The month of June is National Adopt a Cat Month and since many of us at Living Peace are cat owners, we’d like to share a few tips on how to be an organized pet owner:

1. Get a backpack for your pet. Store all vet records and rabies tags inside. If there is ever an emergency, all you have to do is grab the backpack and you will have all the information you need to help your pet.
2. Take photos of your pet and store them in the backpack or on your phone. If your pet is ever lost, these photos are going to come in real handy.
3. Put reminders on your paper calendar or electronic calendar about when vaccines and annual check-ups are due. Some of the vaccines have to occur within a very specific time frame and you will kick yourself (and spend more money) if that due date passes and you forgot to make an appointment. 
4. If you ever have someone watch your pets, write out all the pertinent information such as the vet’s information, feeding amounts and schedules, and what your pet likes to do for fun. Type it up and print out two copies. Give one to the sitter and put the other copy in the backpack so that if someone has to watch your pets unexpectedly (you are stuck at the airport due to weather or you get in an accident), the directions are already there for them to follow.
5. Another item to add to the backpack is a medical treatment release form giving your sitter or neighbor permission to make medical decisions on behalf of your pet if you can not be reached. Some vet offices can put this information in your pet’s record but it won’t hurt to have a signed form ready in the backpack.
6. All of our pets have lots of fun toys to keep them entertained. Have a low basket in the corner of your living room for the toys to live in. Your pets will be able to retrieve what they need/want and you can toss all the toys back in when you’re tired of stepping on them. 

A little upfront organization as a pet owner will not only give you a peace of mind but also allow you to spend more time having fun with your pet.