7 Tips For Organizing Pet Supplies

• Keep all pet supplies handy. In a basket keep all supplies together, brushes, combs, flea collars or powders, soap, leashes, or extra toys. You may find it more handy to keep a brush near where you actually brush your pet, or keep soap under the sink where you bathe your pet. I have used several different brushes and my all time favorite is a rubber brush. They are made for cats and dogs. They last 'forever' and really do the job on getting off the cat or dog hair. And it is gentle so they enjoy being brushed.

• Keep the phone number of your veterinarian with your other emergency numbers. If the vet has an after hours number have it as well, rather than waiting for the answering machine to give it to you when your pet is in crisis.

• Keep a can opener near where you open the cans of food; many cans now come with a pop top which is very handy. I think the few cents more per can is worth the time it takes to open a can with a can opener. Use a table knife to scoop out the food. It can simply be scraped off the side of the dish which is nicer than getting your finger dirty in the salmon and bits dinner off the spoon. Or it comes off easily from the knife and the little remaining can be scraped back into the can.

• Keep dry food in a covered container. This keeps the food fresh longer. Or roll the bag down as it is used and secure with a heavy duty clip.

• Keep your pet's food and water dishes clean. Depending on the size of pet and the type of food served, clean bowls daily or every few days. Be sure to rinse them well so no cleaning residue is left in the bowls.

• Wide self-adhesive packing tape does a great job of removing cat and dog hairs from clothing and furniture. Lint brushes also work well if there is not a lot of long hair you are trying to remove.

• Make a 72 hour kit for your pet. Using a backpack is great as it is easily transported and handy to grab in an emergency.

• Food--both canned and dry if that is what your pet normally eats, include a can opener if one will be needed.

• Water, a gallon is recommended for pets.

• Medicines or a note pinned on the back pack to remind you to take the medicine from the fridge or cupboard.

• A blanket, toy, treat, collapsible food and water dish.

• Keep the carrier in a place you can get to it quickly.

• Vaccination record from your veterinary office. You may need this if you go to a shelter or hotel.

• A list of hotels who will take pets.

• Rotate the food and water to keep it fresh.

• Rope and sanitation bags