Coronavirus – have a plan for your pets

ANIMAL owners are being urged to think ahead about protecting their pets should they fall ill during the Coronavirus crisis.

Whether furry, feathered or scaly; having a plan for how animals will be looked after if their owner become unwell makes life easier if it does happen. It will also mean the animal’s welfare won’t be weighing on people’s minds when they need to be making other important decisions.

Guidance on what to think about and how to take sensible steps in advance can be found on the www.somersetprepared.org.uk/animals-prepared website.

Somerset Prepared is a partnership of all Somerset’s local authorities and other partners. Its animal emergency planning advice is endorsed by groups including the RSPCA, the National Animal Welfare Trust and Avon & Somerset Police.

Do you know what you need to do to keep your animals safe if an incident occurs? Do you have carriers or vehicles required to move them out of harm’s way? What would you need to look after them and could you access it quickly if you had to leave your home?

Specific guidance is available for pets, horses and donkeys, and livestock. Top tips include:

• Include any essential pet items in your grab bag, such as food, a lead and vaccination records
• Ensure your animals are vaccinated. This is an essential requirement for many boarding centres
• Consider friends, neighbours and relatives. Could they look after your pet if you couldn’t?