Pet Disaster Plans
One of the first things to do when planning a pet disaster plan is to think about what your family will do in the event of a disaster. When you think about those plans determine whether or not they could potentially include your pet, if they can not then what will your pet do?
Evacuations
If you are required to evacuate your home for any reason then the best thing to do is to take your pet along with you. Leaving your pet behind will potentially leave them in harms way no matter how safe of an environment you create for them.
Call hotels in surrounding towns and areas and find out if they allow pets. Ask if a no pet policy would be waved in the event of an emergency. Keep a list of these hotels nearby sorted by city so they will be ready in the case of an emergency. If bad weather or another disaster threatens your area call one of these hotels as soon as possible and get a reservation.
In the case of disaster it is better to be safe than sorry. You will be happy that you and your pet evacuated the area before the situation escaladed to a point that made that impossible. If disaster does strike it will become difficult for you to get reservations at hotels, especially those that will accept pets so the earlier you get a reservation the better.
Many government funded evacuation programs are unable to accept pets for health code reasons. If you stay at your home and are evacuated by the government you will not be able to take your pet with you. It is much better for you and for your pet to leave at the first sign of disaster rather than wait until the last minute when it may be too late.
You also may want to call local shelters and boarding facilities and ask what their policy is for boarding animals during a disaster. Keep in mind if the disaster is weather related chances are the shelter will have the same concerns you have staying in your home, it is best to take your pet to a safe area rather than board them in harms way.
Friends’ homes can also be a good place for you and for your pet to go in the case of emergency. Call a few friends and ask if they would be willing to house you and your pet should a disaster occur, you can offer to do the same for them.
Disaster Kit
A pet disaster kit can be a good thing to have on hand regardless of whether or not a disaster is threatening your area. Keep a disaster kit stored separate from your pets typical every day things and in a location where you can easily locate it should you need it. Large air tight plastic containers make good storage places for pet disaster kits. The plastic container will keep your items safe and dry.
In Your Pets Disaster Kit Keep:
-Copies of your pets medical records. Keep a photocopy of all of your pets’ vaccinations and medical records in the disaster kit. If you need to evacuate your home, many places will require your pets’ medical records before allowing them to stay.
-Medication. If your pet is on any specific medication try and have an extra bottle stored in the disaster kit in case of an emergency. When you leave your home in a rush you may easily forget the medication putting your pet in harms way.
-Canned Food. Even if your pet does not typically eat canned food, canned food will keep for long periods of time and can be good to have on hand in an emergency to keep your pet fed.
-Leashes, Food Dishes, and Toys. What does your pet need for everyday survival? If you have a dog put at least one sturdy leash in the disaster kit. You will also want to put food dishes in your pets’ disaster kit as well as a few small toys for your pet to play with.
-Pet Photos. Disasters can be confusing stressful times. Depending on the situation, you and your pet could be accidentally or intentionally separated in an emergency situation. Having a photo of your pet on hand will make it much easier to find them should you become separated in a disaster.
