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MAY/JUNE NEWSLETTER

Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets
Krista Albers-Smith, LVT

We all know the saying, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,” and we have plans in place for our families if something happens, but does your plan include your pets? Here are some tips to help point you in the right direction when creating your plan.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross agree that if your home isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pet. It is important to know what your local authorities have planned for disaster animal sheltering. Sometimes shelters are unable to house pets with owners due to space or health reasons. Call your local authorities to find out what plan they have in place for sheltering families with their pets.
• Maintain a list of hotels, motels, and kennels that accommodate pets. If you have large pets, pocket pets, or birds, you may want to talk with hotels about restrictions on number, size, and species, and whether they waive these restrictions during emergencies. Keep your list with your emergency phone numbers.
• Create a disaster supply kit. This waterproof container should have three days to one week’s worth of food, water, and medications. Other items to include are veterinary records, leashes or harnesses, litter supplies, can opener, bedding, water bottles for small mammals, paper towels, and sealable plastic bags. An up-to-date photo for identification purposes can help reunite you with your pet if you are separated. Once your kit is made, it is important to remember to periodically replace the food, so it doesn’t spoil.
• Consider having a signed veterinary medical treatment authorization in your kit so your pet can be treated if you cannot be reached.
  Make sure you have appropriately sized carriers and cages; if your cat is going to have to be confined for a long period of time, we recommend the carrier is large enough to hold a shoebox sized litter box, food, and water, as well as being spacious enough for your cat to lie down comfortably.
  Consider a buddy system with your neighbors. If you aren’t home when disaster hits, your neighbor will have access to your home to feed your pets or remove them from the home.
• Even if you think you will only be gone for a few hours, bring your pets with you. Disasters can worsen quickly, and you may not be able to return home to get them.
• If you cannot take your pets with you, make sure to leave your pets with a two-to-three-day supply of food and water. If possible, you can leave a faucet dripping or partially fill the bathtub. Leave your pets in the safest room in your home. Be sure to remove choker collars and replace them with leather or nylon ones.

We are always happy to answer any questions you have. Below are some additional resources that you may find useful as you create your plan.

Prepare Your Pets for Disasters | Ready.gov

Pet Disaster Preparedness & Recovery | American Red Cross

Pet Safety in Emergencies | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC