want one already assembled). Ask your vet for any medication, if needed, for your pet’s disaster kit. ASPCA provides a really helpful checklist https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/disaster-preparedness-checklist_2020_print.pdf
- Have contact people – maybe one in the neighborhood and maybe someone in a different region so you and others can still communicate. Consider using a rescue alert sticker for your window and try to leave a note (with your contact info) if you and your pet evacuate. You can get free alert stickers through the ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/form/free-pet-safety-pack?ms=wb_con_pressreleaseaspcaexpertstips-link-201309&initialms=wb_con_pressreleaseaspcaexpertstips-link-201309
- Have multiple possible routes to take if you need to evacuate.
- If you absolutely have to leave your pet at home during an evacuation, keep them indoors with plenty of dry food and water (and maybe keep the toilet lid up and the door wedged open).
Preparing for an emergency is like insurance…you hope you never need it but it’s really helpful if you do. Stay safe and I hope you find comfort in preparing for conditions that are often beyond our control.
 Dr. Barbara Hanek,
Veterinarian Administrator
In honor of Lost Pet Prevention month, we sat down with Officer Clayton to learn more about the importance of microchipping:
Q: What is a microchip?
A: It is a very small glass-encased, electronic chip that stores a unique number. You can register the number through a company and link it to your name, phone number, email, and physical address. A vet or shelter will scan the chip if your pet gets lost and contact you.
Q: Why are microchips important?
A: Collars and tags are great, but they can get lost. A microchip is under the skin and can't fall off! Don't forget to update the registration when you move!
Q: Does it hurt my pet to have a microchip?
A: The chips are injected using a syringe, like getting a shot. After it's inserted under the skin, your pet won't feel it at all.
Q: When I adopted my pet, they told me it was microchipped, do I need to do anything else?
A: Often, the owners are responsible for registering the microchip after they purchase or adopt a pet. Have your vet scan your animal to see if a chip is there. Take the number and register it for free through these companies:
Q: Where can I get a microchip?
A: Any vet can do it, or you can come to us! We offer microchipping (including the registration) for only $20.
To learn more about microchips, click on Officer Clayton's picture.
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 Faster than a speeding frisbee, Super Kewpie will race right into your hearts! This adorable goofball came to DCAS as a stray and is ready to hang up his cape for the right family. Kewpie is part of our Underdog to Wonderdog program and would do best as an only dog. Click his picture to learn more about this special guy!
Join us at 7pm every Thursday night in July! Follow the links provided to register.
Our Wild Neighbors
Thursday, 07/08/2021
Separate fact from fiction about Chicagoland’s wildlife. Understand how you can protect these fascinating animals and live in harmony.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3iiq09P
S.H.E.D: 4 Necessities for Small Pets
Thursday, 07/15/2021
Explore the needs (shelter, healthcare, exercise, and diet) of smaller pets: guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, bearded dragons, parakeets, and more! Registration Link: https://bit.ly/2SV8jT6
Pet Training 101
Thursday, 07/22/2021
From basic manners to advanced tricks, we’ll share some tips to help unlock your pet’s potential. Registration Link: https://bit.ly/2RYphzQ
Wags to Whiskers: Animal Communication
Thursday, 07/29/2021
Uncover the unspoken language of your pets by learning how to interpret animal body language and get some tips for effective communication. Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3ceeGYb
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