Pets and animals are impacted by emergencies. It is critical to include their needs in your family’s preparedness efforts. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family and your pets, is the same regardless of the type of emergency. Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.
Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies
Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.
Your Family Emergency Plan should outline what you will do with your pets if you have to evacuate. Since you will not know how long you will be gone, you must take your pets with you. When you go, they go! If you are going to a public shelter, pets may not be allowed, so it is important to plan where you will go in advance.
Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning. Discuss the types of things you should include
in your pet’s emergency first aid kit. Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might
need to seek temporary shelter. Also talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. If you and your pet are
separated, this permanent implant for your pet and corresponding enrollment in a recovery database can help a
veterinarian or shelter identify your animal. If your pet is microchipped, keeping your emergency contact informa-
tion up to date and listed with a reliable recovery database is essential to you and your pet being reunited.
Get Prepared with Bo and Sunny
26.42 MB8 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Dog in the Summer
- Never, ever leave your dog in the car;
- Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water;
- Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside;
- Take walks during the cooler hours of the day;
- When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog's paws;
- If you think it is hot outside, it is even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off;
- Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet;
- Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it is appropriate for your pet), and apply sunscreen to your dog's skin if she or he has a thin coat.
Video: Disaster Pet Preparedness and Saving the Whole Family
Build a Kit
Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable.
- Food. At least a three-day supply in an airtight, waterproof container.
- Water. At least three-day supply of water specifically for your pets.
- Medicines and medical records.
- Important documents. Registration information, adoption papers and vaccination documents. Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
- First aid kit. Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is a good idea too.
- Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash.
- Crate or pet carrier. Have a sturdy, safe crate or carrier in case you need to evacuate. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
- Sanitation. Pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach.
- A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you. Add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
- Familiar items. Familiar items, such as treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet.
Tornado | Rain and Floods | Earthquakes | Lightning | Volcanoes | Winter Storm
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Danger Rangers
Seven animal heroes called the "Danger Rangers," their robot Fallbot, and their artificial intelligence called SAVO teach children about safety through examples, such as environmental hazards and unsafe places.
