Plan, Prepare, and Protect Your Pet Before, During, and After an Emergency

When it comes to planning for emergencies, pet owners should consider their pets, too.

In America, about 80 million homes have animals as members of the family. About half of those households have more than one. The U.S. celebrates National Pet Month in May, recognizing all the benefits pets bring to people's lives and vice versa, while also promoting responsible pet ownership.

Pets bring us so much love and happiness, whether making us laugh with their zoomies or cuddling up to us when we're sad. Nevertheless, they rely on us for their food, water, and healthcare needs. In times of emergency, they are also dependent on us.

By making simple preparations now, you can ensure your pet's safety, health, and protection during any emergency. In the midst of a disaster or just before one, you might not have time to prepare for your pet's specific needs. Preparing an emergency kit, staying informed, and planning are all essential steps in staying prepared.

Make a Plan

You will probably encounter less stress, difficulty and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency if you have a plan in place for yourself and your pets. Consider the following:

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet.
• Develop a buddy system.
• Have your pet microchipped.
• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you are unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.

Build a Kit for Your Pet

You should begin by thinking about the basics for survival, such as food and water, just as you would with your family's emergency supply kit. A few items to consider are:

• Food
• Water
• Medicine
• First aid kit.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash.
• Traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
• Grooming items.
• Sanitation needs.
• A picture of you and your pet together.
• Familiar items.

Stay Informed

Be prepared and stay up-to-date on current conditions. You can stay informed by:

• Pay attention to local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.
• Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
• Download the FEMA app to get weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.

Visit www.ready.gov for more information about emergency preparedness for you and your pet.

Sources:

Prepare Your Pets for Disasters | Ready.gov

Plan, Prepare and Protect Your Pet Before, During and After an Emergency | FDA