Help Pets Survive a Disaster

Our pets are as much family to us as our children are, and count on us in the event of a disaster. It is our responsibility to ensure their safety and well being.  Planning in advance your pet’s emergency needs is the best way to prevent unnecessary loss of our furry loved ones.   When you think about we (humans) prepare for a disaster situation, you should include in your survival supplies all the necessary pet products and preparation recommended below.   Being prepared is the best way to help prevent panic during an emergency situation.

Our pets know when things are not right and will rely on your guidance and continued care more then ever before during a crisis.  Don’t leave them behind or without the proper care needed for a precarious situation. 

Advance Planning is Essential:

• Investigate all your options ahead of time. Get direction from a local veterinarian and also your local emergency  planning and safety office.

• Do a “safety sweep” of your home and locate the best and most safe place for your pet to remain during a disaster.  The area should be an interior room that is away from windows and potential falling objects.
 
Steps you can take include:

1. Have a family member, or friend willing to care for your pets should you need to evacuate your local area and cannot  take them with you.  Keep the contacts phone number on your person or
2. Seeking alternate shelter options such as a hotel. Be prepared by knowing what places in your area will accept pets.  Also be sure to ask about size and count limit.
3. Investigate local or nearby boarding facilities. Find out about the organization that that operates the facility,  what their rules are for disaster situations and how there care compares to other options such as leaving your pets  in more familiar surrounds such as with other family members, friends or neighbors. Not all boarding services and  kennels are the same.
4. Your home should have a pet cage or carrier stored for emergency evacuation. Be sure this unit is large enough to  accommodate your pet’s current size comfortably.
5. Your bet should at all time have a well fit collar with the proper tag, license and updated contact information.
6. You should always have a leash at the ready, and be sure that your pet is accustom to being on one.
7. Have all your pets medical documents in a safe secure place and updated.  Most boarding facilities will require proof  of current shots such as – parvo, rabies, distemper, and other required vaccinations.  You may not be able to board  your pet without the proper paper work so be sure to have it ready.
8. Prepare a disaster traveling kit for your pet in case you must leave the area with your pet. It should include  products such as the ones found in the pet survival packs at survivalpacks.com
9. The daily necessities that your pets need such as food, water, liter, bones and toys should have an emergency supply  at the ready.
10. Have on hand the proper materials needed to safely discard pet waste and deal with any potential infection. This  includes plastic bags, disinfectant and other helpful disposal materials.