Your pets are important members of your family! This is why they should be included in your family’s emergency plan. To prepare for the unexpected, keep your pets in mind as you follow these tips during Pet Preparedness Month:
Make a plan.
Build an emergency kit.
Stay informed.
If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress, and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency.
INCLUDE IN YOUR PLAN:
Know what to do with your pet during an evacuation. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Have copies of your pet’s vaccination record, and make sure your pet is microchipped. Keep your address and phone number up to date and include an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
Keep contact information for your local emergency management office or animal control office and shelters on hand in case you become separated from your pet. Build a Kit for your pet just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival. Review your kit regularly to ensure that the contents are fresh.
ITEMS TO CONSIDER IN AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOUR PET:
Food and water. Keep several days’ supply of both.
Keep food in an airtight, waterproof container, and have a water bowl to use.
Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
First aid kit. Include items appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
Backup collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Have copies of your pet’s registration information in a waterproof container and available electronically.
Traveling bag, crate or carrier for each pet.
A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet, a picture will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box, trash bags and other items to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit to reduce stress for your pets.
STAY INFORMED
Stay informed of current conditions and know how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings. Consider downloading a mobile app to get weather alerts for your area. Always bring your pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm. For more information about how to prepare your pets, visit Ready.gov/pets or call us at 844-413-3130.
