Is Your Pet Ready If Disaster Strikes?

When emergencies occur, they don’t just affect the pet owners; they affect the pets as well. Many pet owners are not prepared to respond reasonably in the event of a mandatory evacuation due to a flood, wildfire, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake, and rarely have any idea what to do with themselves, let alone their pets. In this very highly stressful situation, important items may be forgotten and left behind, which, sadly, may include the pets themselves. Some people have the mistaken belief that pets can fend for themselves and will be fine during the emergency. They do not realize that this is terrifying for the pet, and the pet has no real ability to fend for itself during this time.

Due to a busy life, the pet owners may briefly consider what to do in an emergency situation, but rarely create any plans. These situations could include an event that leaves them stranded away from home, laid up in the hospital, or it could be a natural disaster. Most of the time, the veterinarian records are stored in one area, while food and medications are stored elsewhere, frequently in the kitchen. Notes on specific care rarely exist, as the pet owner is there to take care of the pet.  Toys are usually scattered around the house, as are any favorite beds, collars, leashes, and other pet items. But in case of an emergency, these items may not be gathered up before the door is locked and the house is left behind. Pet identification may not be readily available, or the records may be lost. Shelters may not take in pets without certain veterinary records showing proof of vaccination, especially for the more common diseases and health issues. This may lead to separation of the pet owner and their pet(s).

In a highly stressful situation, the pet can pick up on the high energy, become scared, and bolt off. Or, especially with cats, they may become so scared that they hide somewhere, and in the panic, the pet owner can’t locate them. If plans are considered ahead of time, while the high stress may still be there, each person will have an assigned responsibility, and the evacuation may go much more smoothly, and pets will be secured before doors are opened, or the pet has a chance to hide.

If the pet does become loose, and escapes, without proper proof that it belongs to the pet owner, it may be difficult to be reunited with that pet. Or, once in the shelter system, with no known owner, the pet could be taken to an entirely different location, even across the continent. A record of an up-to-date microchip, veterinary records, and quality photos showing any distinct markings of the pet, (and at least one photo of the pet owner with the pet), can help reunite the pet owner with the pet.

For the safety of the owners, and especially the pets, it is vital that the pet owners take time, before an emergency, to create a plan and put important documents, such as veterinary records, medication, and emergency contact information, where it can be readily accessible.

Being prepared can:

·       Reduce confusion during emergencies

·       Help temporary caregivers provide proper care

·       Make evacuation easier and less stressful

·       Help owners make informed, pre-arranged decisions

·       Help maintain the safety of the owners and their pets

If the pet owner(s) take the time to consider the following items, an already stressful situation can feel much more manageable.

·       Emergency contacts – who can come in and care for the pet(s) if the owners are unavailable.

·       Make arrangements with family, friends or neighbors who can come in and care for the pet(s), has access to the home and are familiar with the pets, if possible.

·       Optional, temporary housing, rentals, lodging and boarding kennels if there is a mandatory evacuation

·       Know potential routes to reach optional lodging in case routes may be closed off or unsafe

·       Creating an emergency fund for temporary housing, food, and gas as well as a separate account for the pet(s).

·       Possible veterinarians in the area(s) that the owner(s) may have to relocate to.

·       Create a “bug-out” bag for each pet

·       Consider ahead of time how the pet owner would safely transport the pet(s) and any items that the pet(s) may need.

·       Take the time to become familiar with CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver, and at least basic first aid practices, and have basic supplies readily available.

·       Become familiar with the hazards around the home and outdoors that may be harmful to the pet(s), and learn how to prevent accidents or emergencies by being aware of the potential hazards.

·       Take the time to teach your pets basic commands, safely walk on leash, and to be comfortable in a crate.

When pet owners are better prepared for emergencies of any kind, the potential for a safer, calmer outcome increases—for both the people and the pets who depend on them. Preparation cannot prevent every emergency, but it can reduce confusion, improve decision-making, and help keep families together during some of life's most difficult moments.

Emergency preparedness is not just about surviving a disaster; it is about protecting the bond between people and their pets. Every family that takes the time to prepare is one step closer to ensuring that, when the unexpected happens, their pets remain safe, cared for, and where they belong— with the people who love them.

At It's DogGone Awesome, our mission is simple: to help pet owners prepare before a crisis occurs so that fewer pets are lost, surrendered, or separated from their families. Because when we prepare today, we protect tomorrow.

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The Companion Animal Emergency Notebook – Cat & Dog Edition was developed as a practical companion to Keeping Your Pet. While Keeping Your Pet explores emergency preparedness, financial hardship, life transitions, training, and other challenges that can affect a family's ability to keep their pets safely at home, the Notebook complements those concepts by helping pet owners organize their emergency contacts, veterinary records, evacuation plans, pet care instructions, and other essential information in one convenient location. Together, they provide both the knowledge and the practical tools to help families prepare for emergencies and better protect the pets they love.

Visit https://www.itsdoggoneawesome.com/collections/pet-retention-resources to learn more.