Emergency planning and precautions for pets
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Vaughan Animal Services offers tips for protecting
your dogs and cats during COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, Vaughan
Animal Services is reminding pet owners that it is important to take
precautions and have backup plans in place for your furry companions.
Here
are some tips to keep in mind to ensure pets are safe at home.
The
best place for your pet is home
Make
sure there is a minimum two-week supply of food for your pet at all times and a
30-day supply of any medication. All medications should be properly labeled
with dosage and directions.
Tough
love
Should
someone in your household contract COVID-19, be sure they wash their hands
before and after interacting with their pet. Do not cuddle, sleep with, share
food or let your pet lick anyone in the home.
Emergency
contact
In
the unlikely event of being hospitalized, have two trusted people selected, one
primary person and a backup, who can care for your pet. Make sure you provide
them with the following:
- Name and contact information of your backup caregiver
- Food, treats, toys and other daily supplies for two weeks
- A crate or carrier to transport them in
- Vaccination records
- Collar and leash with ID tags
- Up-to-date microchip information
- 30-day supply of medications and daily care instructions
- Your veterinarian’s contact information
Physical
distancing
It
is important that your pet also practises physical distancing. Keep your pet
away from other people and their pets. Do not let anyone touch your pet if they
do not live in your household. Cats should be kept indoors and dogs kept on a
leash, with their collar and ID tag on at all times when out for a walk.
Pet adoption
As
a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19, the Vaughan Animal Shelter is
closed to the public; adoption and pet recovery services are available by
appointment only. Book your appointment by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing animal.services@vaughan.ca. Visit the City’s website for details on the pets that are
available for adoption.
Pet licensing
All
dogs and cats in the city of Vaughan must wear a licence (numbered tag),
purchased from the City, at all times. Licences must be purchased within 30
days of acquiring a new dog or cat. Online
pet licensing
is available.
Lost pets
If
your pet gets lost, contact Vaughan Animal Services immediately at
905-832-2281; staff will assist with reuniting you and your pet safely and
quickly.
Wildlife
With
more people staying home and practising physical distancing, it is important not
to forget about our wildlife neighbours. Vaughan is home to many types of wild
animals, such as raccoons, skunks, birds, foxes and coyotes. With understanding
and some simple precautions, residents can learn to safely coexist with the
wild animals who share our backyards.
Here
are some simple tips to keep in mind to help manage urban wildlife.
Be
wildlife aware
Know
your wildlife neighbours. Enjoy your surroundings but keep a safe and
respectful distance from wild animals.
Do
not invite unwanted houseguests
Keep
your home properly sealed to exclude wildlife. Remove things that may attract
them by securing garbage/compost containers, picking up dog feces and cleaning
outdoor grills.
Be
a responsible pet owner
Free-roaming
pets are vulnerable to a multitude of dangers. Almost all conflicts between
wildlife and domestic dogs occur when dogs are off-leash. Always keep dogs on a
leash when outdoors and keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure.
Do
not feed wildlife
Directly
or unintentionally feeding a wild animal will increase its tolerance to people
and pets. Reconsider bird feeders as they attract small mammals, which
encourage larger wild animals to visit your yard.
What
to do if a coyote or fox approaches you:
- Stop: Pick up children and small pets, if necessary.
- Stand still: Never run from a coyote, fox or domestic dog.
- Make yourself big: Wave your hands above your head.
- Be loud and assertive: Shout, stomp your feet and clap your hands.
- Use a noisemaker: It could be your voice, a party horn, pots and pans banged together, a shaker can (such as a pop can filled with pebbles), a plastic bag (pull it out of your pocket and snap it around) or an umbrella popping open and closed.
- Slowly back away: Be assertive as you leave, so the animal knows it is not welcome.
To
report a sick or injured wild animal, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
For more information, go to vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City
Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook
and Instagram channels.
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