After you assemble your pet’s first aid kit, you’re going to want to keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy in case something should happen. Just as you’d do for your children, you want to keep the numbers in a place you’ll remember and in a place that’s easy to get to. Next to the phone or in your contact list is a good place to keep these numbers.

You’ll want to include your local veterinarian’s office number, his pager number, and his emergency number. You’ll also want to include the National Animal Poison Control Center’s 24 hour poison hotline number, which is (888) 4-ANIHELP (426-4435). Be sure that you keep all of your pet’s information written down, like their age, weight, sex, breed, and any medical history or symptoms they may be experiencing.

If your pet ingested something that may be causing the problem, be certain to have the product and ingredient list on hand to give to poison control.

Also keep the number of your local animal shelter on hand in case your pet escapes. They may be able to scout the neighborhood looking for your pet, or may happen to catch your pet, so you want to be sure you let them know he’s missing.