Preparing Your Pets for Disasters: A Guide for Pet Owners

June is Pet Preparedness Month, and for many, pets are additional members of the family that should be considered when making preparations before a potential disaster. In the event an emergency occurs, you may be forced to evacuate your home with little to no warning. Therefore, it's vital to have a plan in place for how you'll keep your furry, feathered, or scaled friends safe.

Pet Preparedness Month serves as a crucial reminder to include pets in your family's emergency planning. Whether it's assembling an emergency kit or identifying pet-friendly evacuation locations, there are several steps owners can take.

Here are some tips you can follow to create an emergency plan for your pet.

Create an Emergency Plan

As disasters can happen at a moment’s notice, it's important to have a plan in place prior to when one strikes. First, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that could impact where you live. According to Ready.gov, you'll want to create an evacuation plan to identify a safe place, such as boarding facilities, animal hospitals, or shelters, to take you pet in the event you have to leave your home and can't take them with you. Write down the locations you've identified and include them in an emergency kit. Be sure to also jot down contact information for a local veterinarian in case you have questions on how to care for your pet on the road. Include a buddy system in your plan in case you're not home during an emergency. You can ask a friend or trusted neighbor to check on your pet or evacuate them in your absence. Creating an emergency plan will help reduce the risk of your pet ending up lost or injured during a disaster.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit

As part of your preparation plan for your pet, you'll want to create an emergency kit with essential items you can take if you're required to evacuate your home quickly. You should include a supply of food and water, enough to last several days until you have access to more. If your pet has medicine, pack extra in the kit to keep your pet consistent with their dosage. When an emergency strikes, you'll have to move fast, so be sure to have a traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier for your pet. If you have more than one pet, it's ideal to have a carrier for each one. Disasters are stressful for humans and can be the same for pets, so pack their favorite toys, treats, and bedding so they'll have familiar items nearby to help keep them calm

Keep Your Pet’s Information Up to Date and Accessible

Making sure your pet can be easily identified is essential to reuniting with them if separated during a disaster. Start by microchipping your pet and ensuring contact information is always up-to-date, including your address, phone number, and an alternate emergency contact. Don’t forget about physical ID tags, as they’re often the first thing a rescuer will look for. Consider acquiring a Pet Tag, which has a custom QR code that, when scanned, alerts you through the Ring App and will allow for a safe reunion. Beyond these identification methods, keep a recent photo of you and your pet, as well as copies of their veterinary records. Store these copies in a waterproof pouch and keep digital copies with you.

Have a Lost Pet? Let Your Neighbors Help

If your pet goes missing during an emergency, the Neighbors App can be a powerful tool for getting the word out quickly. Create a Pet Profile with your pet's photo and details, then share a Lost Pet post to alert your local community. Your neighbors can help search and contact you safely through the app if they spot your pet.

Help Your Pet Adjust After the Disaster

The aftermath of a disaster can be just as challenging as the event itself, especially for your pets. At first, you’ll want to keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers while you assess any damages in and around your home. If your home is damaged, your pet is more likely to escape. Don’t allow your pets to roam freely. Your home may contain hazards such as contaminated water, debris, or broken glass that could cause an injury.

Be patient during this adjustment period and try to get them back to their normal routines as soon as possible. Watch for signs of stress-related behavioral changes and contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning changes in behavior and health. If needed, check with your local animal shelter for post-disaster help. Keep in mind resources might be limited during an emergency event.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make Pet Preparedness Month a time to implement these important measures to keep your furry family members safe during any emergency.

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