Coronavirus: What you should do to prepare for your pets

PITTSBURGH — With the rising number of novel coronavirus cases across the globe, Humane Animal Rescue says it is important to include household pets in preparedness plans.

In the event that Pittsburgh is impacted by COVID-19, humane officials said individuals with pets should also identify family members or friends to care for the pets if someone has to be hospitalized.

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Here are the following tips given by Humane Animal Rescue:

• Identify a trusted family member, friend or pet sitter to care for your pets if someone in your household becomes ill or is hospitalized.
• Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in the event boarding your pet becomes necessary.
• Have crates, food and extra supplies for your pet on hand in case moving them becomes necessary or if the virus spreads in the community and it becomes necessary to reduce social exposure.
• All animal vaccines should be up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary.
• Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful.
• Pets should have identification including a collar with current identification tags and a registered microchip.

Officials emphasized the importance of staying diligent but not overreacting to the coronavirus concerns.

UPMC, local health leaders preparing for coronavirus cases to start popping up here UPMC, local health leaders preparing for coronavirus cases to start popping up here

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