As A Pet Parent, Know How To Prepare For An Emergency

Do you have a family emergency plan? We all live with the possibility of a family emergency. It might be weather-related like a hurricane, blizzard or tornado, or it can be the devastation of a fire.

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Your emergency plan needs to include physical evacuation and quick access to legal documents and cash. You can find more emergency preparedness information at the National Safety Council.

If you have pets, your emergency plan gets much more involved. To most people, “pet” means dog or cat. What about birds or fish? Rabbits, ferrets or hamsters? What if you have a farm with horses, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs or ducks? The AVMA has information for preparing for farm animals.

Your Emergency Plan For Your Pets

Let’s focus on fur babies and other pets in your home.

Being prepared for an emergency event is your best chance of success. The safest place for your pet is with you. You need to know if shelters or hotels you might go to will accept pets.

Here are some things you need to do or have ready in case of an emergency.

• Plan to evacuate early. Finding shelter for you and your pet may take longer than for you alone.
• Microchip your pet. In case you and your pet get separated from each other, a microchip id is one way to help you get reunited.
• Make sure your pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.
• If you have a friend or family that can help you out if you are not home, tell them ahead of time where your pet evacuation kit is stored, where pets might be, and where their food is kept.
• Know where veterinary emergency services are located near your planned evacuation location.
• Purchase a pet carrier for each pet and know how to use it. Make sure the carrier has your and your pets’ identification.
• Have a leash for each pet near your exit.
• Have proper car riding equipment for each pet.
• If you don’t have a vehicle to use for your evacuation, make arrangements in advance for how you and your pets will evacuate.
• Bring pets inside during a weather emergency. Animals can usually sense storms or upcoming bad weather.
• Try to be calm and comfort your pets. They will feed off your emotions.

Pet Evacuation Kit

Have an evacuation kit for each pet. Work with your veterinarian to be sure you have everything you need; especially if you have an exotic pet such as a snake or bird.

Some examples of what to include are listed below; when making the kit, think about your pet’s basic needs, prescriptions, and paperwork. Put everything in plastic waterproof bags.

• Medications for at least 2 weeks. Remember to include flea, tick, heartworm, or other monthly medications.
• Bedding and toys that will comfort your pet.
• Food and water for at least 3 days, some experts recommend 2 weeks’ worth.
• Food and water dishes.
• Paperwork –
  • Registration
  • Veterinary records such as vaccinations, rabies certificates, allergies, and microchip information
  • Boarding instructions
• Plastic bags for dog poop and a litter box and litter for cats.
• Cleaning supplies.
• List of important numbers for veterinarian and boarding locations.
• Photo of you and your pet to prove ownership if needed.

Many disasters can happen at any time. For some, such as hurricanes you may have several days’ notice but others like a tornado can happen with just hours warning. If you have to shelter in place, try to go to a room with no windows. Make sure there are no plants that can harm your pets.

Stay Healthy And Safe

Remember that emergencies can stress out people and pets alike!

Exposure to dirty water, unfamiliar animals, and overcrowded conditions can lead to you and your pet getting sick.

Practice smart hygiene for both you and your pets to prevent as much sickness as possible:

• Wash your hands often. Especially after handling your pet or cleaning up their waste.
• Before an emergency happens, be sure your pet is current with all vaccinations.
• Keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash, and don’t allow them to interact with other animals.
• Don’t let your pet drink or play in contaminated water.

Are You A Pet Parent? Be Prepared During An Emergency #Pets #Dogs #Preparedness Share on X

If you have questions about planning for your location or family situation, contact your local pet shelters or websites like www.ready.gov and https://emergency.cdc.gov/.

Some of my tips may seem a bit over the top, but the important thing is to have a plan for you, your family, and your pets so that everyone is prepared in emergency situations.

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