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Disaster & Hurricane Preparedness

Being prepared and having a plan in the event of a hurricane can save your pet’s lives. With hurricane season at its peak in Texas, we wanted to lend some important tips in the event of a bad storm or another disaster.

• If you have to evacuate your home during a disaster, the best way to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. If it’s not safe for you to stay behind then it’s not safe to leave pets behind either.

• Know which hotels or motels are along your evacuation route that will allow your pets to stay. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. You may even want to ask if no pet policies can be waived in the event of an emergency.
• Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, or veterinarians can care for your animals in the event of an emergency.

• Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and travelling in their carriers or the car calmly.
• Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current, in case they have to be boarded, and that all of your pets are wearing collars that are securely fastened with up-to-date identification. Also consider having your pet microchipped by your veterinarian in the event they go missing during an evacuation.
• It is a good idea to create an evacuation kit for your pets that includes :
  • A sturdy leash/harnesses and/or carriers to transport your pet(s) safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
  • Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan, trash bags, and a manual can opener if your pet(s) eats canned food.
  • Extra medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
  • Current photos of your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pet(s).
  • Your pet(s) may appreciate familiar items, such as toys, beds, blankets if you are able to easily transport them.

Stay safe and please don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s any way we can serve you and your pets during this time.

Sincerely,

Critter Care Crew

COVID-19 & Pets
With the ongoing concerns about COVID-19 affecting our pets, Dr. Plummer, the owner of Critter Care Animal Hospital, wanted to go into detail about the information we know so far on this topic. Please click the link below to view the video.
https://youtu.be/dY-AV37jk-k

Poisonous Food for Animals

Most of us are spending a lot more time at home these days as stay at home orders are in place. While this means that we get to spend more time with our pets, it is very important to be aware of the foods we are cooking and ordering. A lot of common ingredients in our everyday meals can be toxic to pets. These toxic foods include: grapes, raisins, onions, chives, garlic, chocolate, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, bones, and xylitol, which is commonly found in sugar free gum and candy.

Here are some tips to remember to keep our fur babies safe:

• Keep your pantry door shut
• Be diligent about picking up yourself and your children
• Be careful about what foods are within reach of your pets
• Put groceries away in a timely manner
• Be mindful about what foods you’re offering to your pets

In the event your pet gets into any of these food items or you have any concerns, we are still here for you during our normal business hours. We are providing in-hospital, curbside, drop-off, and telemedicine services. Our telemedicine consults will also be available after hours at (346) 208-4861. To ensure that everyone is able to keep their pet’s up to date on vaccines and preventions during this time; we also have extended our open house discounts. This includes 30% off all vaccines and a free heartworm test with the purchase of a year supply of heartworm prevention. If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions at all, please give us a call at (281) 494-7700.

Heartworm Awareness Month is upon us!

Heartworms are a parasite that both dogs and cats can become infected with. Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and through the bloodstream, they eventually invade the heart. The damage done by heartworms can be lifelong and even fatal. Indoor pets are at risk too, as mosquitoes can come inside our homes and thrive in most environments. Due to our climate in the Houston area, heartworm season is year round. Treatment for heartworms in dogs can be very difficult, expensive, and sometimes unsuccessful. There is currently no treatment available for cats. To promote the importance of keeping your pet on heartworm prevention, we are offering a FREE heartworm test with the purchase of a year supply of heartworm prevention. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to have your pet treated for heartworms, give us a call at 281-494-7700

Telemedicine Consultations

With the stay-at-home order that’s currently in place, we are offering telemedicine consults for your convenience. There will be a $47 fee for these consultations and they will take place during our normal business hours and after hours. You can schedule and pay for the telemedicine services by credit card over the phone. If any medications are required after the consultation, we will deliver them within a 5 mile radius of our hospital at no additional charge. If you are outside this radius, we can mail your medications to you or you can continue to pick them up in hospital. We are also offering curbside service, so if you’d prefer not to enter the hospital, we’d be happy to bring them out to you. As a reminder, we have an online pharmacy that you can use to get refills of medications, heartworm and flea preventions, and prescription diets. Please inquire if you’d like to schedule a consultation or have any further questions at 281-494-7700. If you are trying to reach us after hours, please call 346-208-4861.

At Critter Care Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for both you and your pets. During this difficult time, we will be offering alternative services to help accommodate and best serve our clients.
We are taking several precautions with the disinfecting of our hospital multiple times daily. We are practicing regular handwashing and cleaning all surfaces between every patient. Also, if any of our employees are not feeling well or showing any signs of illness, we are ensuring they stay home and do not come in.
If your pet is sick or you have a routine appointment scheduled, we are still open during our normal business hours and would be happy to see you. We are still taking grooming, daycare, and boarding reservations if needed. We will be providing curbside drop off and pick up if you would prefer not to come into the hospital. We would be glad to see your pet as a drop off appointment and can take your payments over the phone if needed.
If you need any medication or food refills and you would prefer not to come into the hospital, we have an online pharmacy that you can use in order to get your medications delivered to your home.
Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any further questions or concerns at 281-494-7700
Sincerely,
The Critter Care Staff