There was an article in the local paper the other day about lost dogs and cats. I know there is not one animal owner reading this who would not be devastated should the unthinkable happen. There is no worse feeling when your animal becomes lost or escapes from the backyard. While I hope no one will ever have to deal with a lost animal, I want to focus on 3 steps you can take before you have a problem.

The more ways you have to identify your animal, the more chances of you being reunited with your beloved companion animal. With this in mind, I always stress the importance for all animals to wear a collar, an ID tag and to also be micro chipped.

The first line of defense is for your dog and cat to always wear a collar with an identification tag. Yes, even if your kitty is an indoor only cat. It only takes one slip for a cat to get loose. If a kindly stranger should find “Harry, the escape artist,” a collar and an ID tag tells the finder they belong to someone.

Many owners tell me their cats detest collars. Yes, they can take some getting used to. Cats, in particular, are very adept at convincing their owners they are dying — yes, dying — with a collar on! I have seen some very convincing acts with my own cats, and some of the gyrations they go through would be worthy of an Academy Award! But, you the owner need to be strong and not fall for their antics. Give them a week or so and nine times out of ten they will adjust.

If you are reading this, and sitting back and thinking you’re safe because “Spot” has and wears an ID tag and collar, do yourself a favor and go look at “Spot’s” ID tag. Is the information current or does it contain addresses/phone numbers that are no longer current? Equally important, can you read the ID tag? An ID tag that cannot be read is as good as no ID tag. It might be time to go get some up-to-date ID tags!

Many people have told me that their cat or dog is micro chipped and for this reason they do not feel the need to have an ID tag or a collar. While I applaud those of you who have taken the steps to have your animals micro chipped, a micro chip alone is not enough! If someone finds your companion animal, they may just keep them, not thinking to check and see if the animal is indeed micro chipped.

If you have previously had your pets micro chipped, you probably filed their information with your other important papers. Maybe you even put the micro chip ID tag (if you got one) on their collar. Did you know most of the micro chip companies allow you to also go online and register your animal for a nominal onetime fee? You can also include important additional information such as medical conditions and alternate emergency contact numbers.

For my own animals, I have two local emergency contact numbers listed. However, should we have a major earthquake and I or one of my local contacts cannot be reached, I also have an out-of-state contact listed as well. I know my good friend Eindy in Atlanta will do whatever it takes to ensure my animals are kept safe and sound until I can be contacted.

While I hope your dog or cat never goes missing, you will have peace of mind knowing you took action with these three simple steps.

— Jan Brown

— Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting & a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor. She can be reached at

As a pet sitter I often hear comments about what a great job I have. And, it is true, I do have a great job and I love my job! However, it is not without its scheduling challenges.

Our schedule changes every day. And, while we work very hard to get the schedule in place ahead of time there are always the last minute changes.

A few months ago I had a day scheduled that looked pretty straight forward. Or so I thought.

I had two early morning visits for dogs that needed to be let out.

I had a morning and evening visit for a cat.

I had two midday dog walks.

I remember thinking to myself that this would be an easy schedule. I should know by now not to think thoughts such as this as it will come back to haunt me!

On a not too long ago morning as I am getting ready to start my rounds I get a phone call from a client. There was a family emergency and can we please start visits for ‘Jupiter’, the dog, this same morning as they are catching an early flight out. Oh, and Jupiter needs three visits a day.

OK, I think I can do this, so I add Jupiter to the schedule. Unfortunately, Jupiter lives in the complete opposite direction of my other two morning visits. “Oh well”, I say to myself, “I’ll just need to leave a bit earlier this morning and all will be fine”.

Just as I finish adding Jupiter to the schedule, I receive a call from another client. The client explains to me he just found out he has to work late, and could we please squeeze his dog Snoop in for a midday walk. We have to juggle a bit, but we are able to squeeze Snoop in for a midday walk.

OK, I’m thinking to myself, this still isn’t too bad and my schedule is still is manageable. Ha!

About an hour later I get a message from yet another client telling me they missed their connecting flight home. They will not be able to get home until quite late the following day. They need us to continue visits for Phil, the cat. Phil also needs medication that needs to be given at specific times.

Mind you, I’m not complaining. Really I’m not. Not all of our days are this crazy. And, in this business we know last minute changes are often a reality. But, if you ask me what my schedule is for ‘tomorrow’ and I hesitate in responding, you will now understand why!

An early July 4th note: Did you know July 5th is the busiest day of the year for the humane society? Please leave your dogs at home when you head out to enjoy the fireworks. Your dog will be much happier and safer!

— Jan Brown

Jan is the owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting and is a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor. She can be reached at  .

In the February issue of The Pilot I wrote about having a “go kit for your pets. This “go” kit consists of items you need should you suddenly have to evacuate with your companion animal due to an earthquake or other disaster.

Since April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month — yes, there is such a thing — I thought I would talk about some steps you can take to be prepared should your companion animal ever need first aid.

Each owner should have a pet first aid kit. I want to stress a pet first aid kit is not meant to take the place of a veterinarys care. However by having a pet first aid kit you will often be able to provide care prior to transporting your pet to your vet if warranted.

You can put together your own first aid kit or buy a kit that is ready made. I like to suggest you put your own kit together because you will remember what is in the kit. If you decide to purchase a readymade kit — and there are good ones out there — I caution you to be sure you are not buying something that is just a bunch of bandages.

While it’s great if you already have a pet first aid kit at home, what about the times you take hikes or travel with “Rover”? I recommend you also have a smaller first aid kit in a waist pack that goes with you on your hikes with Rover. For the times you travel with Rover, I highly recommend you have a second pet first aid kit in your car.

I am often asked what items should go in a pet first aid kit. Some general items would include bandages, tweezers, ointments, disinfectants, and a muzzle. Space does not allow me to list every item, however, if you would like me to email you a detailed list of suggested items for your pet first aid kit, please send an email to me and put “Pet First Aid Kit” in the subject line.

While a pet first aid kit is a “good thing” to have, it is just as important to know what is normal for your pet. For example, if your normally friendly cat suddenly starts to hide in out of the way places, this may be a sign that all is not well. Cats, in particular, will often hide when they are not feeling well. Unlike dogs, cats tend to mask their symptoms because in the wild a sick cat becomes prey for predators. Now, if it is normal for your animal to sleep in out of the way places, this may not be cause for concern! What you want to be alert for are any changes in your animals’ normal behavior.

Be alert to subtle and not so subtle changes in your companion animal especially in cats. Put together or purchase a pet first aid kit before you need one! You can never predict when you will need such a kit, so make it a priority to get a kit together today. By having a pet first aid kit and being alert to what is not normal for your companion animal you have taken steps to become a caring and conscientious pet owner.

— Jan Brown

Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting and is a PetTech Pet First Aid Instructor. She can be reached at .