A pet disaster preparedness plan gives you the tools you need to keep your pet safe in the event of severe weather or a natural disaster. Follow our tips to create an effective emergency plan to protect your furry friend from harm.
The importance of emergency planning for your pets
Like insurance, a contingency plan is something we prepare in the hope that we’ll never need to use it. Contingencies are always a possibility and your future self will thank you for being proactive. Having your pet’s care organized in an emergency will reduce stress and make it easier to focus on the situation at hand.
How to care for your pet in an emergency
Put together an emergency supply kit
An emergency supply kit should include everything you need for your pet in an emergency. We recommend storing it in an accessible, safe place if you need to leave in a hurry. Here are the things you should include in the kit:
Pet food, water and bowls
Include 1-2 weeks worth of your pet’s dry or canned food and bottled water and two bowls. Collapsible silicone bowls are ideal, as these are easy to transport and take up less space in your kit.
Store these items in a dark, cool place and keep an eye on the expiration date. A good way to remember is to mark your calendar or set a phone reminder to change food and water in advance. In an emergency, you don’t want to carry your pet’s kit only to find out it’s months out of date.
First aid and medicines
A pet emergency preparedness kit should include at least two weeks’ worth of medications your pet needs. Again, check the expiration date and cancel the supply as needed.
Buying more pet medication may not work for everyone’s budget, but know that there are ways to save money on your pet medication. If your vet is willing to give you a prescription, you can buy the medication from online pharmacies or wholesale stores like Costco.
In addition to medicine, your emergency kit should have basic first aid supplies and a first aid booklet. These are the things you should include:
- Gauze
- Non-stick bandages, clean clothes or towels
- Adhesive tape for bandages
- Milk of Magnesia (to relieve constipation)
- Hydrogen Peroxide (to clean wounds)
- Eye drops or a large needle without a needle
- Digital thermometer
- binding
- Muzzle
- Current contact information for nearby emergency veterinary clinics
- Microchip number
Consult your veterinarian for additional recommendations.
Identification and vaccination records
Keep copies of your pet’s medical records, vaccination records and recent photos (to make lost pet posters or if you can confirm your pet is yours). Many animal shelters and other pet boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations before accepting a pet overnight. These records are critical if your pet needs medical attention so that your doctor can diagnose any and all conditions.
We also recommend that you keep a list of pet care instructions that you can easily give to a shelter or adopter if you and your pet are separated. Print these documents and keep them in a folder or on a USB drive in your pet emergency kit.
Sanitary products and equipment
If your pet uses a litter box, you’ll need extra litter and a disposable litter box. Aluminum baking trays or cardboard boxes can work with liners. For the dogs, keep a supply of doggie bags and dog paws. Old newspapers also work in a pinch. If your pet has more extensive grooming needs, you should include additional grooming items – nail clippers, brushes, etc.
Disinfectants and other cleaning supplies will keep everything clean in your pet emergency kit. It will also be easier to clean up after an accident, removing one more stressor from a stressful situation.
Keep these items out of your pet’s reach – the last thing you want in an emergency is for your pet to get sick from ingesting chemicals.
Pet carriers and harnesses
A pet carrier and a strong harness are important, as these will allow you to transport your pet safely. More importantly, shelters may not be able to accommodate your pet if you do not have transportation. Shelter rules vary from shelter to shelter, but in general, a carrier must be leaky and large enough to allow the animal to stand up, turn around, and sleep.
Be sure to include an extra collar with an ID tag in your kit. The tag should clearly print your current phone number and your pet’s name.
If you want your pet to be as comfortable as possible, add a blanket and a toy. Many toys can double as food and treat dispensers – just make sure they are made of sturdy materials and are safe to chew.
Pet emergency supplies storage
Your pet’s emergency kit should be placed in a container that is easy to move and sturdy, such as a duffel bag, suitcase, or trash can. An ideal place to store an emergency supply kit is a closet or storage room near the exit of your home. If you need to move quickly in an emergency, it will be easy to grab the bag when you go out the door.
Do not place the device indoors or on the balcony. The basement is the most vulnerable area of the house to flooding, and both the attic and the basement are inconvenient if you have to rush out with the kit. Some apartment buildings provide tenants with storage lockers, but we don’t recommend storing the kit there.
Microchip your pets
Microchips – tiny chips programmed with your contact information – are a good second option for identification. Veterinarians and shelters automatically scan microchips when empties are brought in. When they get the microchip, they will contact you immediately and help you reintegrate. Of course, regular people who might find your pet can’t scan a microchip, so make sure your pet has a collar with the correct contact information.
Identify safe places for your pets
If you’re sheltering or vacating, take a moment to think about the best place for your pet. Another tip is to contact a friend or family member who knows your pet and give them a key to your house. If you and your pet need to be separated for any reason, this trusted person can step in and help.
If you stay at home
Keep your pet in the safest place in your home. Typically, this means removing windows, walls, doors, hangings, and fireplaces during hurricanes, earthquakes, and other major weather events. Instead, opt for smaller rooms in the basement or basement of your home (if there’s no flooding, of course).
If you are leaving
Find reliable local animal shelters, veterinarians and boarding facilities in advance. If no one in your area can take your pet, these local facilities can care for your beloved animal.
Check out hotels and motels that accept pets. If staying overnight in your home is not possible, this may be your only option in an emergency.
Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act
Established in 2006 Pets Act The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides rescue, care and shelter to meet the essential needs of pets and their owners in major emergencies.
Simply put, the PETS Act protects your right to shelter with your pet in an emergency. This action is carried out by federal and state governments, as well as non-profit groups and private organizations, which are paid for emergency services.
What pet owners need to know about the PETS Act:
- For the act to take effect, the federal government must declare an official emergency.
- People and animals in general He was kept in separate shelters To reduce immune cells from animal bites, scratches, allergies or health risks.
- The law only protects service animals and pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, birds and turtles. However, not all shelters are equipped to accept all types of animals. If you have an exotic pet, contact your local authorities to find out where it can be adopted.
- Some shelters require you to register your pet in advance so you can plan the number of people and pets you expect to care for when an emergency is declared. If you choose not to register your pet in advance, be prepared to keep your pet alone or provide shelter only in dire emergency situations.
Take proper precautions when the emergency is over
When the emergency is over, assess your pet’s behavior and examine its body for any signs of injury. Depending on the situation, it may be a good idea to get a vet check-up and if you have pet insurance after a disaster, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Check out our top pet insurance companies to see if insurance is right for your pet.
Tips to protect your pet in bad weather
Bad weather can cause great danger to pets. Follow these guidelines to protect your pet from extreme hot or cold temperatures.
In extreme cold
If the weather is too cold for your pet, do the following:
- Keep your pet at homeKeep your home as warm as possible and keep your pets indoors. If your pet needs to go outside, keep it short and supervise until it’s time for the pet to come back.
- Protect your pet’s paws: Booties protect your pet’s paws from frost and harsh winter weather. If you don’t have any pet boots, be sure to clean any snow, ice, and salt off your pet’s paws when you get home. Ice can cause pain and injury, and the salt used on sidewalks in the winter contains chemicals animals shouldn’t eat.
- Avoid bathing your pet excessivelyBathing too much during cold weather can dry out your pet’s skin. Make sure to keep your house wet and bathe your pet once or twice a month.
- Keep your pet’s coat longIf you give your pet a regular haircut, stop during the winter. Your pet’s fur can provide much-needed warmth. Some pets may benefit from being wrapped in outerwear specifically designed for pets, especially those that do not naturally have thick coats.
at high temperature
High temperatures can be dangerous and uncomfortable for your pet. Use these tips to keep your pet safe during a severe heat wave.
- Never leave your pet in a hot car.Just like children, your pets are vulnerable to extreme heat. Leaving it in a car, even with the windows open, can have dire consequences.
- Protect your pet’s pawsWhen your pet’s paws are exposed to hot surfaces such as asphalt, they can cause burns, tissue damage, and more. Try the “seven second test” – if the back of your hand can’t stay on the ground for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your pet. If you must leave your pet outdoors in extreme heat, make sure his hands are protected by walking on the grass and staying in the shade.
- MoistureIt is very important to keep your pet hydrated at all times. Make sure your pet has access to a bowl of fresh water both indoors and outdoors.
- Know the signs of heatstrokeAnimals are just as susceptible to heat stroke as humans. Excessive panting, brick-red gums, rapid heartbeat, and inability to stand can all be symptoms of heat stroke. If your pet shows any of these symptoms after prolonged exposure to heat, call your veterinarian.
Planning ahead creates a unique world
Emergencies and disasters can be devastating, but planning ahead makes a difference.
When developing your pet disaster preparedness plan, ask your vet for guidance and check the kit to rotate food and medications every few months. In the event of an emergency, your future self will thank you.
Finally, know your rights and advocate for yourself and your pets. If you need to evacuate, bring your pet with you as the Pet Act protects your right to shelter with your pet in an emergency.