Preparing Your Pets for An Emergency

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Although family members should be your top concern when preparing for emergencies, family pets should not be overlooked. Once you have developed a thorough emergency preparedness plan for your family, it’s a good idea to incorporate any pets you may have into your plan. 

Much like children, the behavior of animals changes when their surrounding environment becomes unstable. Many times they become confused and disoriented. In some cases, aggression may come out as a mode of defense. Make sure you prepare a plan that will help your pet stay calm in an emergency. 

Below you will find useful tips for keeping your animal prepared for an emergency:

• Keep all pet vaccinations up to date.

•Take pictures of your pet(s) and write their information on the back. Store these photos in a safe place.

• Make sure your pet has a collar with pertinent identification information. Even indoor animals need to have this information. Also consider inserting a microchip into your pet.

• Plan a safe area where your pet can stay in a disaster. You may consider planning more than one location depending on your availability.

• Emergency 72-hour kits for cats and for dogs are now available through Shelf Reliance.

Make sure you store a kit and familiarize yourself with its contents. If a disaster strikes, take the following steps to ensure your pet stays protected: 

• Evacuate your pet to a safe location. Make sure you have your pet’s identification information.

• If you must evacuate your home, decide on the best location to keep your pet indoors. Do not leave your pet chained outside. 
• If your animal(s) must stay indoors without you, make sure they have plenty of food and water. Consider containing your pet(s) in a safety pin away from windows and objects that can cause harm.
• If you have a variety of different animals, keep them all separate. Emergency situations can unsettle your pets and cause them to fight.

When the disaster is over, take these steps to ensure your pet is properly acclimated into your household again: 
• Monitor the behavior of your pet(s).

• If your pet was lost, contact animal control and all local shelters. Also talk to neighbors and people around you.

• Introduce familiar toys and locations to your pet to let them know things are once again okay.

• Show love and understanding at all times.

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