No matter where you live having an emergency preparedness for pets plan is a necessity. There is always a possibility of some type of disaster striking. It might be relatively minor, such as being snowed in for a day or two, or losing power for a short period of time. Or it could be a major disaster that causes you to leave your home; such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, or wildfire. You should always be prepared for any such emergencies.
When you put together an emergency kit for your family, please make sure you include and emergency preparedness for pets kit as well. Anything that affects your health and safety will also affect them, and it is wise to plan ahead. Here are some basics that you will need to include in an emergency pet kit.
Emergency preparedness for pets kit:
Water – Just as you should have an ample supply of drinking water stored be sure to add enough for your pets, plan on a week’s supply for each human and animal in your household. Store this in a dry, cool place, and rotate it about every two months for the freshest supply. It is a good idea to include a portable filtering system. You can pick up an inexpensive filter at stores that cater to outdoor adventurers. Emergency preparedness for pets.
Food – Keep at least a week’s supply of pet food for emergencies. Consider using canned food, as it can be stored longer, and since it is moist, can help supplement the water needs of your dogs and cats. Since your pet might be stressed when disaster strikes, especially if you need to evacuate, include a few treats to help take their minds off the situation and keep them happy.
Health and Comfort – If you lose power or are stuck at home for several days, your animals will have access to their favorite blankets, toys, and beds. If you have to evacuate your home, make sure your pet kit has a supply of these comfort items. This will help calm them in a strange situation. It is also advisable to have a crate or kennel to keep them confined if the situation warrants, extra leashes, and collars with identification tags. Keep a small litter box and kitty litter available for your cats.
Pets that have microchips are easily traced, as long as you keep your information up to date. You should also have their medical/vaccination records and current photos in your pet kit, securely tucked away in waterproof plastic. If your pet needs medication, keep a small supply in your kit, rotating stock to keep it fresh. Emergency preparedness for pets.
Plans – If you have to evacuate, you need to take your pets with you. Some emergency shelters won’t accept animals , so you should have a backup plan. Find out if your local animal shelter or veterinarian would be willing to board pets during emergencies. Check with family and friends outside the area of disaster impact to see if they could keep your pets during this time. Keep a list of hotels and motels in your area that accept pets if you are able to move there temporarily. Emergency preparedness for pets.
With just a little basic planning, you can rest assured that your pets will be taken care of during any potential emergency situation. If you are in the Fort Lauderdale area and wish to plan for any future emergency boarding, please contact Daily Dog Walker and Pet Sitters for more information You can also visit websites such as PetMD, or contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter.
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