“If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your pet” is a maxim worth repeating, especially when faced with unexpected situations.
You’re probably full of all sorts of disaster plans, including what to do in the event of a flood, wildfire, hurricane, etc. That is especially true today, when climate change is dramatically increasing natural disasters. Last year, the United States experienced a record 28 major climate and weather events, including wildfires, cold snaps, droughts, floods, tornadoes, and cyclones.
While these plans seem to cover all the bases, they often leave out one question. It’s about what happens to your pet.
With all the planning and preparation, it’s easy to forget that you also need to include your pet. It is important to think about how to safely evacuate the animal and protect it from further danger.
With extreme weather events on the rise, Petable has compiled a guide to help pet parents prepare for emergencies, using guidance from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Red Cross, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. From packing a take-home bag for easy access to arranging insurance and proof of ownership in advance, there are many steps pet owners can take to ensure the safety of their pets, even in advance of an emergency.
Be prepared long before a disaster occurs
Preparation begins long before any signs of severe weather appear. It starts every time you update the pet’s various documents. To ensure your supplies are current, you can include proof of ownership. A list of emergency contacts, such as your veterinarian or alternate caretaker for your pet. Comprehensive insurance policy. If you find it helpful, we’ll also provide you with a to-do list to help you stay calm, orient, and keep a clear head amidst unexpected chaos. (The ASPCA also has a disaster preparedness checklist that covers everything you need to know in case the worst happens.) Print out copies of these documents, keep them handy, and store them in a waterproof folder.
There are many other steps you can take in advance to ensure a smooth and well-planned plan of action in the event of an emergency.
Keep your pet’s ID up to date. The physical ID tag should include not only your pet’s information, but also contact information and important medical needs. A microchip is a more permanent option that allows shelters and strangers to identify your pet and you as its owner.
Similarly, be sure to get your pet vaccinated. You never know what kind of environment you might have to temporarily evacuate to in an emergency. Practice transporting your pet in a carrier so that in the event of a disaster, your pet will get used to such a move and be able to calmly and quickly move onto the road.
Keep a take-home bag on hand with everything you need for a multi-day trip. This includes everything your pet needs to stay comfortable and safe for long periods of time, including food, medication, first aid, a travel carrier, and extra leashes and collars. Make sure everyone in your family knows where their carry-on bags are and keep them somewhere easily accessible in case of an emergency.
What to do when an emergency occurs
The actions to be taken in the event of an emergency should be the final culmination of the preparations already in place.
Bring your pet indoors at the first sign of bad weather. This will prevent them from accidentally getting confused and running away. Large animals such as horses and livestock can be difficult to transport during an emergency, so it is usually better to evacuate them proactively and proactively well in advance. It’s also helpful to have pet blankets and other comfort items on hand to keep your pet comfortable and safe during stressful and unfamiliar situations.
If you are evacuating from a natural disaster, never leave your pets at home. Home is not a safe place for pets. Instead, identify a safe haven where you can protect your pet from danger. This could be a local animal shelter, a nearby hotel that allows animals, or a relative or friend who can agree to be your designated caretaker. It is important to note that many emergency shelters do not allow pets, with the exception of service animals. Some hotels may make exceptions to accepting animals during emergency weather events. It’s best to call ahead and ask.
Adjust your plans for your pet
Please note that while these are general steps, you should also look into considerations specific to your particular type of pet. For example, horse owners should routinely practice quickly loading their horses into a trailer in case the need for evacuation arises. Birds are sensitive to feeding schedules, so it’s important to have a timed feeder available in case you get separated. For reptiles, it may be helpful to bring a bowl of water to soak in.
Of course, at the end of the day, no one knows your pet better than you. Take the time to talk to your veterinarian about specific symptoms to consider and other characteristics you need to be prepared for. It’s easy to put off planning for a disaster that may never come, but take the time to prepare now. If an emergency arises, you’ll be prepared, and most importantly, your pet will be happy, healthy, and comfortable.
Story editor Karen Zhao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy edited by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacey Kerrick.
This story originally appeared on Pettable and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
