Would you spend $10,000 on your cat—and do it again? In this powerful episode of Irreplaceable Tails, hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT are joined once again by Dr. Jennifer Hawkins, Executive Director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) and President of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). From real-life emergency evacuations to pet insurance realities and natural disaster drills, this episode offers a hard-hitting, honest take on being prepared for anything—and why proactive planning could save your pet’s life.

What you'll learn:

– The truth about pet insurance (from vets who actually use it)

– What to include in your pet’s emergency kit

– How to evacuate horses, cats, and hard-to-catch pets

– Why microchips fail—and what to do about it

– Why collars, tags, and AirTags all matter

– Tips for prepping pets who fear storms, fireworks, or travel

– What sedatives vets recommend for anxious cats and dogs

– The WatchDuty app and how to find pet-friendly shelters

– The incredible story of the Compton Cowboys

– Why small clinics and shelters step up when disaster strikes

– Lessons every pet owner should hear before the next emergency

Who should listen:

– Every pet owner in a disaster-prone area

– Anyone unsure about pet insurance or microchipping

– New adopters preparing for worst-case scenarios

– Rescue and shelter professionals

– Horse owners, ranchers, and animal care providers

Timestamps:

00:00 – Pet insurance: worth it or not?

02:30 – A real $10k vet bill (and how insurance helped)

05:00 – What to include in a pet emergency kit

07:00 – How to evacuate with horses or multiple animals

10:00 – The role of microchips, tags & AirTags

12:00 – Sedatives, carriers & storm anxiety

14:00 – How pets sense pressure changes before disasters

15:30 – Finding pet-friendly shelters in emergencies

17:00 – The WatchDuty app + social media tips

18:00 – Why small shelters & clinics are unsung heroes

18:50 – Final thoughts & listener call-to-action

Stay Connected:

• Like if you learned something new about emergency prep
• Drop your shelter story or disaster tip in the comments
• Subscribe for more expert episodes Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

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Ep. 14

#IrreplaceableTails #PetInsurance #VetCosts