Creating Emergency Preparedness Plans for Your Pet

You never know when a disaster may strike. From snowstorms and hurricanes to tornados and fires, there are a multitude of reasons why you may need to evacuate your home. Even a power outage could displace you. If that happens, are you prepared to take your pets along? Do you have everything you need to maintain their safety and well-being?

Just as you create an emergency preparedness plan for your family, you should make one for your pets, too. Have all of their supplies in one convenient location so you can grab them and go. Storing everything in a plastic bin or large duffle bag can be helpful. Here are a few things to include in your emergency kit.

Pet Supplies:

  • Several days’ worth of food stored in an airtight container. (Rotate it out every month or two so it doesn’t get stale.)
  • Several days’ worth of bottled water.
  • Bowls for food and water.
  • Several days’ worth of any medications your pet takes (Rotate out every few months to keep it from expiring).
  • An extra collar or harness and leash, as well as ID tags.
  • A pet first aid kid.
  • Shampoo or wipes to clean them up.
  • A few toys.
  • Blankets or towels to keep them warm, dry them off, create a soft place to lay, etc.
  • An extra litter box and litter for cats, as well as plastic bags to clean up after your dog or cat.

Other Supplies:

  • Make copies of medical records, licenses, vaccinations, pet insurance, emergency contacts, etc. and keep them in a waterproof container.
  • Pictures of your pet and of you with your pet to help better identify them should you be separated. If they have any distinguishing marks, make sure you have pictures of those too.
  • Updated microchip information. Make sure you keep your contact information current.
  • Addresses and phone numbers for hotels, motels, animal shelters, boarding facilities, veterinary offices, and family and friends where you could either stay with your pet or drop them off. Not every shelter or hotel is pet-friendly, so have plans for where you can go ahead of time.
  • Contact information for neighbors who you trust to rescue your pet if you’re unable to get home and need to evacuate. Make sure they know where all of your pet’s supplies are and how to get in touch with you.

Make sure your pet is safe in the event of an emergency. If you board them or take them to doggie daycare, ask about how the facility responds to emergency situations and what their plans are for the animals in their care. Don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about your plans.

If you’re headed out of town, have peace of mind that your dog or cat is in good hands by boarding them at Lake Wylie Pet Resort. Contact us to schedule your pet’s next stay.