Most pet owners do not think about home emergency preparedness for pets until it is too late. But disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and put your furry friends in danger. You need a plan to protect your pets and keep them with you.
According to the ASPCA, 83% of pet owners live in areas threatened by natural disasters, but only 46% have preparedness plans. Every year, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected by fires, and many more are lost or injured in other emergencies.
This blog post will show you how to prepare your home and pet for disaster. You will learn how to create a pet disaster kit and identify pet-friendly shelters. These simple steps can make a huge difference in saving your pet’s life and reducing your stress during a crisis.
Don’t wait until it is too late. Read on and learn how to be a responsible pet owner in times of trouble. Your pet will thank you for it!
Steps for Home Emergency Preparedness for Pets
Step 1: Identify a Safe Place to Take Your Pets
One of the most important steps for home emergency preparedness for pets is to find a safe place to take your pets in case of a disaster. Not all shelters or hotels accept pets during an emergency, so plan and have some pet-friendly options ready.
Some of the places to consider are:
Relatives or friends
You can take your pet to family or friends who live in a safe area and are willing to host you and your pets. Ensure they have enough space and resources for your pets and that their pets get along with yours.
Animal shelters
These places provide temporary care and shelter for your pets during a disaster. They may have certain service requirements, so you must check with them and make a reservation.
Veterinarians
These places provide medical attention and shelter for your pets if they are injured or sick during a disaster. They may also have limited space and resources, so contact them beforehand to confirm their availability and conditions.
Step 2: Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit
Prepare a pet emergency kit containing all the items your pets may need in case of a disaster. Have this kit ready if you need to evacuate your home quickly.
Some of the essential items to include in your pet emergency kit are:
Food and water
Have enough food and water for your pets for at least three days. Secure bowls, spoons, and can openers for feeding your pets, and choose dry or canned food that is easy to store.
Leashes and carriers
Have leashes and carriers for each pet to transport them safely. Ensure they are sturdy, comfortable, and well-fitted for your pets. Label the carriers with your name, phone number, and address.
Medications
Have medications your pets may need and copies of your pets’ medical records, such as vaccination certificates, microchip numbers, or health conditions, and store them in a waterproof bag and keep them with your pets at all times.
Photos and identification tags
Have recent photos of your pets showing their features, markings, and identification tags with your name, phone number, and address. Attach these tags to your pets’ collars These items can help you find your pets if they get lost or separated from you during a disaster.
Step 3: Microchip and Tag Your Pets
One of the best ways to increase the chances of finding your pets if they get lost or separated from you during a disaster is to microchip and tag them. Microchipping and tagging your pets can help you identify them and prove ownership if someone else finds them.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a simple and safe procedure that involves implanting a tiny chip under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number that a scanner can read. The chip does not have a battery or GPS and does not track your pet’s location. It only stores the identification number that links to your contact information in a database.
How to Register the Microchip
Contact the manufacturer or the chip registry and provide them with your name, phone number, address, email, pet name, breed, color, and age.
Update your contact information whenever you change your phone number, address, or email, and update your pet’s information if they get spayed, neutered, or vaccinated.
How to Attach a Tag to Your Pet’s
In addition to microchipping your pets, attach a tag to their collar. The tag should have your name, phone number, and address. Also include your pet’s name, medical conditions, or special needs. Ensure the tag is durable, visible, and secure.
Step 4: Create a Buddy System
Create a buddy system with a trusted neighbor or friend who can check on your pets and evacuate them if you are not home during an emergency. A buddy system can help ensure your pets are safe and cared for even if you cannot reach them.
How to Choose a Suitable Buddy
To choose a suitable buddy, you should consider the following factors:
- Choose a buddy who lives close to your home and can easily access your pets and emergency kit.
- Choose a buddy, usually home or nearby during the day and can respond quickly in an emergency.
- Choose a buddy who is responsible, trustworthy, and dependable and can follow your instructions and plans.
- Choose a buddy who is comfortable and familiar with your pets and whose pets get along with yours.
Share the following information and instructions with your buddy:
Contact information
Exchange your contact information with your buddy and update them on your whereabouts and status during a disaster.
Keys and access codes
Give your buddy a spare key or an access code to your home and show them where you keep your pets and your pet emergency kit.
Emergency plans
Discuss your emergency plans with your buddy and tell them where you plan to take your pets and how to contact you. Also, tell them what to do if they cannot reach you or evacuate your pets.
Pet Information
Provide your buddy with your pet’s information, such as their name, breed, color, age, microchip number, medical conditions, medications, and special needs. Also, provide them copies of your pet’s medical records and photos.
Step 5: Know the Signs of Pet Stress and How to Help Them
Pets can experience stress and anxiety during and after a disaster and may show signs of behavioral changes. Owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms of pet stress and how to help them cope and recover.
Signs of Pet Stress?
Some of the common signs of pet stress are:
- Pets may be stressed or scared if they pant or shake excessively or without an obvious reason.
- Pets may hide or pace when anxious or insecure. They may seek a safe place to hide or pace around restlessly to cope with their stress.
- They may whine or bark when they want attention, need something, or are in pain. They may also whine or bark more when they are stressed or frightened.
- Show changes in their eyes and ears when they are stressed or alert. They may have dilated pupils, blink rapidly, or show more whites of their eyes. They may also pin their ears back or hold them flat against their head.
- They may shift their weight to their rear legs, cower, tuck their tail, or become rigid.
- They may growl, snarl, snap, or bite. They may also roll over, expose their belly, or urinate.
- Pets may groom or shed more when stressed or bored. They lick, chew, scratch themselves excessively, or lose more hair than usual.
How to Help Pets Cope with Stress
Some of the tips on how to help pets cope with stress are:
Keep them close
- Pets may feel more secure and calm when close to their owners or other familiar animals.
Provide them with familiar items
- Pets may feel more comfortable and relaxed when they have familiar items around them, such as their toys, blankets, beds, or bowls.
- Pack these items in your pet emergency kit and give them to your pets during and after a disaster.
Speak to them calmly
- Pets can sense your emotions and may become more stressed if you are. Speak to your pets calmly and softly, and avoid yelling or scolding them.
Consult a veterinarian
- Pets may need medical attention or medication if they are injured, sick, or have severe stress or anxiety.
- Consult a veterinarian if your pets show physical or mental distress, and follow their advice and instructions.
What are the Potential Dangers for Pets During a Disaster?
Some of the potential hazards or dangers that can affect pets during a disaster are:
- Pets may be startled or scared by loud noises, such as sirens, alarms, explosions, or thunder. Loud noises can also damage their hearing or cause them to panic and run away.
- Pets may be injured or poisoned by debris or chemicals. Debris or chemicals can also contaminate their food, water, or bedding.
- Pets may encounter wildlife that can bite, scratch, or infect your pets with diseases or parasites.
- Pets may suffer heatstroke if exposed to extreme temperatures that can cause dehydration, frostbite, or burns.
Step 6: Learn Pet First Aid and CPR
Learn how to perform basic first aid and CPR on your pets in case they get injured or sick during a disaster. First aid and CPR can save your pets’ lives and prevent further complications or infections.
Common Injuries or Illnesses that can Affect Pets During a Disaster
- Cuts or wounds from sharp objects, debris, or bites that can cause bleeding, pain, or infection.
- Burns from fire, heat, or chemicals causing blistering, swelling, or scarring.
- Fractures or sprains from falls, collisions, or twists. Fractures or sprains can cause swelling, bruising, or limping.
- Poisoning from ingesting or inhaling toxic substances, such as antifreeze, rat poison, or carbon monoxide. This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or coma.
- Heatstroke from high temperatures, humidity, or sun exposure can cause panting, drooling, weakness, or collapse.
How to Treat or Prevent Some of these Conditions?
Some of the instructions on how to treat or prevent some of these conditions are:
1. Cuts or wounds
- Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.
- Clean the wound with water or saline and apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the wound with a bandage or a wrap and change it daily.
- Monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
- Prevent your pet from licking or biting the wound using a cone or a muzzle.
2. Burns
- Cool the burn with cold water or a wet cloth for at least 10 minutes.
- Apply aloe vera gel or honey to the burn to soothe and heal it.
- Cover the burn with a non-stick bandage or a wrap and change it daily.
- Monitor the burn for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
3. Fractures or sprains
- Immobilize the injured limb with a splint or a sling and wrap it with a bandage or a wrap.
- Apply ice or cold packs to the injured area for 15 minutes every hour to reduce swelling and pain.
- Monitor the injured limb for signs of circulation, such as warmth, color, or pulse.
- Prevent your pet from moving or jumping using a crate or a leash.
4. Poisoning
- Call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or your veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions.
- Identify the poison and its source and remove it from your pet’s reach.
- Collect a sample of the poison or its container and bring it to the vet.
- You should not induce vomiting or give any food or water to your pet unless instructed by the vet.
5. Heatstroke
- Move your pet to a cool and shaded place and provide them with fresh water.
- Cool your pet with wet towels or a fan and check their temperature with a thermometer.
- You should not use ice or cold water, which can cause shock or hypothermia.
- Call your veterinarian and take your pet to the vet immediately.
Step 7: Review and Practice Your Emergency Plan
Review and practice your emergency plan with your pets regularly to ensure you are prepared and familiar with the procedures. This can help you reduce confusion, save time, and improve safety during a disaster.
How to Review and Practice Your Emergency Plan
Some of the steps on how to review and practice your emergency plan are:
1. Check your kit:
- Check your pet emergency kit and ensure it has all the essential and optional items your pets may need.
- Check the expiration dates and replace expired or damaged items.
- Ensure that the kit is stored in a sturdy and accessible container and in a place where you can easily grab it and go.
2. Update your contacts
- Update your contact and pet information with the microchip manufacturer and the potential hosts or facilities you have identified.
- Update your contact information and your pet’s information with your buddy, and keep a copy of their contact information handy.
3. Test your carriers
- Test your carriers and ensure they are large enough, comfortable, and secure for your pets.
- Label your carriers with your name, phone number, and address.
- Get your pets used to their carriers and reward them for being calm and cooperative.
4. Rehearse your evacuation
- Rehearse your evacuation and practice how to transport your pets safely and securely.
- Practice how to prepare your pets for evacuation, such as putting identification tags, packing emergency kits, and calming them down.
- Practice what to do if you cannot evacuate your pets, such as leaving them in a safe place, notifying rescuers, or leaving enough food and water.
What are the Situations that You can Use to Test Your Plan?
Some of the scenarios or situations that you can use to test your plan are:
- Fire drills: Simulate a fire in your home and practice how to evacuate your pets quickly and safely. You can also practice how to use fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and escape routes.
- Power outages: Simulate a power outage in your home and practice how to cope with the lack of electricity and communication. Also, practice how to use flashlights, candles, radios, and generators.
- Mock evacuations: Simulate an evacuation order from the authorities and practice how to take your pets to a safe place. You can also practice how to contact your buddy, your hosts or facilities, and your veterinarian.
How to Evacuate Pets in an Emergency
Immediately take your pets if you receive an official warning to evacuate your home due to a disaster. Leaving your pets behind can put them in danger and make it harder to reunite with them later.
Here are some tips on how to evacuate your pets safely and securely:
a) Use carriers, leashes, harnesses, or seatbelts
- These items help you transport your pets safely and comfortably and prevent your pets from escaping or getting lost during the evacuation.
- Ensure the carriers are large enough for your pets to stand, turn around, and lie down. Label the carriers with your name, phone number, and address.
- Use leashes to secure your pets in the car and prevent them from distracting the driver or jumping out of the window.
b) Prepare your pets for evacuation
- Before leaving home, put identification tags on your pets’ collars.
- The tags should have your name, phone number, and address.
- Pack your pet emergency kit containing food, water, bowls, medications, medical records, photos, and other essential items for your pets.
- Try to calm your pets down and reassure them that everything will be okay. Pets can sense your emotions and may become anxious or stressed if you are.
c) Do not leave your pets behind
- If you cannot evacuate your pets for some reason, such as being trapped or injured, you should not leave them behind.
- Find a safe place in your home to leave your pets until you can return or get help. The place should be away from windows, doors, or potential hazards.
- Leave enough food and water for your pets and a note with your name, phone number, and address.
- Notify the local authorities or rescue groups that you have pets in your home and where they are.
How to Handle an Emergency Situation with an Animal
Sometimes, your pets may encounter an emergency situation that requires immediate attention, such as an injury, an illness, a choking, a poisoning, or a heatstroke. In these cases, you should know how to handle the situation and provide first aid to your pets until you can get professional veterinary care.
Here are some steps on how to handle an emergency situation with an animal:
Stay calm and assess the situation
- Check your pets for any signs of injury, illness, or distress, such as bleeding, breathing difficulty, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures.
- Check the environment for fire, smoke, flood, or debris hazards.
- Try to calm your pets down and reassure them that everything will be okay.
Perform basic first aid and CPR
- Perform basic first aid and CPR on your pets if needed.
- Follow the instructions from your pet first aid manual or kit and use the items in your pet emergency kit.
- Follow the ABCs of pet first aid: airway, breathing, and circulation.
- Clear your pets’ airway, check their breathing, and perform chest compressions if necessary.
- Treat any wounds, burns, fractures, or poisonings that your pets may have.
Seek professional veterinary care
- Seek professional veterinary care as soon as possible.
- Contact the nearest animal hospital or emergency vet and tell them your situation and location.
- Follow their instructions and advice on transporting your pets safely and securely.
- Bring your pets’ medications and medical records with you.
- Monitor your pets’ condition and report any changes or complications to the vet.
How to Reunite with Your Pets if You Get Separated
If you get separated from your pets during a disaster, do not give up hope and keep looking for them until you find them. Here are some tips on how to search for your pets:
- Use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to post photos and details of your missing pets. You can also join groups or pages to find lost pets.
- Contact local shelters, animal control agencies, or rescue groups and ask if they have seen or received your pets.
- Post flyers of your missing pets in your neighborhood or places where they might have been seen, such as parks, stores, or vet clinics. Include clear photos and details of your pets, such as their name, breed, color, size, and microchip number.
- Check online databases, such as [petfinder.com], [missingpet.net], or [petamberalert.com], that can help you find your lost pets. You can also register your pets as missing and upload their photos and information.
If you find your pet, you should do the following:
- Check your pet for injuries or illnesses and take them to a vet if needed.
- Update your pet’s microchip and tag with your current contact information and any changes in your pet’s status, such as spaying, neutering, or vaccination.
- Reward and praise your pet for being found and reunited with you by providing them with food, water, and comfort. Also, monitor their behavior and health and help them adjust to their normal routine.
Conclusion
Home emergency preparedness for pets is essential to ensure their safety and well-being in the event of a disaster by identifying a safe place where you can take your pets if you need to evacuate, preparing an emergency kit with food, water, medication, and other supplies for your pets, keep your pets’ identification tags and microchips updated and have copies of their medical records and training your pets to respond to basic commands and to stay calm in stressful situations.
These steps can help you protect your pets from harm and reduce the risk of losing them or being separated from them during an emergency. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today and prepare your pets for emergencies. By doing so, you can ensure that you and your furry friends can face any challenge together. Remember, your pets are part of your family and deserve your care and attention.
Also Read: Proven 6 Best Pet-Friendly Home Security Systems [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide].