If you have a pet (or two. Or five.), you know that they immediately become part of your family. And, just like your two-legged family members, you want to keep them safe and sound no matter what’s going on outside. But, have you considered how to keep your pet safe during emergencies? Here are some very practical tips to keep both you and them out of harm’s way.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Emergencies
Most of us know how to prepare our homes and families for natural disasters and severe weather, but what about our pets? Here’s a stunning fact: 83% of pet owners live in areas impacted by natural disasters, yet less than half of us have a preparedness plan in place in case an emergency should arise. I mean, we have plans for our kiddos in case of fires (to meet outside in a particular place), so why not our furry kiddos, right?
Here are easy tips to keep handy on how to keep your pet safe during emergencies.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Emergencies – First, Microchip Your Pet
A microchip is an easy, affordable way to keep your pet’s identification on him or her at all times. After your pet is microchipped, make sure to keep your phone number, address, and other chip information updated in case someone would bring them to veterinarian or shelter.
Sure, they’re not mandatory, but knowing that, even in a non-emergency, you’ll be able to find them easily, gives you peace of mind no matter what’s going on.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Emergencies – Make Sure You Have Current Photos of Each Pet
If you’re like I am, I’m. constantly taking photos of my kitties because they’re so adorable. But, jus tin case you haven’t taken some in a while, go ahead an do that now. Make sure the photos are in good lighting, and if your furry friends have any special identification marks to help them be found easier, take photos of those as well.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Emergencies – Always Keep a Collar and ID Tag On Your Cat or Dog
If you get separated from your animals, a collar or harness with appropriate ID tags can help reunite you from a very sad situation. Make sure your phone number and/or email address is up to date and can be easily read as well.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Emergencies – Identify Pet Friendly Shelters Before an Emergency
Before disaster strikes, it’s important to seek proper shelter and find possible escape routes that can get you and your family safely there. During emergencies, many shelters are unable to accept pets for public health reasons so do research just in case in your local area to determine boarding shelters, animal shelters, or pet-friendly hotels that can take your pets while the storm passes.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Emergencies – Create an Emergency Kit for Your Pet
When preparing for disaster, it’s essential that you have the proper supplies to stay safe if you have to leave home. Make one for each furry member of the family so you have penty of supplies in stock.
A pet emergency preparedness kit should include at least the following items:
- Food and water to last a minimum of three days
- Food and water bowls
- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
- Pet first aid kit
- Extra collars or harnesses, leashes, and ID tags
- Pet carriers for car transportation
- Photos of your pet for identification
- Copies of vaccination records stored in a waterproof container
- Any medications needed
- Toys and other pet favorites for stress relief
- Litter supplies for cats
How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Emergencies – Get a Rescue Alert Sticker
Rescue Alert Stickers (or pet safety stickers) alert rescue workers that animals may be stuck inside and are available from the ASPCA to put on your front door. You’ll want to include information such as the types and number of animals and your contact information. After it’s all filled out, place it out front in an area that’s easily viewed in advance of an approaching storm. In the fortunate event that your pets are safe, you can simply write “EVACUATED” across the sticker for rescuers.
Remember that if it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for your pets, either. Pets that are left to fare for themselves can easily be injured, lost, or worse. And we don’t want to think think about the worst case.
Thanks for the great tips from ServiceMaster Restore — a global leader in natural disaster response and restoration services for both residential and commercial clients – recommends the following preventative measures to keep your pets out of danger.