Many people live in areas at high risk for extreme natural disasters and with all the bizarre weather changes we’ve been having, it’s not surprising that they are looking to protect themselves and their pets before another one hits.
While you might live in an area that’s not at risk of a massive earthquake, tornados, or hurricanes – disasters can strike in many forms – floods, fires, violent storms, and others can strike without warning.
We’ve compiled a list of the best tips to make sure your home and pet are prepared in case of a natural disaster.
1. Find Pet-Friendly Disaster Shelters
Often in times of disaster, various shelters are pre-established by different organizations. The hard part for pet owners is knowing which will accept pets. Many organizations like the American Red Cross frequently do not accept pets for health and safety reasons.
Finding a pet-friendly shelter in several areas around your home is a smart move so that you know where you and your stubby-legged friend can find safety in case of a disaster.
2. Emergency Sitters
Sometimes you can’t take your pet with you during an evacuation, or perhaps the lasting effects of a large natural disaster prevent you from caring for your pet – in these kinds of situations it’s important to have a friend or close family member prepared to watch your pet.
It’s recommended to find someone outside of your traditional geographic area as they are likely to not be affected by the same disaster as you.
3. Make A Pet Emergency Kit
Just like you would do for your family, you can create an emergency kit for your pet with essential items that can mean all the difference during a disaster.
We recommend including the following in the kit and keeping it next to your family’s emergency kit.
- Current photos of your pet(s)
- Bottled water
- List of important phone numbers
- One of their toys
- Extra collar with ID tags, leash, and harness
- Collapsable water bowl
- Canned pet food (because it keeps longer than dry food)
We also recommend keeping a spare set of bedding and a portable kennel nearby so that you can transport them easily.
Watch the video below from the AVMA on help protecting your pets during disasters!
