3 Simple Steps You Should Take to Keep Your Pets Safe in an Emergency
Natural disasters, unexpected events, and crises can happen without warning, and it's always best to be prepared for the worst-case scenarios. Your plan to keep your family safe needs to include the humans, of course, but you should also develop a plan of action for your pets, especially because they won't' be able to do it themselves. No one ever wants a catastrophe to affect them, and it can be devastating if one does, but being prepared is the best way to handle it. Below, pet experts offer their advice for keeping your furry (or scaly) friend out of harm's way.
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1. Create a Go Kit
Just as we should have an emergency kit, so should our pets. If you're faced with evacuating for a hurricane, wildfire, flooding, or even a power outage, being prepared can make a big difference in quickly getting your animals to safety, says Kitty Block, president, and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. In addition to enough food and water for at least five days and supplies your pet uses daily (medicines, a leash or harness, carrier, and blanket), include current photos and descriptions of your pets in case they go missing.
Write down your pets' feeding schedules, vet contact info, and any behavioral or medical issues. Record the information on a sheet of paper that you laminate, add it as a note in your phone, or write it in a notebook that has a copy of your pets' vaccination records stapled into it. Remember to update it once a year.
2. Map Out a Safe Haven
The key is to know your options should you need to evacuate. Start by making a list of hotels that allow pets. Contact your city or state office of emergency management to find out where pet-friendly shelters will be located. Also, check with animal shelters or kennels within driving distance to see if they can take in animals during crises, Block says.
Another strategy: "Have a pet buddy," advises Nicole Forsyth, president, and CEO of RedRover in Sacramento, California. Ask a friend or family member who lives within driving distance if they could help your pet in an emergency; give them what they need to access your pet in your absence.
3. Think About a Microchip
A microchip is an added layer of insurance (in addition to a collar tag) if you're separated. In fact, one study of pets in shelters showed that ones with microchips had a higher rate of return to their families. All it takes is a quick shot to insert the microchip under your pet's skin. You then register the chip online for about $20; if your pet is ever lost and ends up at a shelter or vet, they can scan the chip to contact you.
Remember, your pets are counting on you. Pets are part of the family, and it's imperative that they are included in all disaster plans. Whether it's a tornado, a traffic accident, or a terrorist attack, preparedness can save lives, and these tips will help you feel reassured that your family's pets will be safe and cared for in any situation.
