Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies—whether sudden illnesses, injuries, or natural disasters—can be overwhelming for both pets and their people. Taking just a few proactive steps now can help you stay calm, organized, and ready to respond when your pet needs you most. At Southside Animal Hospital, we're here to support you with the tools and information you need to be prepared.

Be Calm, Be Ready

In an emergency, your pet will naturally look to you for reassurance. Although it can be incredibly emotional, take a moment to breathe and remain as calm as possible. Your steady presence will help comfort your pet and allow you to make clear, informed decisions.

Know Where to Go

Keep the contact information for local veterinary emergency clinics readily accessible. We recommend:

• Saving the number in your phone
• Placing a card on your refrigerator
• Keeping a copy in your wallet or car

Local 24/7 Emergency Veterinary Contact:

Greater Lansing Veterinary Center

(517) 708-2525

www.glvets.com

MSU Veterinary Medical Center 

517-353-5420

Website

Create a Quick-Access Medical Profile

Having your pet’s important medical information in one place can make a big difference in an emergency. We recommend preparing a one-page info sheet with:

• Medical conditions and history
• Current medications and dosages
• Known allergies
• Your regular veterinarian’s contact information

Keep both printed and digital copies on hand and share them with any caregivers or pet sitters.

Vaccination Records on Hand

Always keep your pet’s vaccination records up to date and accessible. Emergency clinics often require proof of rabies and other vaccines. Many clinics, including ours, can provide you with a digital copy or help you store one via your client portal.

Practice Your Route

If you’ve never been to the emergency clinic, consider making a practice trip. Learn the fastest route, check parking availability, and know where to enter the building. Being familiar with the clinic layout can help save time during an actual emergency.

Learn Basic Pet First Aid

We encourage pet owners to take a pet first aid course—many are available online or through the American Red Cross. Topics include:

• Recognizing signs of distress or shock
• Controlling bleeding
• Managing seizures
• Performing CPR on pets

These skills can be lifesaving during those critical first moments before veterinary care is available.

Printable Pet Emergency Checklist

We’re happy to provide a printable Pet Emergency Checklist to help you organize everything mentioned above. This includes:

• Emergency contacts
• First aid kit contents
• Medication and vaccine record sheets
• Travel crate or evacuation supplies
• [Download the Checklist Here]

Natural Disaster Readiness

Natural disasters can strike without warning — being prepared in advance is key to keeping your pets safe. Here are steps to include your pet in your family’s emergency planning:

Create a Pet Emergency Kit:

• 3–5 days of food and water
• Medications with instructions
• Vaccination and medical records
• A leash, collar, harness, and carrier
• A favorite toy or blanket for comfort
• Waste disposal bags and litter supplies

Identification and Microchipping: Make sure your pet wears a secure collar with an ID tag at all times, and ensure their microchip registration is up to date.

Plan for Evacuation: Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends/family outside the immediate area. Never leave pets behind during an evacuation — if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.

Stay Informed: Sign up for local weather alerts and keep your veterinarian’s contact information handy. Keep a list of emergency veterinary clinics near your home and in potential evacuation areas.

Preparedness can make all the difference in keeping your beloved pet safe during an emergency. Feel free to ask our staff for help creating a personalized emergency plan for your pet.