With summer approaching, you and your four-legged friend will most likely be spending more time outdoors, enjoying the sunny days. As fantastic as summertime can be, it also comes with increased risks for severe weather, like flooding, tornadoes, and wildfires, just to name a few.
National Pet Preparedness Month highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in the summer season and also throughout the year. Knowing what to do in case of a natural disaster or emergency can help ensure you and your furry companion will have many more years together. Read on as a vet talks about National Pet Preparedness Month and what to include in an emergency plan for you and your pets.
Being Prepared
Nowadays, not too many areas around the country are safe from severe storms, not to mention the earthquakes and flooding experienced along the coastal regions. Also, unexpected home emergencies, such as a chemical spill, gas line explosion, and sinkholes can turn everyday life into a harrowing experience. And if you’re forced to evacuate quickly, being able to reach your pets is important.
While it’s no doubt important to be prepared for emergencies year-round, National Pet Preparedness Month provides a helpful reminder for you and your family to have an emergency plan in place for yourselves and also for your pets.
Putting Together an Emergency Plan
A pet-friendly emergency plan should be flexible and also thorough enough to accommodate a range of different situations. Granted, no amount of planning can make you 100 percent ready for a disaster, but having a good plan in place will certainly work in you and your pet’s favor.
Here are a few tips to consider as you put together your pet-friendly emergency plan:
Research animal-friendly evacuation shelters, and lodging options for your pets
Identification – Make sure your pet’s tags and identification are updated at all times. This includes his name, rabies tag, and your mobile phone number.
- Have pet carriers for each pet
- List the possible scenarios – Take note of the types of natural and man-made disasters that can occur in your region so you can plan for each one.
- Stock up on emergency supplies – This includes a five-day supply of pet food and water, bowls, trash bags, leashes, as well as a pet first aid kit.
- Have response plans – These will list the steps you need to take when responding to each type of emergency.
If you want more information about National Pet Preparedness Month or need help putting together a pet-friendly emergency plan, please don’t hesitate to call us today.