Humans have been keeping pets for tens of thousands of years. You’d think by this time people would know how to care for them but some pet owners still need to take lessons on how to prepare pets for disasters and other emergency situations.
Pet Preparedness Month is celebrated every June but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take this seriously and prepare pets for the rest of the year. In fact, the recent Hurricane Florence is a not-so-gentle reminder that prepping for a disaster is not limited to human beings.
According to the Chicago Tribune, millions of animals perished during the violent storm. A huge percentage of the casualties were animals raised in farms, particularly chickens, turkeys and hogs.
Since September is National Preparedness Month, it’s the perfect time to remind people to prepare pets for emergencies, as well. Remember, if you find a situation difficult, uncomfortable and stressful, your pets feel the same way. So it’s just right to include them in your plans.
Tips to Prepare Pets
Identification
One important yet often overlooked step to prepare pets for disasters is to provide them with proper identification. It’s not enough to give your pet a name. You should seriously consider getting a microchip implanted in your pet. A veterinarian will place the microchip in your pet’s shoulder blade through a simple surgical procedure so, generally, there’s nothing to worry about. What you should worry about is your pet getting lost and you have no way of finding her. This microchip will do that as long as the information in the chip is up-to-date.
If this simple procedure is not your cup of tea, you can go with the classic collar and name tag. Include important information such as the pet’s name, rabies tag, specific medical needs, and your contact information on the ID tag.
Emergency Plan
Before a disaster ever happens, you should have an emergency plan in place. First, you must determine what possible emergencies can occur in your area so you can prepare accordingly.
One vital piece of your emergency plan is to designate a meet-up point. Aside from your home, everyone in the family should know where to go in case of an emergency. Make sure pets are allowed in your chosen place. Find a relative or close friend who wouldn’t mind having animals in their homes. A hotel that allows pets inside will also do.
Of course, your pets will not likely know how to go to your meet-up point on their own. At least one of you is responsible for taking the pet as you evacuate though everyone should check on the pet before leaving your home.
If a storm or another natural disaster is approaching, bring your pets inside your home immediately.
Bring a Leash or Carrier
When disaster strikes, everything will be chaotic. You can’t risk losing your pet during all the commotion just because you can’t hold on to her. Put them in a leash, carrier or cage so they won’t go wandering off and giving you more things to be stressful about.
Pet Emergency Kit
Aside from the emergency kit for your loved ones, you should also pack one for your pet. Just like hoomans, pets need proper sustenance and medical care.
Food and Water
Prepare pets for a disaster by making sure they have enough food and water. Stock up on their favorite food.
Dogs need an ounce of water for every pound of body weight each day. They need more if the temperature is a tad too hot or if they are too active. You can determine if your pet dog is dehydrated by picking a loose skin on its shoulder blade. If the skin fold does not fall back into place when released, it’s dehydrated.
It’s a bit more difficult to know if your cat is dehydrated. Cats, in general, drink little water because they have a low thirst drive and they can concentrate their urine. Just make sure their bowl is filled with clean water.
First Aid Kit
Consult with your vet on what your pets might need when they get hurt. Include a guide book so you can check it out if necessary. Of course, you should acquaint yourself with the tips in the first aid handbook so you can act quickly if your pet gets hurt.
Records
Keep copies of your pet’s records in a Ziploc bag. The file should include its medical history, date of vaccinations and other important details. Include photos, as well.
Other Basic Pet Needs
Aside from the bowls for your pet’s food and water, you also need to keep them occupied so they won’t be a nuisance. Bring some toys for them to play with.
You should also prepare pets for a few possibly uncomfortable nights away from home. If possible, bring their beds to help them sleep well amid the stress. If your pets sleep well, so can you.
Don’t forget to pack some trash bags and newspapers for when your pet dog needs to go. For cats, bring cat litter and litter pans or trays, preferably disposable ones.
Other Ways to Prepare Pets for Emergencies
Rescue Alert Sticker
In case you failed to take your pets with you as you flee your home for safety. Let rescuers know that someone needs saving in your home by placing signs or stickers. Make sure they are visible. The front door or front gate is always a good place to put these stickers.
Take some time to write “EVACUATED” on the sticker if you managed to bring your pets to safety. This will help the rescuers save precious time.
Pet Tracker
Invest on a tracker that uses GPS to pinpoint where your pet is. You can also track your pet’s activities with such device.
Pets have been an integral part of many a human’s life since time immemorial. Pirates, for example, are known for keeping parrots and moneys as pets. Long John Silver’s feathery pet, Captain Flint, and Captain Barbossa’s Jack the Monkey come to mind. But little do the rest of ye landlubbers know that many pirates did have pets with them on board their ships. These swashbuckling anti-heroes spent most of their time on water so many looked to animals for companionship.
Even then, pets were treated as friends and even as part of the family. Despite their violent tendencies, pirates likely took care of their pets as we would our beloved cats and dogs. Take a page out of a pirate’s book and look after your beloved animals by making sure to prepare pets for disasters and other dire situations.
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