Pet emergency plan!

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Pets are just as much family as humans. We want to keep them safe as well.

A huge storm has just rolled through or your area has just survived a natural disaster.  You have survived and your family is safe but what about your pet?  Just like your family you need to have a disaster plan for your pets.  Here in Utah we may not experience a hurricane or tornado but we do have harsh wildfire seasons, flooding, and a future forecasted major earthquake. What is good for you is good for your pets, so be prepared and have a plan. Planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself and your pets safe when a disaster strike!

1. Microchip your pets

A microchip ID is the best way to ensure you are reunited with your pet if you are separated.  Also make sure you keep the microchip info updated: address or phone number changes are commonly overlooked.  If you don’t update the information it is useless.  You could also list an emergency number of a friend or family member who resides outside of your area.

2. Keep A Collar and Tag on ALL Dogs & Cats

Make sure you have the pet's name and at least your current phone number (and address if possible) on the tag.  ID on indoor cats is especially important, if there is a disaster they could easily escape.

3. Create a Buddy System

Create a buddy system in case you are not home. Make arrangements with a trusted neighbor to check on your pets. 

4. Identify Local Animal Shelters

Know where the local animal shelters are located in case your pet does get lost.  Have a current picture as well to help identify them.

5. Locate a Local Veterinary Clinic

Locating a local veterinarian or animal hospital in the area you are staying in case your pet needs medical care.

6. Plan a Pet Friendly-Place to Stay

Search in advance of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or somewhere you can stay.  Many emergency shelters are not pet-friendly.

7. Prepare an Emergency Kit for EACH Animal

Stock up and be prepared now for items your pet will need during a disaster.  Store these items in an easy-to-grab container. Some basic items to include are: one-week food supply, one-week fresh water, medication you pet may need, copies of vaccination records, current picture of you with your pets to identity them and claim ownership, temporary ID tags with the contact info of someone in an unaffected area, carrier and/or leash for each animal.

Remember to prepare now, after the disaster has occurred it is too late.  The last thing you want after an emergency or disaster is to have something happen to your furry family members.