How Can I Prepare My Pet for a Disaster?
THE CARE OF PETS IN DISASTERS
It's not anything that we like to think about, but disasters can strike any place at any time. The United States suffers more than 150,000 household fires, 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 800 tornadoes, many forest fires and several hurricanes and earthquakes every year. Millions of people are directly affected by these disasters, and many of these people are dog and cat owners. Unfamiliar sights, smells and sounds that follow a disaster can cause pets to become confused and get lost.
Since disasters happen quickly and are unannounced, it is important to be prepared at all times. Your planning should not only include you and your family, but your pets as well. A little bit of organization and planning will go a long way towards reducing trauma, death and suffering. Your animals will still need to be provided for and comforted, so make sure that you've thoroughly contemplated their complete care. Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the survival and well being of your pet.
Read through the following disaster preparation list and make sure that you and your pet are prepared.
- Dogs and cats should wear appropriate identification at all times. Your ID tag should display your pet's name and your telephone number. Make sure that the ID tag is securely attached to your pet's collar.
- Put together an emergency supply kit for your pet that includes first aid materials, food, water, bedding, etc. See our checklist of what you should have in your complete pet emergency kit.
- Current photos of your pet will make identification easier after a disaster
- Know your pet's common or favorite hiding places. Once chaos begins, typically, this is where you will find them.
- Take a few minutes to look up the local humane society and animal care facility (vet's office) and keep those phone numbers handy. Also, note the places where you can get shelter and housing for your pets in an emergency. Find out what services they offer and what information they would need from you.
- Establish a general family disaster plan that includes a meeting spot and an out-of-area contact person. This plan should include specific plans for your cat or dog.
- Determine the best place to leave your pet if you are forced to evacuate without your pet.
TIPS FOR EVERYDAY PREPAREDNESS
We typically think of disasters as cataclysmic events such as floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes. However, individual family disasters or everyday separations are much more common.
- Dogs and cats should wear appropriate identification at all times. Your ID tag should display your pet's name and your telephone number. Make sure that the ID tag is securely attached to your pet's collar.
- Familiarize your pet with traveling in a crate or carrier. Get your pet accustomed to riding with you in your car.
- Make pet care arrangements with neighbors, family members and friends. Make sure they have keys to your house and leave information on where you will be, how you can be reached, which room the animals are in, and how to care for your pets.
- Know your pet's common or favorite hiding places. If your pet gets scared, typically, this is where you will find them.
- Train your pet. An obedient animal is more likely to listen to your commands and avoid trouble and a well-behaved pet makes a better guest.
- Even if you are going away on vacation or for a weekend, as a Together Tag account holder, you can update your contact information accordingly. If, for example, you are leaving your pet with a friend, make sure that the friend's info is listed as the secondary contact. If you are traveling with your pet to another area, list a friend in that area as one of your contacts. This will ensure that you will be reunited with your pet as quickly as possible.
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