7 Emergency Preparedness Tips for Your Pets

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month; Preparing for your Pets

September is National Preparedness month. Since 2004, this month has been a time to remind Americans of the importance of preparing for natural disasters, large scale catastrophes and other unexpected events. The event is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and was a response to a recognized need for individual responsibility and action in the case of unforeseen emergencies. The agency shares best practices for individuals, families and businesses in advance of possible disasters. These include how to build an emergency preparedness kit, awareness of nearby emergency shelters and how to prepare youth for emergency situations.

Particularly pertinent, and often overlooked, are emergency preparedness tips for one’s pets. As a general rule FEMA advises that “what’s good for you is good for your pets.” Emergency preparedness for pets includes ensuring that an emergency kit is prepared for the pet, that pet evacuation measures are planned in advance and that the pet is easily identifiable in case they are lost or injured. The agency also recommends compiling a list of facilities for the safe housing of pets that cannot be evacuated along with the family. The pet is ultimately the responsibility of its owner and must be included in family emergency planning as any other family member would be. Special considerations are made for large animals such as horses and livestock, as well as animals that have specific needs.

7 Emergency Preparedness Tips for Your Pets

1. As a general rule what’s good for you is good for your pets. Plan for your pet as you would any member of your family
2. Arrange for a neighbor or a trusted friend to check on your pet in the case that you are unable to do so yourself
3. Prepare an emergency kit for your pet that includes food, medications, a list of nearby pet hotels, and other essentials
4. Have your pet micro-chipped
5. Keep an up to date list of your patient’s medical records as a kennel or boarding facility will typically require this to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date
6. Do not chain or restrain your pets outside during a natural disaster
7. Ensure that all animals have some form of identification

Your pets are like family, and you should prepare for them as such. If you follow some of these pet emergency preparedness tips, you will be well on your way! If a fire emergency does happen in your home, call us at 508-697-5439