Earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, winter storms. It seems that, no matter where you live, there’s always something weather-related that could turn into a true disaster in a heartbeat. You may have thought about what your family should do if disaster strikes, but are you prepared to care for your pet in an emergency?
Emergencies come in many forms
You don’t have to experience a full-on natural disaster to find yourself in need of emergency help for your pet, at a place and time when rushing off to the vet is not an option. For example, your dog could be injured while out hiking or biking or rafting with you. Investing in a pet-specific first-aid kit (or creating your own) is the responsible thing to do, for every pet parent.
Some disasters affect only you – a house fire, for instance. In this case, you should be able to take your pet to their vet or a boarding facility for temporary safe-keeping. But often disasters affect entire neighborhoods or even communities. You may be on your own for a while.
An emergency kit is a must-have because time is a luxury you’ll never have if something serious happens. Here’s a comprehensive list of pet first-aid kit supplies recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association. You’ll need more than just basic medical items, including:
- A back-up supply of any medications your pet requires.
- Animal Poison Control Center phone number: 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435). Post this on your fridge and put a copy in your pet’s first-aid kit.
- A pillowcase, if you have a cat. If they are injured, this will make it easier to treat them without getting injured yourself.
You need a plan
There’s more to emergency preparedness than assembling first-aid supplies. What if you have to evacuate? You may get some warning about an impending natural disaster, or you may be told to leave right now. Even if you can stay, you could be without power – or even fresh water – for days. This will affect your entire family, including your pet.
If you must evacuate:
Take your pet with you! No matter how dire the circumstances, your pet is better off with you than left behind to fend for themselves. Make sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with tags that display your name and current contact information.
This is when having an emergency go-bag already prepared will give you the most peace of mind. All you’ll have to do is load up your bag and pet carrier, along with your family and pet(s). No frantic searches for needed items. No worries you’ve forgotten something essential.
Where will you stay? You’ll need accommodations that accept pets, and that may not include your public emergency shelter. Identify a place away from your community – and a backup alternative – ahead of time. Is there a nearby (but out-of-town) friend or relative who could care for your pet for a while?
Beyond first-aid supplies you will need:
- A copy of your pet’s vaccination records and any other vital medical data
- A pet carrier, if your pet is small
- An extra nylon leash and or harness
- Portable food and water dishes
- Several days’ worth of pet food – pop-top cans or dry kibble
- A blanket for each pet not in a carrier
- Towels
- Poop bags and/or kitty litter and scoop
- A few toys. Your pet will instantly pick up on your concern, and that could add to their own anxiety. A familiar toy can help keep them occupied and calmer.
Keep your emergency kit and related necessities near an exit.
Is your pet microchipped?
Thousands of pets become separated from their families during a disaster, never to be reunited. A microchip is internationally recognizable. With a quick scan, your pet can be identified and you will be contacted. Microchipping is a quick procedure, and not expensive. However, it is critical to ensure that you register the microchip and make sure you keep your contact details current.
Hopefully, you’ll never need to use your pet emergency kit. But you should check it periodically, to be sure dated items such as medications and food have not expired.
None of us expect the worst to happen, but emergencies are just that – unplanned events. You can ignore the possibility, or worry incessantly – or you can be proactive. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has produced this downloadable brochure that will help you plan ahead, so you’ll be fully prepared to ensure your pet’s health and safety if an emergency occurs.
Starwood Animal Transport has rebranded to Starwood Pet Travel. We are still the same great company with the best team, just now with a slightly different name.