As many places across the U.S. brace themselves for wildfire, hurricane, drought, and tornado seasons, disaster preparedness comes once again to the forefront of our minds. No one expects disaster to strike. However, catastrophic events do occur, often without warning. It’s absolutely essential to be prepared, especially when it comes to our furry kids, who have no way to prepare themselves and rely on us for protection and care.
“Our pets depend on us for their safety in an emergency, but there are so many variables that we simply cannot control,” says Michael Leung, co-founder and lead product designer of Sleepypod, a premier manufacturer of pet carriers and pet accessories. “Advance planning will give you and your pets the best chance to stay together and stay safe when disaster strikes.”
Sadly, most people are either wholly unprepared or substantially underprepared for an emergency, especially when it comes to preparation for their pets. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help ensure you are ready to deal with any disaster, should it happen.
Don’t take it for granted that you’re “prepared enough”
If you’ve lived in a wildfire, blizzard, hurricane, or tropical storm zone for any amount of time, you likely already have an established emergency plan. But does your plan take into account your pet’s specific emergency needs?
Some disasters, like the ones mentioned above, offer at least a little bit of advanced warning. But many other emergencies, such as a gas leak, a house fire, a flash flood, or an earthquake, happen without warning. Would you be able to keep your pet safe at a moment’s notice?
The truth is, most emergencies occur without warning. It's critical to have a plan in place that can adapt to a wide variety of conditions and situations. This way, no matter what happens, you're ready and able to keep your pet safe and secure.
Prepare for all possible situations and outcomes
You may feel adequately prepared, or even ahead of the game, if you’ve collected emergency supplies and decided on an evacuation route. However, there are many more possibilities to consider and plan for. You might become separated from your pet, or you may be unable to return home and need to seek shelter with your pet. Your pet could become ill or injured and require first aid, or need adequate water and food while you’re on the go. Creating a plan that anticipates a wide range of potential outcomes can dramatically increase your chances of getting through an emergency situation safely.
How to prepare for your pet
1. Have your pet microchipped and update the chip every time your information changes. Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar, and that the collar has an I.D. tag with your name, and your current address and phone number. The tag should be in good condition (not worn or scuffed), easy to read, and securely fastened to the collar. Be sure to secure the same identifying information on the tag onto the outside of any carrier your pet will be traveling in.
2. Ensure that your pet is comfortable and familiar with any items you might need to use in an emergency. Acclimate him ahead of time to things like pet carriers, car rides, car restraints, and harnesses.
3. Keep enough food, water, and supplies on hand at home to last your pet for at least seven days. An emergency pet first aid kit, which differs from a human first aid kit, should be kept in a spot where it is easy to find and access. A pet safety window decal can also help you keep your pet safe at home: first responders will be alerted to the presence of your pet in the event that they come to your house at a time when you are not at home or not able to help your pet.
4. Prepare an emergency bag for your pet. Fill a bag ahead of time with anything your pet might require during an emergency, and bring it with you any time you leave your house with your pet. For emergency situations, we like the Sleepypod Go Bag Set. The bag features a flat, stable base, which makes it easy to fill and store securely. It also has an attached D-ring, which can be used to hold leashes and flashlights. The padded compartment is perfect for transporting your pet’s important documents.
Items your pet’s emergency bag should include:
- Two-week supply of medications
- Copy of your pet’s most recent medical records
- Travel pet first aid kit
- Sanitary wipes
- Seven-day supply of food and water
- A manually operated can opener for canned food
- Travel pet bowls (collapsible types are convenient and fit well in bags)
- Current photo of your pet
- Extra I.D. tags
- List of emergency contacts and your pet’s specific care needs
- Leash and walking harness (for easier control of fearful pets)
- Familiar toy and blanket
- Dog waste bags
- Towel or small blanket
Additional items you should always have on hand:
- Cleanup items like trash bags, paper towels, and rags
- Flashlights and batteries
- Cell phone chargers with power banks for easy charging on the go
- Cat litter box and litter
Make arrangements for shelter and alternative pet care
Create a list of local pet-friendly hotels, as well as pet-friendly lodging in the surrounding area. Keep the list on your phone, and print hard copies to keep in your home and your car.
In some cases, and you may need to seek out a shelter. Many local shelters will only allow certain types or a specific number of pets, and some will not accept pets at all. Don’t risk getting turned away; contact area shelters ahead of time to see whether they will allow your pet. Prepare a list of boarding facilities, pet daycares, animal shelters, and veterinarians who can safely care for your pet in the event that you cannot bring him to a shelter.
You may be faced with a situation in which you cannot access your pet or cannot care for him yourself. It’s important to have a surrogate caregiver in place. Choose someone your pet knows well, trusts, and will go with willingly. Prepare a list ahead of time for your surrogate that details specific care instructions and notes the locations of essential items, such as an emergency pet bag, medications, pet first aid kits, leashes, carriers, and favorite toys or blankets to help keep him calm and comfortable.
The Takeaway
Catastrophic events are uncommon, fortunately. But they are frightening, stressful, and dangerous. With some foresight, some common-sense planning, and a little bit of preparation, you can rest easy knowing that you will be able to keep your pets as calm, safe, and comfortable as possible, no matter what life throws your way.
About TripsWithPets
TripsWithPets is your go-to for booking pet-friendly accommodations, offering convenient online reservations across the United States and Canada. Pet parents turn to TripsWithPets.com for comprehensive resources on finding and booking the perfect pet-friendly accommodations, featuring detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and amenities.
As dedicated animal advocates, TripsWithPets actively supports local and national 501(c)(3) animal welfare organizations through their annual Partners for Animal Welfare Series (PAWS). This initiative raises crucial funds for the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of animals in loving homes. Every booking made through TripsWithPets contributes directly to the PAWS initiative, making a tangible difference in the well-being of countless furry friends.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.