Checklist for the Temporary Care of Pets of Deployed Military Personnel

If you are called for duty and will be leaving your pet in the care
of family and friends, be sure to...

* Have a written agreement outlining the pet care arrangement.
The agreement should cover important issues such as what will happen
to your pet if the temporary caregiver can no longer care for him,
who is liable for any damage done by your pet, what will happen if
you are unable to reclaim your pet, and what happens if the pet is
injured or dies while in the temporary home.

* Complete a cat personality profile or a dog personality
profile to help your pet's caretaker understand your pet's particular
needs. This profile should include a list of her likes and dislikes,
where she sleeps, what she eats, what medications she takes, and any
other important information.

* Ensure your pet is up-to-date on all his vaccinations and
provide your pet's caretaker with veterinary records.

* Outfit your pet with a collar and tag with the temporary
caretaker's contact information. Better yet, have your pet
microchipped through your animal shelter or veterinary clinic. This
way your pet can always be safety returned to you, even if its collar
or tag becomes lost or detached by accident. Also make sure your pet
is wearing a rabies tag or license as required by law in the
caretaker's community.

* Leave contact information on how to reach your pet's
veterinarian. Arrange who will pay for routine care and emergency
care. Consider leaving your credit card information with set dollar
limits with your veterinarian so your pet can receive emergency care
if needed.

* Provide money for food, toys, grooming, and other routine
needs.

* Have your pet spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering your
pet will make him healthier and make things easier for his temporary
caregiver. You don't want your pet fathering unwanted litters or
spraying furniture while in his temporary home.

**source: http://www.americanhumane.org

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Mar 12, 2003