Embedded Files
While preparing your family for emergencies, don't forget your pets. Make a disaster plan that includes preparing a go-bag, paying attention to their special needs during weather fluctuations, and how to safely travel with them during stressful evacuations. Listed below are some resources to help you prepare you and your pet to safely handle any emergency.
Pet Preparedness Links
Pet Kit | WA EMD
Saving the Whole Family (AVMA)
Special Consideration for Birds, Reptiles, and Small Animals (ASPCA)
Pet Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | American Red Cross
Prepare Your Pets for Disasters | Ready.gov
CDC (Center for Desease Control)
CDC (Center for Desease Control)
The CDC also offers a convenient checklist.
They have tips on keeping pets and people healthy in emergencies through their preparedness kit.
If you have to board your pet, the CDC provides a fillable form to ensure your contact information and your pet's medications are documented.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
If you have to evacuate, prepare your pets by making a plan and following the tips on their website. What Happens to Pets Left Behind:
• Displacement and Mortality: An estimated 250,000 cats and dogs were displaced or died during Hurricane Katrina, as many families refused to evacuate rather than leave their animals behind.
• Contaminated Floodwaters: Left-behind animals face dangerous hazards like toxic floodwaters carrying fatal airborne and waterborne viruses (such as distemper and panleukopenia).
• Human-Animal Safety Risk: Historical policies that barred pets from emergency shelters caused widespread chaos and led many human residents to stay behind in life-threatening conditions.
Tips to Prepare Yourself and Your Pets
• Evacuate Immediately: Do not wait until the last minute; leave as soon as official warnings are issued.
• Microchip and ID: Ensure your pets have active microchips with up-to-date contact information and current ID tags.
• Accessibility of Gear: Keep transport carriers, cages, harnesses, and leashes in an easy-to-reach spot.
• Build an Emergency Kit: Pack several days' worth of pet food, bottled water, necessary medications, and medical records.
• Plan Ahead for Shelter: Identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or emergency shelters.
TRAINING:
TRAINING:
FEMA also offers some courses on Animals in Disasters: Community Planning (IS-11.A) and some other related courses.
RED CROSS
RED CROSS
Check out the Pet Disaster Preparedness page for tips on creating a preparedness plan, an emergency kit, basic first aid, and how to help them to recover from the experience.
They also have tips on pet heat safety, including steps for identifying and treating heat stroke and other summer safety tips; winter safety, and travel safety. Remember that weather events and evacuations are stressful on humans and pets so making preparations now can help everyone stay safe regardless of the conditions they may face. One of their valuable tips include having your pets participate with you in safety drills and ensure they know their commands to follow you.
The Red Cross reports that according to the U.S. Fire Administration not only are an estimated 500,000 pets affected annually by fires but nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets. Check out Pet Fire Safety page
Pet Emergency Kit
Pet Emergency Kit
A pet emergency kit should include a 3- to 14-day supply of food and water, critical medications, first-aid supplies, and proper identification documents stored in a sturdy, waterproof container
Food and Water
Water: Pack bottled water separate from your family supply, aiming for at least one gallon per day for your pet plus extra for cleaning wounds.
Food: Store an airtight, waterproof supply of your pet's regular food. Pack a manual can opener if you use canned food.
Bowls: Include collapsible or portable food and water dishes.
Medical and First-Aid Supplies
Medications:
Keep a two-week backup supply of necessary prescription drugs and clear dosing instructions.
Wound Care: Pack gauze pads, adhesive tape, roll gauze, antiseptic wipes, and sterile saline or eye wash.
Tools: Include tweezers, blunt-ended scissors, non-latex gloves, and a digital thermometer.
Safety: Add a properly fitting muzzle and a sturdy backup leash or harness to prevent fear-based biting or escape during treatment. You can review a complete checklist via the American Red Cross Pet Preparedness Guide.
Documents and Identification
Records: Keep vaccination history, medical records, and proof of ownership in a waterproof bag.
Contacts: Write down phone numbers for your regular veterinarian, a 24-hour emergency clinic, and Poison Control.
Photos: Include a recent photograph of you and your pet together to help prove ownership if you get separated.
Comfort and Sanitation
Sanitation: Bring waste bags, paper towels, pet-safe disinfectant wipes, and a portable litter box with litter for cats.
Transport: Keep a sturdy carrier, crate, or travel bag ready for each pet.
Comfort: Pack a favorite toy, blanket, or bedding to help reduce stress during an evacuation
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse