We should always be prepared to take top-care of our canines, especially in an emergency. Give yourself peace of mind by being prepared for these emergencies, and you will be giving yourself a chance to think clearly and stay calm during a real event. It is essential to be familiar with natural disasters prone to your area. These disasters can be anything from flash floods, fires, snowstorms, and or earthquakes.
How to plan for a disaster:
Stay informed
Food, water, and supplies to last at least three days
Canine First Aid Kit
Canine Evacuation Kit
Evacuation Procedure
Emergency Contacts
Designate safe meet-up spots
Prepare for after a disaster
Supplies:
Having enough food, water, and medical supplies stored for your pet in case of an emergency can be a lifesaver.
Natural disasters are unpredictable, and it's challenging to prepare for the duration of an unforeseen event.
Prepare at least three days' worth of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Any medication that your dog takes regularly.
Collar with your dog's identification tag attached
What to pack in a Pet Evacuation
Kit:
Food
Treats
Important paperwork for your pet:
Emergency contacts
Proof of ownership - Veterinary records (Medical history)Written description and photo of your canineSources for lost and found animals
Maps of your area
Solar/battery-operated radio
Flashlight with extra batteries
Phone charger
Muzzle Extra leash, collar, muzzle
"Pets inside" and "Evacuated with Pets" stickers for your windows
Dog crate - labeled with your dog's information, your contact info. and feeding instructions.
Evacuation Procedure
Develop an evacuation plan for your canine and practice the plan to perfection. Designate a safe place to store all of your evacuation supplies. It will save you valuable time in the event of a disaster to know where all of your emergency supplies are.
If your canine is unable to stay with you during an evacuation or if something happens to you, it is your responsibility to provide a safe place for your canine to stay. Locate boarding facilities, pet-friendly hotels, and animal hospitals near your evacuation route. Have friends or family members who are willing to care for your pets in case of an emergency.
Stay informed of potential disasters in your area. Learn about evacuation shelters in your area. Determine emergency meetup spots with family, friends, and neighbors ahead of time.
What to do if your canine goes missing:
Notify local law enforcement, animal control officials, veterinarians, and your neighbors of any lost animals.
If your pet is lost, check animal control and contact animal shelters daily for lost animals.
Check online for any posted information about lost and found pets. Many local Facebook groups have lost/found pet pages.
If your pet is microchipped, remember to keep your emergency contact information up to date.
Why wait until a disaster strikes to come up with an evacuation plan? Have supplies and a practiced plan ready before a disaster will help you safely and successfully evacuate.
Those who take the time to prepare themselves and their dogs are less likely to feel overwhelmed or experience difficulty.
Emergency Checklists and Pamphlets:
Sources:
https://www.ready.gov/pets
https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/STWF_English.pdfhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0694/7700/7618/files/ready.gov_prepare-pets-for-disasters.pdf?v=1714151672https://www.puppyup.org/may-8-is-national-animal-disaster-preparedness-day/https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/STWF_English.pdfhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0694/7700/7618/files/ready.gov_prepare-pets-for-disasters.pdf?v=1714151672
