As we face increasingly severe natural disasters, it’s more important than ever to ensure your pets are ready for any emergency.
Natural disasters can happen without warning, and taking a little time to prepare now could save you and your furry family from unnecessary stress, chaos, or worse.
To help you prepare, here’s a complete guide to emergency planning for your pets, covering everything from go-bags to evacuation tips.
Pack an Emergency Pet Go-Bag
Just as you would pack an emergency kit for yourself, your pets need their own go-bag. Preparing ahead of time will allow you to grab everything they need at a moment’s notice. Here’s a checklist of essentials to include:
- 1 week of food per pet
- 2 weeks of medicine per pet
- Calming aids like CBD treats or calming spray
- Plenty of water
- Printed medical records in case you need to visit an emergency vet
- Slip leads and towels to help manage your pet if they get loose
- Carriers/crates, easily accessible and in good condition
It’s a good idea to let your pets acclimate to their carrier or crate in advance. That way, if you need to evacuate, they’ll be less stressed when it’s time to load them up.
Prepping Carriers and Crates
Getting your pets used to their carriers and crates can significantly reduce anxiety during an emergency. Ideally, they won’t associate the crate with something negative, which can make evacuating quicker and less stressful for everyone.
Here are some key tips for carrier and crate preparation:
- Ensure they’re easy to open and fully functional. Make sure there are no broken zippers or rusted hinges.
- Add ID tags to both the inside and outside of the crate. Attach a waterproof luggage tag to the handle, and tuck contact info inside (e.g., tape it to the bottom or place it in a blanket).
- Secure the crate with easy-open clips like large carabiners to prevent it from opening during transit. Avoid using zip ties or anything that requires a tool to remove.
Identification is Key
In an emergency, the chances of being separated from your pet increase. The right identification can help reunite you quickly. Here’s what to do:
- Ensure your pet’s microchip is up to date. This can be a lifesaver if your pet is found. In some emergencies, facilities might be closed. That means it could take days for a microchip to help so keep reading this list.
- Keep collars with tags on your pets at all times. Even if tags fall off, a collar will still help.
- Write your phone number directly on your pet’s collar with a permanent marker as an extra precaution.
- Mark your phone number on your pet’s belly. In extreme emergencies, some pet owners write contact information on their pet’s belly in case their collar is lost.
- Carry current photos of your pet with your phone number printed on them. In the chaos after a disaster, printing flyers might not be an option, and you might not have reliable internet for social media posts. Pre-printed photos can be a huge help in tracking your pet down.
Have a Plan for Evacuation
A natural disaster is not the time to figure things out on the fly. Having a solid plan in place will help keep you calm, which in turn will help keep your pet calm. Here’s how to prepare for a safe evacuation:
- Pack your car safely. Make sure crates are securely positioned to avoid tipping over in transit, and ensure your emergency supplies are easy to reach.
- Know where you’re going. Always have a planned destination, even if roads become inaccessible. Share this information with someone outside the disaster area so they know your route and timeline.
- Research pet-friendly shelters. Many areas offer emergency shelters that allow pets. Familiarize yourself with these options before disaster strikes.
Follow Local Orders and Alerts
Remember, in an emergency, you’re not just making decisions for yourself but for your pets as well.
If local authorities issue evacuation orders, follow them for your safety and your pets’ well-being. While you might be willing to take certain risks, consider whether it’s fair to put your pets in the same position.
Your pets are counting on you to protect them. Don’t take any risks you don’t have to, for their sake.
Emergency preparedness is crucial for every member of your family, including your pets. A little planning can go a long way in keeping your furry friends safe and calm during a natural disaster.
From packing an emergency go-bag to having a clear evacuation plan, being ready for anything will help ensure that you and your pets can weather the storm together.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—start preparing today!
