Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet.

Disasters can happen very fast and in many different forms. Here in Canada, we may not face a hurricane, but we could experience, a tornado, fire, or other natural disasters. Just as we like to be prepared for an emergency, we can also have a plan in place to keep our pets safe.

Here are a few helpful tips that can help you to keep your pets safe before, during, and after a disaster takes place.

Emergency door sticker: You can put a sticker on your front door that lists the number of pets you have currently. This sticker allows people to know that you have animals in your home and has your phone number so you can be easily reached.

Prepare emergency supplies: Have supplies for your pet already to go. This can include dry or canned food, medications for your pet, kennel or crate, clean water, bowls, leash, extra collar, litter and litter box, garbage bags for cleanup, blankets, flashlight, toys. It’s important to have enough clean water and supplies for up to 7 days.

Updated info: Make sure to have all your pets’ identification tags with their name, updated phone number, and address. It is important to even write your contact info and pet’s name on their carrier. If your pet were to get lost or separated from you, they could be found.

Safe place/shelter: When there’s an approaching storm or disaster warning always bring your pet’s indoors. When an emergency does happen, we need to remember that if it is not safe for us, then it is not safe for our pets.

We want to have a plan ahead of time where you will bring your pets. Never leave your pets behind. They could become trapped, or escape and then face potential hazards, that can be life-threatening. When you are looking into where your pet can stay, keep in mind that you can contact your veterinarian for a list of boarding facilities or animal shelters.   Compose a list of hotels that are pet-friendly, or you can leave your pet with a friend or family member that is in a safe zone. This way your pet will be safe.

If you decide to take shelter in your own home, make sure you are in a safe room.  This area should be free of windows or flying debris. Have access to enough clean drinking water.

If there is a possibility of flooding in your area. Then you would want to pick the highest location in your home, so you are safe from rising water levels.

None of us would like to encounter a disaster. But with these helpful tips and planning, you can keep your furry family safe through any emergency that you may face.

Written by Mission Ridge Animal Hospital