Do You Have an Emergency Plan for Your Pet?
Emergency preparedness has become a much more popular topic in recent history. Large-scale terrorist events, significant natural disasters and OF-COURSE the ongoing fear of a ZOMBIE apocalypse prompt all of us to at least consider emergency contingency plans for ourselves and our families. We think about water, canned food, batteries, flashlights, etc. But have you ever thought about what to do with your pet? If not, you should start!
Fortunately, you’re in luck!! There are numerous resources on the information superhighway that can assist in your emergency pre-planning for you pets (and even larger animals).
So, right now you have to evacuate. Do you have a list of what to bring for Fluffy? Did you think about water? Food? (Can opener for the food?) Medicines? Veterinary records? Special needs???
The more you can pre-plan in advance the better prepared you will be in the event of an emergency. And the less likely you are to miss something in the chaos.
According to the good folks at Ready.gov here are a list of considerations:
• “Pet food
• Bottled water
• Medications
• Veterinary records
• Cat litter/pan
• Manual can opener
• Food dishes
• First aid kit and other supplies”
Something else to consider…what if you have to go to an emergency evacuation shelter? What if you can’t take your pet into the shelter? Do you have a secondary plan?
Again, Ready.gov can assist. They recommend:
“Prepare Shelter For Your Pet
• Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.
• If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close.
• Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet’s medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current. Include copies in your “pet survival” kit along with a photo of your pet.
• Some animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster but this should be considered only as a last resort.
• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside — NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water. Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.”
Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” None of use wants to think about the unpleasant nature of having to evacuate our home. But isn’t it better to take the time to prepare rather than fail when it really counts??
Check out Ready.gov for more resources on emergency preparedness.
Story courtesy of Zookeeper JWIV. Photo Credits: http://gratisography.com
