Disaster Preparation Tips For Pet Owners

When disaster strikes, having a plan can make all the difference—not just for you, but for your furry family members as well. Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, or unexpected evacuation, knowing how to prepare your pets for disasters is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, millions of pets are affected by natural disasters each year in the United States. Unfortunately, many pet owners are unprepared, leading to stressful situations or even the heartbreaking loss of a beloved animal. In this article, we’ll provide practical tips and strategies to ensure that you’re ready to protect your pets when emergencies arise. From assembling a pet emergency kit to understanding evacuation procedures, we’ll help you take proactive steps to safeguard your four-legged companions. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start planning now to prepare your pets for disasters.

The first week of May is Disaster Preparedness Week here in Canada. While this awareness event is aimed at people, it’s also something that is very highly relevant to pets. While we hope that none of you ever have to deal with a major disaster, this is one area where making a few simple precautions can make a huge difference. For pet owners, it’s also important to take some steps to get your furry pal ready for emergencies. Read on as a local Brampton, ON vet offers tips on emergency preparation for pet owners.

How Do You Prepare Pets For Natural Disasters?

Sometimes disasters strike with little or no warning. Here in Canada, we are more susceptible to blizzards, fires, and floods than tornadoes and earthquakes, which means that we usually get at least a little warning. However, disasters can occur at any time.

There are a few steps you can take to get you and your furry bff as prepared as possible.

Make A Pet Emergency Bag

If you ever need to evacuate quickly, having some basics ready in advance can make a world of difference. We always advise pet owners to have bags ready for their furred, scaled, or feathered friends. This can also double as a travel bag for those who like to take their animal companions on adventures. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a plan for pet care during emergencies or holidays. For instance, you might want to look into Canada Day Dog Care services for times when you’re unable to care for your pet yourself.

Here are some of the things you’d want to include:

• Collapsible Dishes
• Bottled Water
• Food
• Treats
• A Harness
• A Leash
• Blankets
• Comfort Toys
• Pet Calming Products, Such As Sprays Or Treats. (If Vet-Approved.)
• Wipes
• Towels
• Any Medications Your Pet Takes
• Pet First-Aid Kit

Those are the basics. Exact items will vary, depending on the sort of pet you have. For example, Fluffy will need a litterbox and litter, while Fido would need waste baggies and a tie-out line. It’s also best to include a muzzle for dogs. You and your pup may not like it, but if a shelter requires it, it’s a small concession to make. If your canine buddy has thin fur, and wears coats in winter, put one in there for him as well. Birds, reptiles, and pocket pets also have slightly different needs. A thermal blanket isn’t a bad thing to include, either. Ask your Brampton, ON vet for specific advice.

Keep Up With Your Pet’s Preventative Care

To be fair, we always advise keeping up with wellness and preventative care: this is crucial for your furry pal’s health and wellness. This can also come into play during an emergency.

Preparing your pets for disasters is vital, as emergencies often lead to many lost or stray animals, including both pets and wildlife. Some of these animals may carry diseases or parasites, posing a risk to pets and people alike. For instance, a rabid animal might enter a suburban area during a wildfire, or a stray dog with heartworms could appear in an urban center. Additionally, many shelters and hotels may only accept pets with proof of current vaccinations and health records, underscoring the importance of keeping your pet’s documents ready before disaster strikes.

To ensure your pet is always prepared, consider scheduling regular check-ups with our veterinary services. Our team can help keep your pet’s vaccinations and preventative treatments current, making them better prepared for any emergency situation.

Ask your vet for more information.

Make Sure That Your Pet Has Current ID

Microchips and identification tags are both very small items that can have a huge impact on your beloved pet’s life. Disasters can be extremely chaotic and scary. Even the most loving pet is still subject to that old fight-or-flight instinct, and may very well run off if frightened. Making sure that your furry pal is both microchipped and wearing ID tags is crucial! These things form invisible lifelines, connecting you and your animal companion.

While microchips are generally a one-and-done procedure, it is important to make sure that your information is correct. Remember to update this any time that you move or change emails or phone numbers.

Smart tags and GPS tags are also something to consider. These are great new inventions!

Have Your Pet’s Documentation Ready For Emergencies

It’s also important to have paperwork that proves your pet is current on those required vaccines and parasite control. This isn’t something you want to spend time looking for in an emergency, so we recommend getting this ready in advance.

We have a few tricks for this one:

Keep hard copies in your glove box. That way, you’ll already have them. This is also helpful if you are taking Fido to a park or going camping with him.

• Take photos of them and keep the pictures in your phone gallery.
• Email scanned copies to yourself.
• Upload copies to a cloud drive.
• You’ll also want copies of your pet’s medical records and any prescriptions they may need.

Ask your Brampton, ON vet for more information.

Get A Pet First-Aid Kit

Disasters pose significant risks to pets, just as they do to people. To prepare your pets for disasters, ensure you have a pet-specific first-aid kit ready. Store this kit in or near your pet’s carrier, keeping all essentials in one easily accessible location. This can help you quickly address injuries or urgent needs if a fire, flood, or other emergency occurs.

You can find first aid kits for many types of pets online. You can start with a kit made for people and then add pet-specific items. You’ll likely need a bigger case, but a tackle box, overnight toiletry bag, or small backpack may work.

Here are some of the things to include:

• Blunt-End Scissors
• Popsicle Sticks
• Pliers
• Disposable Gloves
• Penlight
• Magnifying Glass
• Nail Clippers
• Tweezers
• Wire Cutters
• Corn Starch Or Styptic Powder
• Non-stick Bandages
• Gauze
• Paper Towels
• Cotton Swabs
• First-Aid Tape
• Syringes
• Eye Droppers
• Saline Solution (Eye Wash)
• Chlorhexidine
• Antiseptic/Alcohol Wipes
• Iodine
• Towels
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Milk Of Magnesia
• Activated Charcoal
• Turkey Baster

Of course, even the best first-aid kit isn’t going to help if you aren’t sure what to do. Buy or print a good pet first-aid brochure and keep it in the kit. It’s also not a bad idea to download a pet first-aid app. The Red Cross has a good one. However, we still recommend having hard copy, as cell towers could be down in a disaster situation. If you don’t have a muzzle in your emergency bag, then put one in the first-aid kit. Even the sweetest dog can bite if they are hurt and scared!

Print A List Of Shelters

Having a plan in place before a disaster can make a huge difference. One of the best things you can do is print out a list of all pet-friendly hotels within a few hours’ drive. It’s good to keep this with a map, just in case cell service is down and you can’t use GPS.

Choosing An Emergency Pet Travel Carrier

You’ll also need a carrier. We always recommend traveling with pets crated, for safety reasons. This is definitely true in case of emergency. We would recommend getting a good hard-shell carrier: it will offer more protection than a fabric one. It’s a good idea to put your contact information on the carrier as well. You can use a luggage tag for this.

Pet Fire Safety

House fires are also considered disasters, and it’s wise to prepare your pets for such emergencies. Place window stickers indicating the number and type of pets in your home, along with details about where they might hide. This information can help first responders locate your pets quickly. If you have children, similar stickers can help communicate their presence as well. These small steps can make a big difference in ensuring everyone’s safety during unexpected events.

Also, it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan with your household members. Make sure to include your pet in those discussions as well.

How to Prepare Your Pets for Disasters in 2025

What precautions should you take when sheltering in place?

When sheltering in place during a disaster, ensure your pet’s safety by keeping a well-stocked emergency kit. This kit should include essentials such as food, water, medications, and a first-aid kit tailored for pets. Secure and update identification tags and microchips to aid in your pet’s recovery if lost. Establish a safe space within your home where your pet can stay calm and protected. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date vaccinations is vital as it prevents disease transmission from displaced animals. Finally, include your pet in your household emergency plans to ensure everyone knows their role during such events.

What should you do if you can’t evacuate your pets yourself?

If unable to evacuate pets personally, arrange beforehand for a trusted neighbor, friend, or pet sitter to take responsibility during emergencies. Provide them with keys, feeding instructions, and veterinary contact information. Ensure pets have up-to-date identification like microchips and ID tags to facilitate reunification if separated. Inform local authorities or animal rescue organizations about pets remaining in the home, including their location and any special needs. Leave visible notes on doors or windows indicating the presence of pets inside. Preparing a pet emergency kit with food, water, and medical supplies can also aid rescuers in caring for them until reunification is possible.

How do you handle disoriented pets who may have lost their scent markers?

To assist disoriented pets who have lost their scent markers, begin by providing a calm and secure environment to reduce their stress. Use familiar items like favorite toys, blankets, or bedding to help them regain a sense of familiarity. Gently guide them back to routine activities such as regular feeding times and walks. Ensure they are wearing identification tags and are microchipped in case they wander off. If the pet is lost, distribute recent photos to local shelters and neighbors, and use social media to widen the search. Consulting a veterinarian can also help address any underlying medical issues contributing to disorientation.

How do you help pets recover emotionally after a disaster?

Helping pets recover emotionally after a disaster involves patience, consistency, and creating a calming environment. Begin by re-establishing their routine to provide a sense of stability. Offer a quiet, secure space where they feel safe, with familiar toys or bedding. Minimize loud noises or sudden changes that could trigger anxiety. Extra physical affection and attention help them feel comforted, while interactive play can aid in releasing pent-up stress. In severe cases, consult a vet about anxiety-reducing products, such as calming sprays or supplements, to support emotional healing.

What hazards should you watch for when returning home with pets?

When returning home with pets after a disaster, watch for structural damage that could pose risks, such as sharp debris and unstable buildings. Chemical spills, broken glass, and exposed wiring present serious hazards. Displaced wildlife and stray animals can be aggressive or carry diseases, increasing the risk of injury or illness to your pet. Ensure your home is secure and check for lingering smoke or toxic fumes, especially after fires, as these can affect respiratory health. Always assess the safety of the environment before allowing pets to roam freely.

Contact Your Brampton, ON Animal Hospital

Do you have questions about caring for your furry pal? Contact us, your Brampton, ON pet clinic, anytime!