Prepare Your Pets for Disasters

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

By preparing you can ensure your pets are safe during a disaster.

Did you know that June is Pet Preparedness Month? And while you should be prepared year-round for your four-legged family members' needs, it's a great time to review your family's emergency plans to ensure you've included your pet.

Your pet is an essential member of your family, so they need to be included in your family's emergency plan. The following are the things you need to consider when creating an emergency plan for you and your pet:

• Make A Plan
• Build An Emergency Kit
• Stay Informed

Making A Plan

When preplanning for emergencies, you will likely have less difficulty and stress if an emergency occurs. When creating your evacuation plan, think of your pet.

• Does your pet travel well? If not, check with family and local shelters about boarding until the emergency has passed. If he does travel well, look at a couple of likely routes you would use to evacuate and get contact information for pet-friendly hotels.
• Is your pet microchipped? If not, do so immediately. This will help return your pet to you if he becomes lost. If your pet is microchipped, make sure your current and up-to-date contact information.

Build Your Pet's Emergency Kit

Like you and your family, your pet needs a supply kit just in emergencies. It may be beneficial to build two; a small lighter version if you have to evacuate and a larger, more detailed one for sheltering in place. Some things to keep in your kit:

• Food and water for several days. Include bowls and make sure your pet's food is in a waterproof, airtight container
• Medicines
• First Aid Kit Talk to your vet about what is appropriate to be in the kit
• Crate or Carrier
• Grooming Items Such as shampoo and brushes
• Sanitation needs such as litter and litter pan
• Favorite Items such as a favorite toy or blanket. This will help reduce your pet's stress and anxiety during such an uncertain time.
• A Photo of You And Your Pet. This will help document ownership if separated.
• Pet First Aid App on your mobile device. For more info, click here.

Stay Informed

You must keep up-to-date on current conditions. Purchase a NOAA weather radio with extra batteries. Also, download FEMA or local news apps to your smartphone. Finally, listen to local officials regarding evacuation or sheltering in place.

With preparation, you and your pet can handle anything mother nature throws at you. For a pet safety checklist, please click here.