National Pet Parents Day

By Heather McLaren | Owner of Advanced Animal Transport

    Pets offer a bond that can be irreplaceable. To celebrate this, National Pet Parents Day falls on the last Sunday of April. According to NAPPS (National Association for Professional Pet Sitters) this day was started thanks to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). This holiday recognizes that pet parents consider pets as being a part of the family. 

Ideas to Celebrate National Pet Parents Day

    Spoil your pets through their favorite activities. This can be in the form of walks, extra playtime, special treats, and toys. Cats enjoy playing with hair ties and shower curtain rings. Dogs love going for walks and enjoying the elements of being outside. Feathered friends enjoy safe toys that are chew friendly and extra fresh veggies. Reptiles will enjoy extra food and cozy habitat updates. 

    Other ideas include taking your pet to find a new toy at a local pet store or giving them a spa day. For pets unable to leave the house, Advanced Animal Transport can help with this! A quick visit to a local park to smell new smells or visiting family members and pets they're familiar with will brighten their day.

Giving Back to Shelter Pets During National Pet Parents Day

    Don't forget that there are lots of pets in the shelter that would love a new home. This may not be feasible, but that's okay. Some ideas to help them feel loved includes visiting a shelter and just taking them for a walk. New humans equal new smells and new adventures! 

    Have a little extra time to spare beyond a walk? Reach out to the shelter to help volunteer. Shelters are often overwhelmed and filled to capacity. This would ease the load on staff and allow you to socialize with the pets.

    No time available? That's okay, if you have the availability to donate, shelters always need donations. This doesn't just mean money. Animal shelters are in constant need of blankets, towels, toys, and food. Reach out to friends and family if they have excess items that they would like to help donate. Advanced Animal Transport is more than willing to help bring these items to the shelter as well!

    If you would like to help donate money, this would be most helpful as vet bills do accumulate when it comes to saving pets from euthanasia and performing emergency surgeries. Three Stooges Rescue https://threestoogesrescue.org/donate is a local rescue to Port Saint Lucie, FL and has been instrumental in saving pets from euthanasia. However, they do need help with veterinary bills. You can learn more about each dog's story on their social media pages. 

Don't Forget the Important Part of Pet Ownership During National Pet Parents Day

    Review annual health information and certificates. Schedule physicals and updated vaccinations with the veterinarian. This information will be important especially if evacuating during hurricane season. 

Whatever you choose for celebrating National Pet Parents Day, Advanced Animal Transport hopes that you create happy memories with your loved one. Don't forget to take photos and share with us what you did below or catch us on Facebook!

Beating the Summer Florida Heat: How to Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer

By Heather McLaren | Owner of Advanced Animal Transport

Florida temperatures can be harsh on pets. It is important to be knowledgeable about the dangers of summer heat for all pets, including dogs and cats. Temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can be dangerous for dogs to walk on. This can lead to damaged pads via burns. Heatstroke is also a serious risk that can be fatal. It is important to focus on keeping pets as cool as possible to reduce the chances of the above symptoms.

To keep pets cool indoors during the Florida summer weather, the following elements are important to include in your pet’s activities:

Provide Air Conditioning.

        Even indoors, if temperatures reach above 85 degrees pets can become overheated, suffering from hyperthermia. Mayo Clinic defines hyperthermia as “a dangerously overheated body, usually in response to prolonged, hot, humid weather.” Florida is exactly that, hot and humid. It is important to routinely check on your home air conditioner to reduce any chances of it breaking while away at work and your pet is home.

Maintain Hydration. 

        Pets, especially dogs, should consume water often to keep themselves cool. Dogs pant, rather than sweat, which makes them lose water and will need to consume more to reduce dehydration. Fresh, cool water, not ice cold should be available at home, during car rides, and at the park.

Create Cool Spots. 

        Tiled areas such as a kitchen or bathroom will provide better cooling than carpeted areas. If the only cool place is located in the kitchen, verify that the tile does not have direct sunlight hitting the area. Products are available online for cooling mats and pet beds as options for cooling your pet down as well.

To keep pets cool outdoors during extreme temperatures in Florida, the following should be considered:

Finding Shade. 

        Trees offer shade and cooler areas for pets to play. If trees aren’t readily available, larger umbrellas can offer an alternative canopy. During outside play time, it is important to also include shade time. If asphalt is not covered by shade, it can become scorching to paws above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Grass should be used instead of asphalt, provided the area is safe for pedestrian traffic.

Portable Hydration. 

        As mentioned earlier, dogs do not sweat, but rather lose water through their mouth due to panting. Portable water bowls in the shape of water bottles with a bowl on top are a perfect product for outside activities. Due to diseases, be careful about communal water bowls if it is the only option.

Time Walks For Morning and Evening. 

        Dawn and dusk, where there is still light, are cooler times to get your pets outside to stretch their legs. Dog walking is important as it allows dogs to sniff their surroundings and become enriched through socialization. Reducing play time during the hottest part of the day reduces chances of becoming overheated and suffering from symptoms mentioned above such as heatstroke and burned paws.

Additional ways to keep your pet cooler this summer includes:

Crafting frozen treats.

Know the signs of heatstroke and what to do.

Never ever leave your pet in a parked car.

          Pet owners should take precautions before the summer temperatures in Florida become an issue. Prepare for making adjustments to routines to keeping furry friends safe during extremely hot weather. Familiarize with the information above to reduce any chances of overheating.

Have any awesome tips or tricks to keep your pet cool that needs to be shared!

Please leave it below! Thank you for sharing!

Check out these other articles!

How to Maintain your Air Conditioner and Why it’s Important with Pet Ownership

What to Prepare for your Pet During a Hurricane Evacuation

What to Prepare for your Pet
During a Hurricane Evacuation

By Katelyn McLaren | Owner of Nurse Kate Curates

        Hurricane season can be incredibly unpredictable, even more so as the world’s climate continues to change, and stormy seasons intensify. If you live in an area that experiences hurricanes regularly, such as South Florida, you may be very well prepared to handle a hurricane from the comfort of your own home.

        Throw up some hurricane shutters, buy a bunch of water and snacks, and have a hurricane party! Wait for the eye of the storm to pass over your house and use that as an opportunity to bring your dogs out to use the bathroom. You’re prepared to shelter at home while the storm passes, but what if the weather conditions call for evacuation in your area, are you and your pets prepared for that? If you aren’t sure how you’d handle a hurricane evacuation situation with your pets, this article will tell you exactly what you need to know.

Essential Pet Supplies to Bring for Hurricane Evacuation

          Let’s talk a little about hurricane prep for pets. The supplies talked about here are the same whether you are preparing to stay at home for a hurricane or might need to evacuate. If you aren’t sure what to expect with an incoming hurricane, always be prepared for the worst and have your pet supplies set up in a way that you can grab and go if needed.

          One of the most important supplies you can have prepared, for any time of the year really, is a printed list of your pet’s medical information. Some important items that you will want to include on this list are…

Your pet’s name, age, and breed

Health certificates

Medical conditions

Vaccinations

Allergies

Medications they take

Specific food brand

Microchip numbers

The name of their veterinarian and vet office

Keep a copy of this list somewhere in your home as well as in your pet evacuation kit.

          

        That being said, it’s crucial that you refill your pet’s medications at the beginning of hurricane season, that way you have a fresh refill on hand. Especially if you are stuck inside for several days, or if the roads become undrivable, not only for your vehicle but for delivery vehicles that deliver your pet’s meds to the vet office.

         In addition to your pet’s medical list, you can also consider having these supplies prepared for short notice evacuation…

A month’s worth of your pet’s food

A good supply of your pet’s favorite treats

A comfort item: favorite toy, blanket, bed, etc

Entertainment such as toys and bones

Medication

Water and food bowls

Collar and reliable leash

Kennel or crate that can fit into your car or a small space for transport
(Advanced Animal Transport can help with this!)

 

Places to Stay with Your Pets During Evacuation

          If staying with a family member isn’t an option for you and your pet when evacuating for a hurricane, consider locating pet friendly shelters in your area along your designated evacuation route.

          Another option is looking into pet friendly hotels away from your home that you can stay at and wait out the storm. Pet friendly Airbnb’s may also be a viable option in a pinch.

 

Hotel Laws Regarding Pets During Hurricanes

          It is important to research what the laws are in and out of state regarding hurricane evacuations and pets. To reduce stress before a storm approaches, make sure to contact places of interest prior to the day of evacuation.

          The governor of Florida urged hotels to lift these limitations during hurricane Idalia in 2019, and each year the standards and rules will change. Be sure to do your research before there is a storm is out there as hurricane season approaches and have an evacuation plan in mind that includes your pet and their well-being.

 

Where to Bring Your Exotic Animals During Evacuation

          If you cannot take your exotic pets with you to where you are evacuating to during an emergent situation, there are a couple of options. Sometimes animal boarding facilities will take certain exotic pets. Otherwise, you will want to research into which local pet hospital near you or along your known evacuation route will take your variety of exotic pets during evacuation situations.

FAQs

What health certificates are needed

          As far as certificates go, you will want a copy of all health documentation, service animal certification if they are your service animal, and if you have it, any certificates regarding their microchip.

What vaccinations are needed?

          In most cases where you will be boarding an animal, or keeping them within close proximity, there are certain vaccinations that are required before they can be boarded. In dogs, these vaccines include rabies, bordetella, DHPP (Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus). Cats will generally require the same vaccines before boarding, in addition to their feline leukemia vaccinations in some cases.

What do you need for evacuating the state?

          In order to evacuate the state, be sure to have your pets medical information including vaccine records as well as a good supply of any prescription medication and/or prescription food they eat regularly.

 

Article written by Katelyn McLaren | https://nursekatecurates.com/work-with-me/

Update April 15, 2024

 Advanced Animal Transport is ready to accept new clients!

Thank you Rachel from Oh Shoot Photography for capturing these wonderful photos!

www.ohshootphotography.pro/