Making arrangements before the chaos of an emergency, such as a bad storm, can increase your pet’s chances of survival and greatly reduce the fear and anxiety your pet will experience. The Ontario SPCA Kent County Branch recommends these tips to prepare your pets for safety during emergency situations.
First, develop a family emergency response plan. This includes setting a primary and alternative meeting point away from the home in case of evacuation, listing emergency telephone numbers where all family members can find them (including the name and number of your pet’s veterinarian) and putting together a family emergency survival kit.
Next, create a pet emergency survival kit for quick and easy access. Some things to include are:
- 72 hour supply of food, bowls, and can opener
- 72 hour supply of bottled water
- Blankets/towels (more than one in case they get soiled)
- Small toy
- Leash, muzzle, harness
- Litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper
- Pet carrier for transportation
- Medical records, especially proof of vaccinations (most boarding facilities will not accept pets without proof of current vaccination records)
- Medications and pet first aid kit
- Current photo of your pet in case he gets lost
- Information on your pet’s feeding schedule, behavioural and medical concerns, and special instructions in case you have to board your pet
- List of boarding facilities in your area, hotels and motels that accept pets and friends and relatives that you and your pet can stay with
- ID tag (microchipping is also recommended)
- Flashlight
It is also important to bring your pets indoors at the first indication of an emergency. If you must evacuate your home, take your pets with you if it is safe to do so. In case you have to leave your pets behind, place a Rescue Alert Sticker by your front door. These can be purchased at a humane society or shelter and are placed at the front door to alert police, fire fighters, and paramedics to the type and number of pets in your home.
“Following these tips ahead of a disaster will increase your pet’s chances of survival during an emergency situation,” says Kim Sonneveld, Branch Manager.
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.ontariospca.ca/ep.
