Make a list of evacuation shelters that will accept pets, so you know where to go should the need arise.
The first step is to make sure your pet is microchipped and, more importantly, the information is correct and current. This is the best way to ensure you and your pet can be reunited should you become separated for some reason. Now is a great time to contact your microchip company to confirm your contact info is correct. If the information is incorrect, take the time with them to get it updated. In addition to the information on the microchip, it’s also important to keep up-to-date contact info on your pet’s ID tag. We can make custom tags for you at Yavapai Humane Society for just $5, and it only takes a couple of minutes.
The next thing to do is make an emergency kit for your pets. Make sure it’s kept somewhere that you can get to quickly, because there may not be time to waste going through storage or closets to find it. It’s also a good idea to make sure your kit is waterproof, just in case it should get wet. This kit should include (at least) an extra collar and leash, durable metal food/water bowls, a recent photo of your pet, canned food (three to seven days’ worth), dry food, a can opener, copies of your pet’s medical records, medications they may need and your vet’s contact information, pet first aid kit, pet disinfectant wipes, potty bags for clean-up, bottled water (seven days’ worth per pet), flashlight, blanket and towel (at least one per pet), some of their toys, treats, disposable litter trays, litter and scoop. Have your pet’s crate or carrier handy so you have easy access to it. I realized as I was writing this that my carriers for my cats were in my storage unit outside and at the bottom of the stack of stuff. Not anymore!
Most of us have numerous pictures of our pets on our phone, but phones die if they can’t be charged and then you won’t be able to access those pictures. So, it’s very important to have actual pictures in your emergency kit, along with their medical and vaccination records. Keep all these in a Ziploc bag so they don’t get ruined should your emergency kit get wet and it’s not waterproof. Check your emergency kit often to make sure the food, water and treats you have placed in it are still fresh and haven’t expired. Same thing with the items in the first aid kit for pets. Some items may have an expiration date and need to be replaced. It would be awful to have an emergency and you can’t use any of the items in your kit because they have expired.
It’s also a good idea to get a window cling for a window or area near your front door that alerts emergency personnel that you have animals in your home and how many, if for some reason an emergency occurs and you are not home with your pets. These are available for minimal cost online.
Make a list of evacuation shelters that will accept pets, so you know where to go should the need arise. If you have friends or family that are willing to take care of your pets for you (if they are in a safe zone), have their contact information so you can easily get in touch with them. These are all things to research now, as there won’t be time once an emergency hits. Please do not leave your pets home if you have to evacuate! If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them. The results could be catastrophic.
There are many different sites online that provide additional information regarding your pets and emergencies. Perhaps take some time to go through them and read the information to make sure your furry family member will have everything to be safe, just in case. Animal Disaster Services in Prescott is a great resource to help prepare for the unexpected. Check them out at animaldisasterservices.com.
We can always count on our pets to be there for us and keep us happy. Let’s make sure our pets can count on us every day – and especially when disaster strikes. QCBN
By Loree Walden
Loree Walden is the marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society.
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