Unexpected situations can turn a normal day into chaos—especially when you’re a pet parent trying to keep your furry family members safe. June is National Pet Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to pause and ask: “If something happened today, would my pet be protected?” Whether you live in Richmond, TX or nearby areas like Aliana, Sugar Land, Harvest Green, Mission Bend, or Four Corners, having a plan in place is essential.

At Embrace Veterinary Care, we know that emergencies don’t come with warnings—but preparation can make all the difference. Let’s walk through the essentials of being truly pet-prepared.

Create a Pet Emergency Kit

When disaster strikes, having a ready-to-go pet emergency kit can give you peace of mind. Your kit should include:

• A 3-day supply of food and water
• Medications and copies of medical records
• Leash, harness, and a sturdy carrier
• Waste bags, litter supplies, and grooming items
• A current photo of your pet in case you’re separated

It’s also a great idea to keep a list of emergency contacts, including our veterinary team at Embrace. Need medication refills or digital copies of your pet’s records? Our easy-to-use Client Portal and Prescription Refill Form can help you get what you need without the stress.

→ Learn more from the American Red Cross: here.

Keep Your Pet’s Health Up to Date

When emergencies happen, pets rely on their overall health to weather the stress. That’s why staying on top of Wellness & Preventive Care is more important than ever. Ensuring vaccinations are current and chronic conditions are managed can prevent health complications during a crisis.

From routine checkups to in-house diagnostics and digital radiology, our team helps Richmond-area pets stay in peak condition—especially when you need them to be most resilient.

Update Identification and Tags

Even well-behaved pets can panic and run when scared. Having a secure collar with an ID tag that includes your phone number is a simple step that can save days of searching. A visible ID tag remains a powerful way to improve your chances of a fast reunion.

Plan for Pets with Special Needs

If your pet has allergies, skin sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, it's important to factor that into your emergency preparations. Store any medications and specialty food in your kit and rotate it every few months.

Our Dermatology & Allergy services offer support tailored to these needs, while our In-House Lab ensures fast diagnostics when something seems off. At Embrace, we work with you to help your pet stay comfortable—even in unpredictable conditions.

Know Where to Go Before You Have To

Not all shelters or hotels accept pets, especially in an evacuation scenario. Research local options ahead of time and keep a list of pet-friendly accommodations in the greater Richmond area and surrounding communities.

You can also prepare by reading our previous blog on emergency signs in pets: “Pet 911: How to Recognize a Veterinary Emergency.”

→ Visit the AVMA for more tips: here.

Tap Into Helpful Resources

Being prepared isn’t just about physical items—it’s also about access to trustworthy help. At Embrace Veterinary Care, we make it easier to prepare with tools like our:

• Veterinary Resources library
• Online Pharmacy for medication access
• Payment Options and Scratchpay financing
• Preparing for a Veterinary Visit checklist
• New Client Form to help first-time pet parents get started

Whether you’re updating your emergency plan or simply making your next vet visit more efficient, we’ve got your back.

National Pet Preparedness Month is a reminder that planning ahead is an act of love. Emergencies may never happen—but if they do, you’ll be ready. If you have questions or need help, our team at Embrace Veterinary Care is here to support pets and their people throughout Richmond, TX and neighboring communities.

Schedule a visit today and take the next step toward protecting what matters most—your pet’s well-being.