From wildfires to hurricanes, and other weather-related hazards, residents are forced to evacuate in a matter of minutes, often with little more than the clothes on their backs.
For pet owners, pet guardians, pet sitters and impacted communities, the urgency of such moments is especially heart-wrenching, as beloved animals are often left behind or put in harm’s way in the scramble to seek safety. These catastrophic events serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of disasters, and the critical need for preparedness—especially when it comes to the well-being of our furry family members.
In the chaos of a crisis, our pets are reliant on us to ensure their safety and comfort. As we observe National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, it’s clear that disaster preparedness is not just a good idea—it’s a necessity. The time to plan for their safety is now, before the unthinkable happens.
This blog aims to shed light on why disaster preparedness is crucial for pet owners and pet sitters, and how we can take simple steps to protect our pets during an emergency.
- Create an Emergency Kit for Your Pet
- Essentials to include:
- At least a three-day supply of pet food and water
- Medications and medical records (including vaccination history)
- A leash, harness, or carrier for easy transport
- A first-aid kit specifically for pets
- Comfort items (such as a favorite blanket or toy) to help reduce stress
- Extra collar, ID tags, and microchip information
- Poop bags, grooming supplies, and any special dietary needs
Pet Pro Tip: Keep this kit in an easily accessible place and update it regularly.
- Make a Pet Emergency Plan
- Identify safe locations: Determine where you can take your pets if evacuation is necessary, such as a pet-friendly hotel or a friend’s house.
- Emergency contacts: Have a list of veterinarians, animal shelters, and pet-friendly evacuation centers in your area. Make sure these places accept pets during emergencies.
- Evacuation routes: Know multiple routes out of your area and include pet-friendly shelters or hotels along the way.
- Designate a helper: Choose a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member who can take care of your pets if you are unable to reach them in time.
- Keep Your Pets’ Identification Up to Date
- Ensure that your pet’s ID tag has your current contact information and is securely attached to their collar.
- Microchip your pets and keep the information linked to up-to-date contact details, in case they get separated from you.
- If you’re evacuating, bring a recent photo of your pet for identification purposes, especially if you need help locating them later.
- Prepare a Pet-Friendly Evacuation Plan
- Transport readiness: Ensure your pets’ carriers or travel crates are accessible and that your pets are comfortable with them. Familiarize them with travel in advance to avoid stress during an emergency.
- Pet-friendly transportation: If you need to use public transport, verify whether pets are allowed, or if you’re driving, plan for breaks and comfort stops for your pets along the way.
- Download the Red Cross Emergency app for a list of open Red Cross Shelters in your area or text GETEMERGENCY to 90999.
- Stay Informed
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather notifications so you can act quickly if an emergency arises.
- Know how to recognize the signs of heat stress, smoke inhalation, or other conditions caused by environmental hazards like wildfires, floods, or hurricanes, and be prepared to act accordingly.
- Practice Drills and Review Your Plan
- Conduct regular drills where you practice evacuating with your pet(s), so they become accustomed to the routine.
- Involve the whole family in the process, ensuring everyone knows how to safely care for the pets during an emergency.
- Know How to Care for Your Pet in a Disaster
- In some cases, disasters like wildfires or floods may leave pets with injuries or health concerns. Be aware of common pet injuries (like burns or smoke inhalation) and learn basic first aid for pets.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers for veterinarians and local animal shelters, just in case
By taking these simple yet vital steps, you can help ensure that your pet is as safe as possible when disaster strikes. Planning ahead allows you to focus on keeping both yourself and your pet calm, confident, and prepared for whatever might come your way.
Two well-written articles on this subject below: we encourage you to continue reading in the interest of awareness and more importantly-preparedness.
The Association of Pet Professionals created a 27-page Emergency Planning Guide for various natural disasters and weather-related emergencies that impact pet sitters and owners everywhere. This document is in our Members Only section. Use the Contact Us form on our website if you’d like a copy emailed to you.
Photo credits: Featured image by Petsmart.com
Pet Emergency Kit found on pinterest.com