June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if you're a pet-care business professional it's always a good time to make sure you've got a plan in place to administer to the needs of all the pets in your care when and if a disaster strikes.
Whether you live in a rural township that is prone to flooding, hurricanes or snowstorms, or you live in a metropolitan area that is prone to the above or may one day be a target of a man-made disaster, having a plan to help your clients and their pets is invaluable. Remember, you'll want a plan that encompasses all the types of animals you care for - including livestock!
If you're ready to create your own pet-disaster-preparedness plan - use these resources to create a plan custom-fitted for you and your clients:
? The Humane Society of the United States (http://www.hsus.org) has a myriad of resources, including brochures and a Disaster Center that can educate you on the best ways to prepare for a disaster.
? Your local Emergency Response Team can assist you in locating animal-friendly shelters in case of evacuation. They will also be able to provide you with any and all requirements necessary to house animals in such a shelter. (In most cases pets will need to be crated and will need to bring copies of their immunization records).
Spend some time researching and then create a plan that will work for you and your clients' pets. Items to include in your plan: ? Maps for your sitters delineating which pets they are responsible for in case of an emergency;
? A waiver from your clients granting your company permission to transport their pets to the closest animal friendly shelter in case of evacuation;
? A waiver from your clients who do NOT want you to transport their pets in cases of disaster - letting you know that you are to leave their pets in place;
? Reminders for your clients to keep their pets' vet records taped in or near their crate. Additionally, each pet should have up to 2 weeks of food in air- tight containers and easily accessible water containers so that you can find everything when you need to move swiftly;
? An understanding with each client where they can be found if an evacuation takes place and cell phones are not operational. Many families have an agreed upon meeting place - make sure you know the 'meeting place' for each family you work with so you are able to find them when the roads become passable.
A disaster preparedness plan is certainly something you hope you never have to use, but something that you must have to be a responsible pet-care business provider. Your clients will be grateful that you've gone the extra mile to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets.
Use your plan as a marketing tool. Once you've assembled your plan, why not write an article for the local paper about effective disaster preparedness for pets? How about offering a free tip- sheet on disaster-preparedness for pets for every potential new client who subscribes to your e-zine? Or, simply post your disaster preparedness tips on your website and offer it as a free article on the web - make sure you include a great resources box that gets folks to head to your website! Finally, you can expand your disaster preparedness research to create an offer a free seminar on the topic - either in conjunction with your local shelter, police and fire department or the local school.
However you position it - once you've done the homework - make sure you are providing a benefit to the largest amount of people. They will begin to immediately associate you as an expert. And the best clients always are willing to pay more money to work with the expert!
Peggie Arvidson-Dailey, is the founder of Pet-Care Business Success University. Go here (http://www.peggiespets.com/wst_page9.html) for a copy of her free report "243 Tips for Starting a Pet-Care Business."
(c) 2005 Peggie Arvidson-Dailey. You absolutely may use this article in your e-zine or other publication as long as you keep the resource box and all links intact. Please forward a copy of your publication that contains this article.
local house cleaners Park Ridge ..The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More
Westie Grooming ? When your west highland white terrier becomes... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
Let's face it ? everything is cute when it's small... Read More
Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
So, you've got yourself a pregnant cat.Was it a stray... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More
move out cleaning service Glenview ..Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More
You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
So, you've got yourself a pregnant cat.Was it a stray... Read More
Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
Pet |