Making a Pet Preparedness Plan
Depending on where you live, the chances of a real emergency or natural disaster happening could be quite low. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared, just in case. June is National Pet Preparedness Month urging owners to make their plan now. Taking a few simple steps will give you peace of mind and ensure that if an emergency such as a flood, earthquake, wildfire or other problem arises, you and your pet family will be ready to evacuate, shelter-in-place or take other actions to keep you safe. Here are a few easy steps you can take to be prepared.
ID Your Pet
Be sure your pet has identification. After Hurricane Katrina, more than 88,000 pets were never reunited with their owners. Proper ID will ensure you’ll have a better chance of being reunited if you’re separated.
Emergency Kit
Make an emergency kit of basic supplies. Include items like non-perishable pet food, bottled water, extra medications, a manual can opener, and a first aid kit. Include a copy of your pet’s medical records including vaccinations. These documents are often required if you need to board your pet or bring them to an emergency shelter. When assembling your kit, imagine what you’ll need and use assuming that stores are not available for several days. Keep a carrier, leash or harness in an easily accessible location.
Pet Selfie
Say cheese!
Have a current photo of your pet readily available in case you get separated. We all probably have lots of photos of our fur babies on our phone, but don’t assume you’ll have access to your phone or computer. Keep a print version in your wallet or purse and in your emergency kit.
Know Where to Go
Identify a place outside your area that you can go where your pet is welcome. Most makeshift shelters after a disaster will not accept pets. Have a list on hand of pet-friendly hotels or motels, and the addresses and phone numbers of friends and family willing to help. Add your veterinarian to the list, as well as your local shelters and animal control too. Write them all down in a safe place in case your phone is lost or damaged.
If you’ve already got these covered and you’re looking for more ideas, check out the U.S. government’s preparedness suggestions for animals.
Run Those Dogs cares deeply about the care and safety of all animals. We hope this list and links are helpful so you’ll be prepared. Please also add our phone number (425.998.7404) to your preparedness list too because we’re here to help.
