What’s in your pet first aid kit?

Pet sitting can be a wonderful and gratifying way to earn money. For those of you who feel a special link to animals and a special affection for all sorts of pets, pet sitting might be an obvious career choice. But are you prepared for the job?

Every professional pet sitter must have a fully stocked first aid kit.

There are many people who regard their pets as members of the family and who are stressed and unhappy when they have no choice but to leave their cherished animals at home alone. Knowing that a caring, professional individual is home with them making sure they are fed, entertained, and played with is a great comfort to them. And for you it is a fun way to earn a living. But of course, pet sitting isn’t just throwing the ball and scooping a litter box. You’re assuming full responsibility for these animals for a period of time. Even if you do everything right, there’s always a chance that the pets in your care might be injured, become ill, or suffer some other accident.

Pet first aid kit

That’s why every professional pet sitter must carry with them a fully stocked first aid kit. Even if the clients insist they have medical supplies on hand, you should always bring a first aid kit. Because if the dog, cat, or other animal in your care needs emergency care, there may not be time to bundle them off to the vet. Here are the basics that you should always have in your first aid kit when pet sitting:

• A pet first aid book. Even something like “Pet First Aid for Dummies” is better than nothing. You’ll need a quick reference for symptoms to know what the best first aid response is.
• Alternatively, a pet first aid app on your smartphone or tablet. There are many of these available, and these may offer a more up-to-date and comprehensive resource in the event of a problem.
• Emergency vet contact info: Don’t rely on your clients. Make sure you know where the nearest 24-hour vet is.
• Gauze and non-stick bandages for cuts and other wounds. Don’t use bandages intended for humans.
• Milk of Magnesia and/or Activated Charcoal to absorb poison if the pet eats something poisonous
• Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting.
• Muzzle. When an animal is injured or ill they will often irrationally attack and bite. A muzzle may be necessary for you to safely administer first aid or transport the animal. Discuss this with your clients ahead of time.
• Cold pack. In the event of burns, a chemical cold pack can be applied to the injured area after cleaning.
• Pill pockets. If you’re given pills to administer after emergency vet treatment, a pill pocket can be difference between getting the pet to take its medicine and having several half-chewed pills on the floor.

What else do you need to know?

Additionally, you should know where the carrier is kept if you are caring for small animals such as cats. And it’s wise to have a strategy for capturing the animal if it is panicked and hiding from you after an injury. We’ve all had the experience of trying to coax a startled cat out from under the bed. Don’t waste time when the animals is bleeding or vomiting and needs immediate medical attention! The best approach is to pack a bag with your medical supplies and always bring it with you to your pet sitting assignments. There are also pre-packed first aid kits available online which have all the necessities ready to go. It’s always important to be prepared for emergencies. Don’t take your next job until you know what’s in your pet first aid kit.

There’s always a chance that a pet in your care gets injured or sick. Be prepared!