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Are Your Pets Prepared for an Emergency?
By Susan Weiss | | No Comments

With summer holiday season approaching, many families will be leaving their pets behind while they head out for annual vacations. But are you pet caregivers fully prepared for any emergency in your absence?

The recent tornadoes, flooding and fires across the country are a reminder of how vulnerable and precious our family pets are.

Before you head out on vacation, take the time to prepare a pet survival kit that caregivers can turn to in an emergency. Here’s what to include in your pet survival kit:
 
Pet Survival Kit

  • Proper ID collar and rabies tag/license
  • Make sure your pets have had all their shots within the past 12 months. Pet shelters will require proof of vaccinations.
  • Carrier or cage
  • Leash
  • Ample food supply (at least two weeks)
  • Water/food bowls
  • Any necessary medication(s)
  • Specific care instructions
  • Newspapers, cat litter, scoop, plastic trash bags for handling waste
  • Proper ID on all belongings
  • Non-electric can opener

Sheltering Pets In An Emergency
In the event of a hurricane, public relief shelters do not accept pets. So if you need to evacuate, you must plan in advance where your pets will go.
 
Do not leave pets home alone. It could be days or weeks before you return and your pets could starve to death, or flooding could cause needless drowning deaths.
 
There are pet-friendly hotels and motels where the entire family can stay and pet shelters are located throughout the county.
 
Put your pet into a carrier as soon as possible when you are preparing to leave, as this will reduce stress and keep them from getting lost.
 
All animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:

  • Proper ID collar and rabies tag
  • Proper ID on all belongings
  • Carrier or cage
  • Leash
  • Ample food supply (at least two days)
  • Water/food bowls
  • Any necessary medication(s)
  • Specific care instructions (i.e., medication, diet, etc.)
  • Newspapers, plastic trash bags for handling waste
  • Pet shelters will require proof that dogs have been vaccinated during the past 12 months.

All pets brought to a pet evacuation center should have a proper identification collar with leash, a properly-sized plastic or wooden carrier that allows your pet to stand and turn around, ample food supply (for at least two days) with water and food bowls, any necessary medication(s), specific instructions for education or diet, plus newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste.
 
Large animals also need to be considered in your plans. Know if you are located in a storm surge area and make plans to move animals to a safe area close to home.

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