California has seen numerous large scale and devastating wildfires in the past few years, and is also at risk for earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. As we approach summer and peak wildfire season, we thought it would be helpful to discuss emergency preparedness for pets. Preparation is important in any emergency situation. As you prepare, be sure to include all family members, furry or otherwise, in your disaster plan to ensure a smooth, stress-free evacuation if necessary. Prepare for any scenario by including the following items with your pet’s emergency supplies:

  • Food, water, and medication 

    • Stock only pop-tab cans of food, or stick with dry food so you don’t need a can opener. Store food and water in airtight containers, and pack food and water dishes. Completely replace your pet’s food and water every few months to ensure freshness, and be sure to have at least a five-day supply on hand. It is also important to think about your pet’s medications. Be sure to check your supply and ensure none have expired. If your pet requires chronic medications, keep at least a two-week supply on hand. And if any of those medications require refrigeration, be sure to have a plan, like a cooler and freezer packs, to keep the medication at the appropriate temperature.

  • Identification tags and photographs

    • Check the identification tags on your pet’s collar to ensure they contain current information. Consider adding the phone number of a friend who lives on your evacuation route, in case your pet goes missing. If your pet is microchipped, which we highly recommend, call the company to verify your contact information. If your pet does not have a microchip, or if you are unsure or don’t know the number, call our office. We can verify the information we have on file, and help get your pet microchipped if she isn’t already.  Also, be sure to have a current color picture of you with your pet in case you’re separated and need to create missing-pet flyers or claim ownership.

  • Vaccination and medical records

    • If you need to seek emergency veterinary care while evacuating or find boarding facilities to house your pet, a complete medical record will be useful. Many boarding facilities will not accept pets without current vaccinations, so keep updated records on hand. Also, your pet’s complete medical history will be helpful if veterinary care is needed.

  • Crate or carrier 

    • Keep your pet safe in a sturdy crate or carrier when traveling. Each pet should have their own crate or carrier. Even pets who do not usually use a leash or carrier must be secured during emergency evacuations. Ensure the housing is large enough for her to stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably, and is well-padded with familiar bedding. Add some comforts from home, such as favorite toys and chews, to help your pet relax. Label the carrier with your contact information, including your name, phone number, and a friend or family member’s phone number.

  • Elimination necessities

    • Don’t forget to pack waste supplies for your pet. Include waste bags for your dog, or litter and disposable litter boxes for your cat. Aluminum roasting pans make excellent litter boxes.

  • Friend or neighbor contact information

    • Partner with a nearby friend or neighbor to care for each other’s pets in emergencies. Trade house keys, pet health-care instructions, and evacuation routes to ensure a backup plan is in place for your pet if you can’t get to her.

  • Evacuation route details

    • Plan your route to a safe zone according to pet-friendly areas. Check out boarding facilities, animal shelters, hotels, campgrounds, and veterinary clinics outside your immediate area to ensure your pet’s safety if you must evacuate. Not all human emergency shelters will accept animals, so be sure you have a place for your pet to stay in case of emergency.

  • Pet first-aid kit

    • A pet first-aid kit is indispensable when a disaster is looming. Consider adding a pet first-aid book with helpful illustrations, which can also help if people need first aid. Include these necessary items in the kit:
      • Disposable gloves
      • Adhesive tape
      • Absorbent gauze pads
      • Antiseptic cream or wipes
      • Sterile saline solution
      • Styptic powder
      • Blunt-ended scissors
      • Cotton swabs and balls
      • Tweezers
      • 3% hydrogen peroxide
      • Ice pack
      • Towels
      • Oral syringe
      • Flashlight
      • Muzzle
      • Self-sticking bandage that doesn’t stick to skin or fur

Practice makes perfect, so be sure to practice a disaster scenario. Involve the entire family so  everyone knows their role and you will be prepared for a smooth evacuation in case of a real emergency.

Need help creating a pet first-aid kit, reviewing your pet’s microchip status, or checking to ensure the adequacy of your carrier? Give us a call—we’d love to talk about the items you’ll need to ensure you are prepared for your pet in any situation.