How to Create an Emergency Plan for Your Pets

Nobody knows when an emergency will strike. Emergencies can come in many different forms that may demand an evacuation or a temporary leave from your home. Every type of disaster calls for an extra measure to ensure your pet is safe; therefore, the best thing you can do is create an emergency plan. Here are simple steps that you may want to follow when making that plan.

Step 1. Put a rescue alert sign

Get a sign that people can see and know there are pets inside your house. Ensure that it is very visible to rescue workers. For example, you can place it in front of your door. The sticker should include the number and types of pets in the house and your veterinary doctor’s name and number. 

Step 2. Arrange a haven

Ensure you have identified a safe place for your pet in case of an emergency. Remember, if the house is not safe for you, it is not safe for the pet either. If you leave them behind, they may be exposed or trapped to life-threatening hazards. Also, you need to understand that not all shelters accept pets. Therefore, you must make your plans early in advance. For instance, you can.

• Request your vet for a list of preferred shelters that offer to board
• Enquire from your community shelter if they provide emergency foster care or protection for feline fellows.
• Find motels or hotels outside your home that take pets
• Request your family/friends if they would take in your pet in case of an emergency.

Step 3. Pick designated caregivers

This is a move that will take substantial thought and time. When selecting a designated caregiver, look for a person who stays close to you. It should be someone who stays at home when you are at work, and they can easily access your home. Also, trust a neighbor who has pets too. Moreover, you can be swapping responsibilities depending on whoever is available. 

When choosing foster parents, pick someone who has already met your pet and taken care of pets before. Ensure you discuss in length what you expect so that they understand the obligation of caring for your furry friend.

Step 4. Prepare traveling kits and emergency supplies 

In case you will leave your home because of an emergency, prepare for a worst-case scenario. Even when you are gone for just one day, prepare as if you will return after a few weeks. In case of an emergency and you are gone, ensure you have followed all the state and local official guidelines and instructions. To make the evacuation process easy, please follow these plans.

• Ensure your pet has an up-to-date identification tag and collars, and they wear them all the time. The tag should contain the pets’ names, telephone numbers, and any nutritional and medical needs. Also, on the pets’ carrier, remember to write your name, pet name, and phone number. 
• Vets advise caregivers to microchip their pets since it is more of a permanent form of identification. The microchip can be implanted on the pet’s shoulder and scanned at any pet’s shelter to get detailed information about the pet. 
• Always keep leashes and an emergency kit as close to the exit as possible. Ensure that your kit is aware of where the equipment is. The kit should be labeled correctly and movable. The items to keep in an emergency kit include enough food, water, medication, vaccination records, photographs, first aid kit, temporary ID tags, and carrier and leash for each animal.

If the worst happens and you must be separated from your pet, plan how the pet will be rescued. Here are a few things to do to ensure you get reunited. 

• Have a peHUB profile and ensure that it is up to date. Even when you change location and address, ensure that information is updated. Also, if you must move to another location due to a disaster, ensure that you update the profile. 
• On the peHUB profile, ensure you upload clear and multiple face shots of your furry friend. Also, you can upload full-body photos, especially if your pet has unique birthmarks on them. Please make sure they are visible in the images.

Lastly, ensure every member of your family is aware of all information about your pet.