Prepping for Pets
When prepping for a disaster, it’s important to remember the furry members of your family. Pets should never be left alone to fend for themselves, so it is important to make plans for them before a disaster occurs.
Pack a Bug Out Bag for Your Pet(s)
Just like the human members of your family, your pets should have their own bug out bag. Each pet should have the following:
- Extra leash
- Extra collar and harness
- 7 days of food
- Pet first aid kit and guidebook
- Garbage bags and/or poop bags
- Food bowl and water bowl
- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
- Water (at least 7 days’ worth)
- Medications (at least two weeks’ worth)
- Blanket
- Traveling bag, crate, or carrier
- Paper copies of and/or USB containing your pet’s medical records
- Recent photos of your pet in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters
- For cats: pillowcase, toys, litter, disposable litter trays
- For dogs: extra leashes, toys, chew toys, crate liner
***Remember to rotate food and medication out of your pet’s emergency kit so that they do not expire.
Identify Shelters
If it is not safe for you to stay in your home, it’s not safe for your pets to stay either. Many shelters and hotels do not allow animals, so it is important to identify those that do ahead of time in case you need to evacuate. Your veterinarian may have a list of facilities that accept pets. Another option is to ask friends or family members who live outside of your area to take your pet(s) in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Prep Tips for Pet Owners
Here are a few additional tips you should consider if you have pets:
- Ensure that all of your pets’ vaccinations up to date and save vaccination paperwork with your other important documents.
- Keep collars, identification tags, and rabies tags on your pets at all times. Tags should include the pet’s name, owner name, current contact information, and medical information.
- Microchip your pets. Keep the microchip number with your important documents.
Prepare for the safety of Fluffy and Rover as well as yourself!
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