Disaster Preparedness Tips for Pet Owners

It’s no fun to think about a disaster situation affecting you, your family, or your pets, and we certainly hope that you never have to face one. With that being said, your best course of action in the event of an emergency is to be prepared ahead of time! Below, learn about some tips on disaster preparedness that can help your pet stay safe.

Identify Your Pet

Geological events, wildfires, severe storms, chemical accidents or toxic spills, disease epidemics, and other emergencies may force you to evacuate your home. It’s all too easy for pets to run away or get lost during hectic times like these—as a precaution, it’s important that your animal friend is properly identified. Have your pet outfitted with a microchip, make sure they’re wearing ID tags on their collar, or use both methods in tandem. These techniques greatly increase the chance that a lost pet will be returned to the rightful owner.

Build an Emergency Kit

Keep an on-the-go first-aid kit packed in your car with pet-specific medical supplies like gauze, bandages, medical tape, nail trimmers, a styptic powder, a pet thermometer, a disinfectant solution, and soft towels. You can also store the first-aid kit within a larger emergency pack designed for evacuations—you may need a leash and collar, a pet bed, soft blankets, brushes, litter and a litter box, water bottles, food and water dishes, canned pet food, and a can opener. While preparing for emergencies, it’s also a good idea to be aware of seasonal hazards. For example, you might find our article on Halloween Pet Hazards helpful for navigating another potentially dangerous time for pets.

Have a Plan

Having a plan is essential for taking quick, decisive action in the event of a disaster. Do some research to find out about shelter facilities, veterinary clinics, and pet-friendly hotels outside of town that you may be able to go to if an evacuation is warranted. Check with family or friends who live elsewhere to find out if they would have space for you and your pets in such a situation.

In the event that you need to take shelter at home because of a natural disaster like a tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake, you’ll want to choose an interior room of the house—one without windows if at all possible—in which to secure yourself and your pets. Select this room in advance so you know exactly where to go when disaster strikes.

Your veterinarian can offer even more great tips for preparing your pet ahead of time to face a disaster situation. Call the office in Brampton, ON today! For a comprehensive list of our veterinary services, including emergency care and preventive health measures, visit our website.