Although you never want to find yourself in an emergency situation, you can’t always prevent disasters from happening. The best thing you can do is plan accordingly – and involve your pets in those plans to keep them safe. This is the best way to ensure you are reunited after a separation or can safely evacuate somewhere together.
Why would your pet need an emergency plan?
Everyone needs an emergency plan. If you have children or elderly people at home, you have probably created an escape plan for emergencies that arise around the house. These plans usually detail exits and quick ways to leave the house, including what to do if family members become separated. Since pets don’t speak your language, including them in plans is a little more difficult.
You will need to choose someone to care for your pet. Ideally, this person would be you, but if you have mobility issues or other limitations, you should assign responsibility to another reliable adult. On 65% of American households own one or more petsso it’s necessary to involve yours in your emergency plans – you want to keep everyone safe.
5 Building Blocks of a Pet Protection Plan
Take the time to include your pets in emergency measures. These basic elements will help you create an inclusive emergency plan for every type of pet.
1. Practice escape routes
Emergency drills help your household prepare for reality. You never know when disaster will strike, so it pays to be prepared from the start. You must strive to complete your evacuation in less than two minutes to ensure everyone’s well-being – and that means training with your pets to get them used to walking on a certain harness or being put in a carrier.
2. Notify emergencies when you are away
You can’t always monitor your pet, which means you need to think about what can happen if you’re away from home in the event of a disaster. You can put a sticker on your windows showing how many animals you have inside to help first responders. Keeping your pet confined while you are away, such as in a cage or room, can also help people find them more quickly.
Volunteer firefighters protect almost 30% of the population in the United States, they will try to save anyone living in your home, including pets. In the event of a fire in your home, you want to make it as easy as possible for them to locate your pet. You can also go a step further and try to prevent house fires by not leaving appliances on while you leave and keeping candles out of reach of pets.
3. Stay up to date
Keeping your pet up to date on all of their medications will ensure that they will be accepted almost anywhere pets are allowed. Many kennels require the Bordetella vaccine, which can help dogs when exposed to others. Likewise, keeping all of their veterinary information secure in one place can help you retrieve it quickly or transfer it to someone else.
If your pet has the equipment it needs to help it move efficiently, make sure you know where it is and can locate backups, if applicable. For example, around one in five dogs suffer from arthritisso you might have arthritis medication and even a support harness or wheelchair to help him get around, if necessary.
4. Keep contact information up to date
Your pet must have your contact details on them at all times. You should also work to determine if your dog needs extra attention, such as if he is reactive or suffering from a certain illness.
For example, since almost 25% of dogs and cats over seven years old have a cognitive impairment, you may want to note this on the tag of a collar or harness. The additional information will help volunteers or professionals better understand your pet and assist them to the best of their ability.
Have secure contact information handy along with other important information about your pet. If someone other than you is able to find your pet first, they need to know who to contact. Likewise, if Wi-Fi or cell phone service is interrupted, you should know the addresses of sanctuaries where you and your pet can stay.
5. Know which places welcome pets
If you must place your pet elsewhere in an emergency, research potential services and keep a hard copy of a list somewhere. This list should include the addresses and telephone numbers of people or establishments who can temporarily house and care for your pet when you cannot.
If you are evacuating somewhere with your pet, you will need to find facilities to house them. Unfortunately, most local shelters do not accept animals unless they are service animals, so you may need to opt for a hotel or motel to accommodate you and your pets. Have these addresses and phone numbers handy in case you don’t have access to the Internet.
What to Pack in a Pet Emergency Kit
One of the most important parts of disaster preparedness is having your emergency bag ready for anyone who needs it. You may not always be able to collect all of your pets’ belongings before you need to evacuate, so having a bag with everything you need can help you get out faster. Ideally, keep it near the front door or your first available exit.
Some items you should include in your pet’s emergency bag include:
- Bowls for water and food
- A leash, harness and extra collar
- Medical and veterinary records
- Additional information for your pet’s care
You may also want to put other identifying information in their bag. For example, including a photo of you and your pet could help you reunite more quickly if you’re separated. This bag should help you and your pet, whether you have to leave it with someone or keep it while you and your pet find a place to evacuate together.
Be prepared for every situation
We never know what life has in store for us. Disaster can strike at any time, so it’s best to prepare in every way possible. Creating emergency plans and kits can help you and your pet cope with an uncertain future. It’s never too early to bring them together: it could save your life or that of your pets.
Guest author:
Jack Shaw
Jack Shaw is a passionate freelance writer focused on promoting health and wellness. With a deep love for animals, he strives to bridge the gap between human welfare and animal care. Her articles aim to inspire readers and their pets to lead healthier lives while fostering a compassionate connection with the world around them.