Emergency or disaster can happen to any of us, which may cause devastation and endangering our pets, too. Emergency and disaster preparedness is taking the time to prepare now before an accident occurs.
Vital emergency and disaster preparedness steps can make all the difference. You can save a pet’s life by making general plans in advance.
Identification
Be sure your dog always wears the current license. You may not be able to locate the pet collar if the pet is not on her, in a sudden emergency. You must microchip the pet and keep an ID tag on its collar.
Medical and First Aid Emergencies
You must make sure that you can administer first aid to your pet if needed. Learn how to use types of equipment and handle common medical emergencies in pets kept by you.
Evacuation
Take your pet with you, wherever you go, if you need to evacuate an area. Remember, if it is disastrous for you, then it is critical for your pet too. If possible, before it is mandatory, you should evacuate. Never leave a pet tied up or behind in a cage. This will give you allow extra time to get to a safe place where pets are permitted. If you are not abandoning, have a plan to gather in the most sheltered area of the house. Until you get a safe place to roam in the house, have your pet on a leash or in a kennel or cage.
Shelter
You must know where to go with your pet once you have evacuated. Emergency shelters typically do not allow pets unless they are service animals, so do check nearby areas for a backup plan. Spend some time calling hotels to ask about their pet policies in the event of a disaster or emergency. Check with nearby hotels or further away. You don’t know now about the amount or magnitude of the accident. You do not even tell how far everybody has to go during an emergency. Just in case your pet cannot stay with you, do have a list of veterinary offices and boarding facilities in surrounding areas.
Home alone
When you are not at home and can’t assist your pet directly, be ready for emergencies that could occur. Place a sign or sticker near outside doors. Make a list of the number of pets, the types of pets you have, and where you or veterinarians can be reached. These stickers are often available at your veterinarian’s office. This will help in the disaster; someone must rescue pets. Ask a trustworthy neighbor to check on pets in case of an accident or an emergency.
Disaster kits
You must prepare a disaster kit for you and your pet now. Always keep the list in an accessible area or table drawer. You may choose a place for pet supplies of home for easy to reach in case of an emergency. This is the most important preparatory measures you can take.
Your disaster or emergency kit should include the following:
- At least ten days supply of bottled water, food and medication for each pet
- A leash or cage for each pet, plus a one or two extra leashes
- A kennel or cage for each pet, if possible.
- Veterinary records on each pet
- Phone numbers of family, friends, veterinarians, boarding facilities, and hotels
- Current photos of each pet (in the event you become separated)
- Pet cages, beds and toys
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Blankets and small towels
- Any personal care items for a pet you think you might is important
- Do check the kit every few months to replace old and expired items
The Final Word
Most diseases are more comfortable to prevent than to cure. Take pets to the vet for annual or semi-annual checkups. That routine vet visit is not about vaccines or medication. More importantly, the vet is examining pets for signs of health problems that are just beginning or may go undetected. Your pet vet may be able to help your pet before it even becomes sick.