• You’re unable to get home for a day or two (due to snow, flooding for example)
  • You suffer an injury or illness that unexpectedly puts you in the hospital
  • You pass away or are killed
  • You must evacuate due to a fire or natural disaster
  • Your pet is injured or suffers a health emergency

After all, how many times have we stopped to think about what we’d do about our pets in the case of these emergencies? Do we know what steps we’d need to take if we suddenly had to evacuate or found ourselves in the hospital? It’s hard enough to remember your pet’s medical history and medications now, let alone in a stressful or life-threatening situation.

There are unavoidable disasters that happen in life, but the outcome can be much less disastrous if we focus on emergency preparedness and pet safety BEFORE we come face-to-face with such a situation.

The First Step – An Emergency Plan

Emergencies come in many forms. Possible scenarios can include emergencies directly affecting your pet or those that require someone to step in and care for your pet due to your own situation.

Because it’s tough to think on your feet when disaster strikes, the first step in emergency preparedness is to have a plan prepared before such an event occurs. Think through the scenarios above plus any others that might affect you and create your plan for each scenario.

Store your plan somewhere that you can access it whether you’re at home or away (online ideally). Also leave a copy with your veterinarian and the person most likely to care for your pet if you’re unable to.

Creating an Emergency Kit for Your Pet

A plan is generally accompanied by an emergency kit, containing everything you (or your pet’s temporary guardian) will need to successfully care for your pet. This emergency kit is in addition to a first aid kit for minor emergencies.

Place the kit in an obvious and easy-to-reach place within the home, such as next to the telephone or refrigerator. A kit should be given to the person who you would want to care for your pet in your absence, and should be easily found by anyone who might need to enter your home to manage care for your pet.

Things to include in your Pet Emergency Kit

  • Information regarding your pet’s veterinary clinic and your preference for emergency clinic with corresponding names, addresses, and phone numbers
  • A file of your pet’s medical information, allergies, health concerns, and medications
  • Emergency contact list – your cell, home, and business numbers and the contact information for trusted friends, neighbors, and relatives
  • The location of all items your pet might need, including litter box, food, crate, and medications
  • Your pet’s dietary information, with additional information related to known allergies
  • The name and contact information of who you’d want your pet to go to should you be too ill or unable to care for your pet
  • Location of your first aid kit

Protecting Your Pet During a Fire or Natural Disaster

Depending on the type of emergency you are faced with, it’s likely that your pet will be safest when kept with you and your family is possible.

In the event of a natural disaster, a pet left behind is at greater risk for escape and accidents, and is oftentimes considered abandoned if the family cannot be located.  If the situation requires you to evacuate the premises, evacuate your pet, too.

When transporting your pet, use a hard-cased or metal crate with something soft inside, like a favorite blanket. You’ll also want to clearly label the crate with your pet’s name and a photo, as well as your name and contact information, and an emergency backup.

If the emergency requires your family to relocate temporarily, find out if there are hotels in the area that allow pets in a disaster situation. If not, elect to stay with a friend, family member, or neighbor who can provide safe, indoor accommodations for you and your pet.  Make sure you provide your pet with clean drinking water and food. It’s likely your pet will also be distressed, so whenever possible, find a quiet space away from noise, chaos, or crowds, and when it is safe to do so, allow your pet to get out for an on-leash walk with you.

If your pet has been injured or is displaying symptoms of injury or extreme anxiety, bring him or her in for a thorough examination as soon as it is possible. In the meantime, keep your pet warm, dry, and crated.

The Red Cross also has a printable Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist you may wish to refer to and print out.

By taking the time to create a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan, you go a long way in minimizing the risks to your pet during an emergency. If you’d like more suggestions about your pet’s emergency plan and kit, we are happy to help.