Hurricanes.
Tornadoes. Earthquakes. It could be a snowstorm. Or a flood.
You've made it through safely,
but what about your pets?
Follow these tips to make an emergency plan for your pets:
1. Microchip
your pets
Microchipping is one of the best ways to ensure that you and
your pet are reunited if you are separated.
Include at least one non-local friend/relative emergency number, and
always keep the microchip registration up-to-date.
2. Keep a
collar and tag on all cats and dogs
Keep a few working phone numbers on your animal’s
identification tag. Identification on indoor-only cats is particularly
important. If your home is damaged during a disaster, they could easily escape.
3. Plan a
pet-friendly place to stay
Seek out and keep a list of out-of-town pet-friendly hotels
and boarding facilities. You’ll find
lots of them by doing an internet search.
Contact out-of-area friends and relatives and agree to a housing
exchange plan
4. Use the
buddy system
Exchange pet information, plans and house keys with a few
trusted neighbors or nearby friends. If
you find that you are unable to get back to your home, your friends and
neighbors can help save your pet’s life.
5. Prepare
an emergency kit for each animal
Stock up on the items you may need during a disaster so you
do not get caught unprepared. Below are basic items you should include in your
pets' disaster kits. Think “Go Bag” for pets; supplies should be placed in an
easy-to-move container. Store your
disaster kit supplies in an easy-to-grab container.
One-week supply of food. Store it in a water-tight container
and rotate it every three months to keep it fresh. Don’t forget to include a
can opener, if that’s your food of choice.
One-week supply of fresh water. Water unsafe for humans is
water unsafe for animals. Follow
American Red Cross guidelines for storing emergency water for your family and
your pets.
Medication. A replacement supply may not be easily available
following a disaster.
Copies of vaccination records
Photographs of you with your pets to prove ownership
Photographs of your pets in case you need to make "lost
pet" fliers
Pet first aid kit
Temporary ID tags. If you've evacuated, use this to record
your temporary contact information and/or the phone number of an unaffected
friend or relative.
Carrier or leash for each animal
6. Identify
emergency veterinary facilities outside of your immediate area
If a disaster has affected your community, emergency
veterinary facilities may be closed. Make sure you know how to access other
emergency facilities. Ask your vet if they have an emergency plan to provide
services for disaster relief.
7. Plan for
temporary confinement
Physical structures, like walls, fences and barns may be
destroyed during a disaster. Have a plan for keeping your animal safely
confined. You may need a tie-out, crate or kennel.
8. Soothe
your animals
Your animals will appreciate your calm presence and soft,
comforting voice if they are stressed following a disaster or while evacuated,
and you may find it comforting to spend time with them, too. Interact with them
on their terms. Some animals may find toys, especially long-lasting chew toys,
comforting.
9. Know
where to search for lost animals
When animals become lost during a disaster, they often end
up at a local shelter. Keep a list of all area shelters; phone numbers and
addresses.
10. Take action
Get the family, neighbors and the entire town involved in a
pet disaster preparedness plan. If there
is a plan in place, be sure you have all the information.
If a disaster hit your town, would you be prepared to care for
your pet? Assemble your kit and have a plan now. Your pet is depending on you.
For more information,
please visit aspca.org
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