How to Make a Disaster Plan for Your Pet
A hurricane. A flood. A fire. When disaster strikes, our worst fears can come to life. There’s panic and confusion. And, depending on the catastrophe, you may need to leave your home – often in a hurry.
Who can forget the image of pragmatic Otis--a German shepherd mix--who was not a stray but escaped from a screen porch during flooding, carrying his own bag of dog food.
When it comes to these terrifying events, there’s a lot to think about, and it’s important to exactly know what to do with your family, including your pets. So while we hope it never comes to this, let’s make sure you and your pets are prepared in the event of an emergency.
1. Make a Plan
When it comes to disaster planning, preparation is key! That’s why it’s a smart idea to keep a leash by the exit and have a planned destination in case you need to leave in a hurry. If possible, it’s a good idea to have more than one transportation option in mind just in case your primary mode becomes unavailable.
In the event you are separated from your pet, you will want to make sure they have proper identification. This includes having an up-to-date license, a microchip, and accurately labeling their carriers. You want to make it easy for anyone who finds your pet to contact you. That way you and your buddy can be reunited as quickly as possible.
2. Know Where to Seek Shelter
It's not easy to think about something happening to your home, but it’s important to have a plan in place should you – and your pets – need to evacuate.
For many, it’s as simple as calling a friend or family member, but what if that’s not an option? Ask your veterinarian for a list of facilities that can accommodate pets.
It’s also a good idea to identify pet-friendly places you and your pet could stay until it’s safe to return home. Research local hotels that are pet-friendly (you can often sort for this feature on travel websites). Be sure to include a recent copy of your vaccination certificate from your vet with all of your other pet's supplies in the event you are asked.
3. Build an Emergency Kit
From clothing to medicine, most of us know what we need to pack if we’re going to be away from home for a period of time. However, in the event of an emergency, it could be hard to pack for yourself and your pet when you’re under duress and in a hurry, increasing the likelihood of forgetting something important.
To avoid this, prepare a pet emergency kit that you can easily grab if you’re running out the door. This will ensure you can provide for your pet’s needs when you’re away from home and it will save you precious seconds if you are rushing to evacuate. When preparing a kit, consider everything your pal needs on a daily basis: food, water, prescriptions, leash or harness, maybe even a toy or two. It’s also important to include a pet first-aid kit (create your own with this handy checklist) in case your pet gets injured.
4. Use a Rescue Alert Sticker
What if you’re not home when disaster strikes? How will rescuers know you share your home with a furry family member? That’s why you place a rescue alert sticker near your front door.
These stickers let rescuers know what types of pets are in your home, how many there are, and provides them with your veterinarian’s contact information. Get a Free Rescue Alert Sticker today from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®).
YOUR TURN
Did you ever have to evacuate with a pet? What was your experience like? Do you have tips to add to our list? Sound off on the Shannon McCarthy Team Facebook Page or on our Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram Feeds. And don’t forget to sign up for our monthly HOME ADVICEtm email newsletter for articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. You may unsubscribe at any time.