Emergency Planning for You and Your Pet

June 1st marked the official beginning of hurricane season in the United States. If you happen to live on the Atlantic or Gulf coasts you already know this … But are you and your pet prepared?

Hurricanes, like floods, brushfires, and tornadoes, can be frightening things to be caught in (and these tips can be applied to those natural disasters, too). But with some forethought and preparation, you can make things easier and safer for you and your pet.

Make a Plan

Simply put, be prepared. Decide on a course of action and make sure you can initiate it at a moment's notice. Have supplies set aside in a safe, easily accessible place. It’s like having candles or a flashlight under the kitchen sink in case of a black out. You may never need them, but if a blackout happens, there’s no need to scramble in the dark, because you know exactly where to go and what to do for light.

Be a Stickler

Whatever your decision is, stick to it. Otherwise, there’s no real point of having a plan. If you decide to leave town at the first sign of warning, then do so as planned. No dilly-dallying. Changing your mind or changing the plan often leads to accidents, as you’re no longer prepared.

Get Your Kit On

A pet savvy emergency kit isn’t that much different to yours. Enough water for three days, non-perishable food (include a can opener if needed), litter, litter box, puppy pads, plastic bags, medicine and medical records for both you and your pet in waterproof containers, a solid carrier, leash, a picture of your pet on you in case the worst happens and you get separated. Tags and/or microchipping your pet will also make it easier to recover, should it get lost.

Staying In

If you’re staying home to ride out the storm, keep your pet in its carrier or on a leash. You never know when you might be forced to evacuate. And even if that doesn’t happen, you don’t want to be tracking down a petrified pet during the chaos. Therefore, secure your pet before the storm hits.

Going Out

Stay tuned to the news reports. If you’re forced to evacuate, you must do so at first warning. Moreover, it helps to have everything ready to go. We suggest a backpack that holds all the essentials for you and your pet. And make sure you know exactly where all the shelters are and how to get there.

Rain or Shine

Whether you leave early, choose to stay, or are required to evacuate due to the storm's severity or house damage, remember to stay calm. Your pet can sense your emotions. So a calming demeanor may lead to a less-panicked pet. Oh, and don't forget to speak to it in a calm, soothing voice, too.

Good luck and stay safe.