Do You Have An Emergency Kit For Your Pets?

Having an emergency plan in place for your family may look different depending on where you live. In many places, it is important to establish a plan and have an emergency kit prepared just in case. But don’t forget about your pets! They need to be included and planned for just as much, because they are family too! So here are our tips for preparing an emergency kit for your pets.

Have A Plan

Planning for emergencies can help make the situation less stressful should it ever occur. You won’t be left to make difficult or last minute decisions if you already have a plan prepared. Here are some suggestions for when you are developing your plan:

1. Have a buddy system 

   1. Work with your neighbors, friends, or family to help each other out. This way, if you are unable to get home or go back for your pets, they know what to do too. 

2. Microchips and ID tags

   1. If your pet is microchipped, make sure the information is up to date. If they are not microchipped, consider getting this done. This can help in case you get separated from your pet. Veterinarians and shelters can scan for a microchip and trace it back to you. ID tags are great too, but if your cat does not wear a collar at all times, it is best to have some other form of identification for them (like a microchip). And if you have a collar, that can be a hazard as well if they get it caught somewhere and get stuck. Breakaway collars are best for this reason.

3. In case of evacuation

   1. If you live in an area that has evacuation protocols, be sure to know pet-friendly places to go. Never leave your pet behind. If it is considered unsafe for you, it is unsafe for your pet. 

4. Find safe places ahead of time

   1. Contact hotels/motels to see if they accept pets, make arrangements with family or friends, contact a kennel or veterinarian’s office, or seek animal shelters. These places may be able to help you out in a situation and provide safe shelter for your pet.

Some Everyday Emergencies To Prepare For

1. Thunderstorms
2. Heat wave
3. Air condition goes out in summer or heat goes out in winter
4. Power Outage
5. Ice storms 
6. You get hurt 

Prepare An Emergency Kit For Your Pets

When preparing an emergency kit, think about the basics they will need for survival and every day needs. You may want to keep a larger pack for when you may need to shelter in place, but also a portable pack in case you need to evacuate. Here are some things you want to include in the kit:

1. About 1 week’s worth of their food
2. Bottled water – for both you and your pet
3. Extra set or collapsible food and water bowls
4. If your pet is on any special medications, keep extra in stock and store it appropriately
5. Have a copy of your pet’s medical records and care instructions in case someone else is looking after them
6. Pet first aid kit – check out our post on making your own here.
7. Extra litterbox, litter, scooper, and waste bags
8. Leash, harness, ID tags, and/or carrier – in case you need to move locations
9. Current photos of you with your pet – you want to have photos with you in them as well as proof of ownership in case you get separated from your pet.
10. Comfort items – toys, blankets, or other familiar items to help reduce stress

Toughing Out The Storm

If you are waiting out the storm at home, make sure someone knows you are staying put. Be sure to keep in touch with any friends, neighbors, and family who may be staying home as well.

1. Designate a safe zone in your house and bring your pet to that area with you. 
2. Close off any small spaces so that your cat cannot hide or get stuck. 
3. Keep your pets close and bring them inside if you can
4. Remove hazardous items from you, such as large items that can fall over, sharp items, or any items that can break  
5. Be prepared with essential items, such as water, food, batteries, radio, flashlight, cell phone chargers, etc.

If You Are Not Home

There may be times you cannot make it home. Weather conditions, accidents, or unsafe travel conditions can keep you separated from your pet. It is important to have a plan for those times you cannot make it back to your pet. 

1. If you know a storm is coming, set up somebody you and your pet trust to check in on them.
2. Make sure they are well equipped to take care of them, show them where their food and medication is.
3. Make sure they can get into your home with a key.
4. Keep a card in your wallet to identify that you have pets at home. This way, if you get into an accident, medical personnel will see this card and contact the person on it to let them know you are injured and to care for their pets. You can find these cards on Amazon here.

After The Emergency

Depending on the situation, your pet could have some long term emotional trauma from it. It can be a scary thing for them to go through, especially if you may not have been able to be there with them. 

1. Make sure you check for any damage to your home or property. Check that your yard is still secured and that your pet cannot escape. You always want to check for any broken glass or debris that your cat could step on or injure itself. 
2. Take your pet to the vet. Even if they seem okay, it doesn’t hurt to have a general check-up after an emergency just in case.

Conclusion

Thinking about emergency situations is not something we ever want to imagine would happen to us. But it is important to be prepared. Having an emergency kit for your pets and plans in place can help decrease your stress in these situations. It also helps ensure that your pet will get cared for in case you cannot. Work with those near to you and help each other keep all your pets safe!