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In Case of Emergency: Pet Disaster Preparedness
When it comes to pets and emergency situations, put yourself in their paw booties. Given the chaos during an evacuation, your dog or cat is probably going to get confused or scared. If you don’t already have a plan, come up with one now for you and your pets. Besides knowing what to do and where to go, pre-pack a pet emergency kit that should include survival essentials you can find at Pet Supplies Plus.
Make A Plan
If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your pets. As part of any disaster preparedness plan, one of the first things you should figure out is an escape route. Learn what places welcome animals, keeping in mind that many public shelters don’t allow dogs or cats. Explore options like a pet-friendly hotel/motel or even your friends and family. You may have to consider leaving your pet at a kennel, animal shelter or veterinary hospital. If you’re staying in place, bring any pets outside indoors and seek shelter in an enclosed room. If there’s a risk of flooding, go to the highest floor possible and have a way out like a window where rescuers can reach you.
Keep Your Head Down
During an evacuation, look for hazards on the ground that might pique your dog’s interests, e.g., scattered debris, spilled chemicals, backed-up sewage water and downed power lines.
It's essential to maintain a watchful eye and steer your pet clear of these dangers, as their curiosity could inadvertently lead to harm, prioritizing both your safety and your beloved pet's well-being during the evacuation.
Have a Buddy System
Just in case you’re not home, work out a pet evacuation plan with your neighbors, friends or relatives. Tell them where you keep a pet emergency kit and where to meet once it’s safe.
This proactive approach ensures that your pet will have a designated caregiver who knows their needs and can swiftly take action in case you're not available during an emergency. It provides an extra layer of security for your furry companion's well-being.
Call 211
If you’re scrambling to find a nearby emergency shelter that can temporarily take care of your pets, calling 211 will connect you to community services that could maybe help.
Also, consider reaching out to local animal shelters or rescue organizations, as they often have resources and information about pet-friendly emergency accommodations, ensuring that your pets are safe and cared for.
Put a “Pet Alert” Sticker on a Front Window
These window and door decals let first responders and rescue workers know about any pets that may be inside your home. Be sure all information is up to date on the stickers, including the number and types of pets you have, to ensure a swift and accurate response during emergencies.
These decals can be invaluable in saving your pet's life and reuniting them with you after an evacuation or disaster.
Build A Kit or Two
Pack like you and your pet are going to be stuck on a deserted island. You probably won’t have access to supplies during and after a disaster, so build an emergency kit on a nice day before you need it. If you can, make another kit that’s lighter and smaller than the first one. This back-up kit is if for when the situation only allows you to grab a few things. In both cases, regularly check to make sure food and medications haven’t gone bad or expired. To make sure you can always find them, keep the kits somewhere near your home’s shelter-in-place space. When you know a disaster is coming, put them near the door so you can grab them and go. As necessary as a kit is, getting your pet microchipped is as equally important. Microchipping gives you the best chance of reuniting with your pets if they get lost.
Pet Essentials: What to Include
For a lot of things on this list, it’s a good idea to pack extras, e.g., an additional pet ID tag, collar and leash. You should also try and put what you can in waterproof containers or sealable plastic bags.
• Pet Food & Water (at least a 2-week supply of each)
• Travel bowls
• Medications (at least a 2-month supply)
• Crate or Pet Carrier
• Pet ID Tag, Collar & Leash
• First-Aid Kit
• Vaccination & Other Medical Records
• Sanitation Products, e.g., waste bags, pet litter & travel litter box
• Grooming Supplies, e.g., brushes, cleaning wipes
• Toys and Treats
• Towels or Blankets
• Current Photos of Your Pet
Recommended Products
Think survival. In other words, pick items that are durable, easy to pack and carry, and vital to your pet’s health and safety. You should also customize your pet emergency kit with products specific to your dog or cat’s needs. For example, if you live somewhere that’s prone to floods and hurricanes, pack a pet life jacket. Or if they get easily upset, calming chews can be a lifesaver. As for first-aid products, don’t use human bandages on your dog or cat. They’ll do more harm than good because they’ll stick to your pet’s fur and skin. Go with a pet bandage instead.
- Travel Carriers
Include a travel carrier, crate or bag as part of your evacuation plan. They make transporting and protecting pets a lot easier.
Shop Now - Waste Management
Unsanitary conditions can be its own emergency. Have enough pet waste bags, kitty litter and training pads in your kit.
Shop Now - Collars & Leashes
Keep your pets from running away by grabbing a good leash, collar and harness, and ID tag with up-to-date contact info.
Shop Now - Calming Supplements
A disaster can even make pets an emotional wreck. Keep their stress levels low with calming treats, sprays or balms.
Shop Now - First Aid & Wound Care
Minor cuts, scrapes and abrasions can get infected. Add antibiotic sprays, ointments and liquid bandages to your kit.
Shop Now - Towels & Sheets
Wet fur can dampen your pet’s spirits. Make sure you have absorbent, quick-drying towels and waterproof sheets on hand.
Shop Now - Reflective Items
All isn’t lost if your pet wanders away. Reflective or light-up collars, leashes and harnesses make them easier to find.
Shop Now - Life Jackets & Boots
Help your pets weather almost any storm, or even survive a flood, with a life jacket, raincoat and paw protecting boots
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