Your family and place of work likely have plans in case of some kind of disaster. You likely also have some basic idea of what to do if there is a fire, tornado, or hurricane. Have you thought about how your pets fit into your plans, though? Clairmont Animal Hospital challenges you to stop and make a plan for disaster preparedness for pets.
Are You Ready to Move?
If you had to evacuate your home quickly in a flood or seek shelter from a tornado, do you have everything that you need for your pet to move quickly?
It is a smart move to plan an emergency kit as part of your plans for disaster preparedness for your pets. Put together a kit that includes:
- A supply of your pet’s food (two weeks is advisable)
- Fresh, clean drinking water
- Bowls
- An extra leash, collar or harness
- A supply of your pet’s medications
- A litter box and litter for cats
- A crate or pet carrier
- A small pet first-aid kit
- A copy of your pet’s medical records
- A list of important pet-related phone numbers
- A recent photo of your pet in case you are separated
Keep these supplies in a dedicated area, ideally with your other emergency supplies like flashlights and blankets.
Have a Plan
If you needed to leave your home with your pet, where would you head? If at all possible, it is best to take your pets with you in an evacuation situation. Because not all disaster shelters can accommodate animals, having a plan is key.
Take some time to put together a list of local boarding kennels, pet-friendly hotels, and welcoming family members that you might seek help from in an emergency situation. Keep in mind that you should have some choices a little further out from your home in case a large area is affected.
Our Tips for Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets
There are definitely some other things that you can do to be prepared as well! As you up your disaster preparedness game, be sure to:
- Get a rescue alert sticker or cling for your home to alert first responders about who lives in your home
- Make sure that your pet’s identification tags are up to date
- Contact us to double check that your pet has been microchipped and that the contact information is current
- Acclimate your pet to spending time in a crate in case they need to be transported or kenneled
Knowing what you need to do in an emergency can help you and your furry family get to safety faster. It isn’t the most fun thing to think about, but disaster preparedness for pets is important.