June is designated National Pet Preparedness Month to remind pet owners to always include their furry friends in their emergency preparedness plans. Pets are important members of your family, so ensure you have the things they will need to be safe and healthy during an emergency.
Be Informed
- Know Your Pet’s Needs: Make sure you know the appropriate care requirements for small animals like dogs, cats and exotic pets and larger or farm animals such as horses, cows, goats and chickens. Make sure you can accommodate their dietary, shelter and medical needs in the event of an emergency.
- Local Emergency Protocols: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters that accommodate pets, as well as the specific regulations regarding livestock in emergencies.
- Veterinary Records: Keep a copy of your pets’ medical records, vaccination history and any medication needs in case you must evacuate.
- Natural Disasters: Understand the risks specific to your area (floods, hurricanes, or wildfires) and how they might affect your pets.
- Behavioral Awareness: Emergencies are stressful, and a sudden change to a pet’s environment could lead to unexpected behaviors.
Make a Plan
Just like for your family, make a plan specific to your pet and its needs. Consider the following in your plan:
- Emergency Contact List: Include veterinarians, pet emergency services and animal shelters when creating a contact list for pets and livestock.
- Evacuation Procedures: Develop clear procedures for evacuating both small and large animals. Determine how you will transport them safely, especially for large animals like horses.
- Designate Safe Spaces: If evacuating a pet is not possible, identify safe areas in your home or property where pets can be kept safe during an emergency, considering access to food, water and appropriate shelter. Never leave an animal tied up; ensure they can safely escape danger if they can’t be evacuated.
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Research and confirm places where you can stay with your pets during an emergency. This includes accommodation for your backyard pets.
- Practice Drills: Plan and conduct emergency drills that involve all family members and even neighbors, ensuring everyone knows their roles and knows how to keep your animals safe.
Build a Kit
Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water, and review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents are fresh. Consider the following items in an emergency kit for your pet:
- Emergency Supplies: Assemble a kit that includes at least three days of food, water and any medications, as well as hay, feed and water containers for large animals.
- First Aid Kit: Create a first aid kit tailored for both small and large pets, including items like bandages, antiseptics and any specific veterinary supplies needed.
- Leashes and Carriers: Include sturdy leashes and carriers for small animals and halters/trailers for larger animals, enabling safe transport. Plan on each animal having its own carrier to reduce stress and possible aggression.
- Identification: Ensure all pets have proper identification, such as tags and microchips, and keep a list of these details in your preparedness kit. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet as well.
- Comfort Items: Pack familiar comfort items such as toys or blankets for small animals and consider bedding for larger pets, helping to reduce stress during emergencies.
You can find more tips through the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. Plus, find more details for large animal preparedness.