National Pet Preparedness Month

The month of June commemorates National Pet Preparedness Month. With all of the recent news coverage of the tornado destruction in Oklahoma and the looming hurricane season, we are reminded of the significance of having an emergency evacuation plan drawn up for our household. The most effective way to protect your family from the effects of a storm is to have a plan and it needs to include your pets. When a catastrophe, there is not always ample time to act. Having a set plan lined up could save the lives of your family and pets.

Locate a secure facility to take your pets. Local and state health and safety regulations don’t permit the Red Cross to admit pets in disaster shelters, so you will need seek out another choice. Make a list of pet friendly hotels outside your local area, including phone numbers, and store it with your disaster supplies. Inquire with friends and relatives if they would be willing to keep your animals in the event of a disaster. Whatever you choose, if you have vacate you're don't leave your pets behind. If it isn't safe enough for you, it isn't safe enough for your furry friends either. Store an emergency supply kit for your pet along with the ones for humans and be sure everyone knows where to find it. This should be noticeably labeled and easy to tote. Your pet’s kit should include:

• An extra dog collar, leash and harness
• Food, bowls, and bottled water (and a can opener if you feed canned food)
• Vet records and medicine
• Current pictures of your pet in case you become separated.
• Information on your pet’s feeding schedule, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets unexpectedly.
• An extra dog bed or blanket and dog toys.
• Pet first aid kit
• Travelling carrier

Depending on the kind of disaster, some warnings are given out hours or even days ahead of time. Don’t shrug off these warnings. At the first sign of danger, act to protect your family and pets. Call ahead to validate emergency shelter arrangements. Be sure to bring all of your pets indoors at the first indication of a storm or disaster. They can become confused and scared and wander away. Make sure your pet has proper, up to date identification like a microchip and ID tags. Tags need to include your dogs’ name, address, telephone number, and immediate health needs. Write your pet’s name and your contact info on the pet carrier. Store all your emergency supplies and leashes as close to an exit as you can.

In the event that you are not at home when evacuation orders come, find a trusted neighbor or family member who would be willing to take your pets to you or shelter them. This person needs to be confident with your pets, know where your disaster supplies are, and have a key to your house.

Being prepared and having a plan will allow you to evacuate swiftly and safely with your pets but remember that animals react differently when they are under stress. Keep them on a leash at all times. Even the most trusting pets could get frightened and bolt, or try to attack you out of fear.