Pet preparedness

In an emergency, seconds count. Having a plan for how you and your family members will react to a life-threatening emergency can be essential to ensuring your safety. But does your emergency plan include ALL of your family members?

Pets rely on their humans to provide for their everyday needs, but are sadly often forgotten and/or left behind in emergency situations. Additionally, it can be difficult to predict how pets will react when faced with some of the unusual circumstances that they will face during an emergency, such as loud noises, evacuation, long travel times and the fact that their humans may be stressed and scared as well. As you develop your family’s emergency preparedness plans, here are some considerations for including your furry loved ones.

Before disaster strikes

Know where you can take your pets and how you will get them there. Some public shelters may not allow pets inside, so have a list of pet-friendly hotels/motels in the area, or chains that generally accept pets if you have to leave your area. Train your pet to be familiar with a cage or crate for travel purposes, even if you don’t usually use one. This will help reduce anxiety during travel.

Make sure you can locate your pet if separated. Make sure your pet is microchipped. If you and your pet are separated, they can be taken to a local veterinary clinic or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip that contains your contact information. Some vendors also sell GPS-enabled collars and other smart tags that will assist you in locating your pet in an emergency.

Build a pet emergency preparedness kit. Remember to bring all of the same vital supplies that you packed up for your human family members, like:

• At least a one-week supply of your pet’s food
• Medications
• Copies of your pet’s vaccination and medical records
• Information about pet insurance, if you have it
• Photos of your pet to assist with reunification, if separated
• Comfort toys, beds or other items that will help reduce stress and restore a sense of normalcy for your anxious animal

In case you’re not at home

You may not always be with your animals when disaster strikes. It is important to make sure that emergency responders know what pets to expect in your home and where they might find them. Keep a list of the species, number and locations of your animals near your evacuation supplies and note animals’ favorite hiding spots. Keep any necessary supplies – leashes, muzzles, restraints and treats – accessible where emergency responders may find them, like by the front door. Designate a neighbor who may be able to care for your animals if you are away from home for an extended period. You may want to even include a signed veterinary medical treatment authorization in case of an injury or illness while you are gone.

After an emergency

Know that major changes in routine, structure and surroundings can have a negative effect on your pet’s behavior. Keep a close eye on your pet and watch for signs of fatigue, anxiety, aggression or nervousness that may result in unwanted behaviors.

More information on pet emergency preparedness can be found here

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