Do you have a plan in place for your pets if there is an earthquake, fire, or any other type of unexpected emergency? Planning ahead of time is the key to preparing your pets for an emergency to keep them safe.
For National Pet Preparedness Month in June, we are sharing ways to prepare your pets for an emergency.
Below are 6 tips for preparing your pets for an emergency:
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Microchip Your Pet
Microchip identification is a reliable way to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you ever get separated. If your microchip has a yearly registration fee, make sure you keep it up to date. Also, remember to include at least one emergency number of a friend or relative who resides outside your area.
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Keep A Collar And Tag On All Pets
Remember to keep several active phone numbers on your pets’ identification tag that they wear at all times. If your home is damaged during a disaster and your pets escape, they can easily be identified and returned when found, if they are wearing a collar with an identification tag.
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Plan A Pet-Friendly Accommodation To Stay
Search ahead for pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities outside your immediate area. You can also make a housing exchange agreement with an out-of-area family or friend. Never leave your pet behind, if you evacuate your house!
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Use The Buddy System
Exchange pet information, house keys, and evacuation plans with trusted neighbors or friends. Making these preparations will come in handy, in case you are found outside evacuation lines, if an evacuation order is declared. This way your friends or neighbors will be able to safely evacuate your pets on your behalf.
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Prepare A Pet Emergency Kit
Just as you do with your emergency supply kit as a family, think first about the basics for survival for your pets, especially food and water.
Below are basic items to include in your pets’ emergency kits which are best stored in an easy-to-grab container.
Food: Add a one-week supply of food stored in a container. Remember to change it every 3 months so it stays fresh. Include a spare can opener for canned foods.
Water: Add a one-week supply of fresh water . If officials say your household water is unfit to drink, it is also unsafe for your pet.
Medications: If your pet takes medication, keep some in your emergency kit. A replacement supply may not be readily available in the event of an emergency.
Other items to include in your emergency kit include copies of vaccination records, photographs of you with your pets to prove ownership, a pet first aid kit, a leash, and photographs of your pets.
If you haven’t prepared an emergency kit for your pets, you may find this DIY Pet First Aid Kit article useful.
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Know Where To Search For Lost Pets
When pets become lost during an emergency or a disaster, they often end up at a local shelter. Keep the locations and phone numbers of local shelters handy. If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can find the locations and contact information for the local animal shelters using this link.
Being prepared is essential. It can keep you and your pets safely together during a disaster. Do you have other suggestions for preparing your pets for an emergency?