In an Emergency, Pet Safety Must Be a Priority
Planning for an emergency may seem like a way of inviting one, but not having a plan isn’t a great alternative. Considering that your pet depends on you for all their health and safety needs, it is vitally important to know what to do to ensure their well-being and security. Pet safety is probably on your mind every day. But if/when an emergency happens in your house or community, there are clear and definite ways to keep your pet free from harm.
Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail
Whether house or wildfire, tornado, thunderstorm, or flood, getting your pet to a safe location is vitally important. Establishing a plan is part of your defense against pet loss or separation, and can entail immediate evacuation. No matter what, pet owners should never leave their pet at home if they are forced to evacuate. If you are not home when an emergency occurs, reach out to a close friend or neighbor to remove your pet from the situation.
Pets should never be left outside.
Stay Calm
Having a level head is not always easy when faced with a life-threatening emergency. That’s why having a plan already filled out and discussed with family members is a huge part of your defense. Delegate certain tasks to household members, routinely reiterate what needs to be done in an emergency.
The Exit Plan
Have an idea of where you can go with your pet. Emergency shelters are not typically set up to welcome animal family members, so it’s crucial to have a place in mind that will accommodate you and your furry friends. This may include the homes of friends or family members, or a list of nearby hotels that are pet-friendly. As a reminder, we offer pet boarding and are happy to give you details about our facility for overnight cats and dogs.
If you are not at home during an emergency, firefighters or EMTs may look for displayed signs that show the animals that live in the house. Check out the ASPCA pet safety pack for more information.
Always be sure that your pets are microchipped and registered with current contact information.
A Pet Safety Kit
Collecting items for a pet safety kit is essential and should include the following:
- Food and bottled water
- Collapsible bowls
- Unexpired medication
- Up-to-date medical records, including pictures IDs, vaccinations, microchip, and prescriptions
- First-aid kit
- Back-up leashes and collars
- Blankets
- Travel kennels
- Litter, box, and lots of waste bags
- Hand sanitizer
- Toys
We recommend having a transistor radio, flashlights, and any other safety or comfort items that can get you and your pet through a few days.
A great deal can go wrong if pet owners don’t have a plan in place. Set yourself up for pet safety and success with a plan and an emergency kit.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s overall well-being, behavior, or safety, please call us at (913) 681-2818. Our team is always here for you at Blue Valley Animal Hospital.