Having a disaster plan for all your pets is very important. Don’t leave your pets out of evacuation plans. Even if you try to create a safe place for them, pets left behind during a disaster are likely to be injured, lost, or worse. Before a disaster strikes, you should have a plan. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start today by including your pet in your family’s preparedness plans to protect the health of yourself, your family, and your pet.
Make a Plan
To get started, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that could affect your area and consider your options for providing care for your pet(s).Disasters can happen without warning, so be prepared:
Make sure your pet(s) wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification. Microchip your pet(s) – this is the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated. Be sure to register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company.
Purchase a pet carrier for each of your pets (write your pet’s name, your name, and contact information on each carrier. Familiarize your pet with its carrier before a crisis. Practice transporting your pet by taking them for rides in a vehicle similar to one you would be evacuating in.Make sure you have proper equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seat belts).If you do not have a car, make arrangements with neighbors, family, and friends. You can also contact your local government to learn about transportation options during a disaster.
Sheltering in Place
When sheltering at home with your pet, make sure the room chosen is pet-friendly in the following ways:
- Select a safe room, preferably an interior room with no (or few) windows.
- Close off small areas where frightened cats could get stuck (such as vents or beneath heavy furniture).
- Have everything your you need in space you choose. Including pet(s) food and water.
- Sheltering During an Evacuation
- If accommodations are needed for your pet(s)
- Contact local veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, and local animal shelters. Visit the Humane Society website to find a shelter in your area.
- Contact family or friends outside the evacuation area.
- Contact a pet-friendly hotel, particularly along evacuation routes.
- Remember to take your pet’s emergency kit with you.
- Make plans before disaster strikes for where you and your pets will go. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in local human shelters, unless they are service animals.
- Prepare a Pet Disaster Kit
- Prepare a disaster kit for your pet(s) so evacuation will go smoothly. Some examples of what to include are listed below; when making the kit, think about your pet’s basic needs and all paperwork.
- Disaster Supplies for Pets
- Leash, collar with ID, and harness
- Appropriate-sized pet carriers with bedding and toys
- Food (in airtight waterproof containers or cans) and water for at least 2 weeks for each pet
- Food and water bowls and a manual can opener
- Plastic bags for dog poop and a litter box and litter for cats
- Flea and tick medication and heartworm preventative for 1 month
- Documents
- A pet first aid book and first aid kit
Documents, medications, and food should be stored in waterproof containers
Emergencies can put stress animals. Exposure to inclement weather conditions, stagnant water, unfamiliar animals, and overcrowding can put both you and your pet at risk for getting sick. There is a lot of things to do and think about in a disaster. Here is just something to help you when your making you family's diseases plans. Every family plans will be different so you can add thing on. This is just to get you started.
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