The need for preparation has never been greaterfor us, and our pets.
Our pets: The silent victims of disasters.
Heres the thing about disasters and emergencies: They often strike without warning, forcing us to act quickly.
But what if our pet is hiding and we dont have time to find them?
What if theyre lost outdoors?
All too often, our pets are the silent victims of natural disasters.
Hurricane Katrina is a prime example, leavingat least 88,700 pets unaccounted for.
And disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires are infamous for leaving shelters overwhelmed with displaced pets.
But at an individual level, how can we protect our pet from a wild, unpredictable world?
As it turns out, making small preparationsnowcan make all the difference later.
Your step-by-step guide to a natural disaster plan.
Use a microchip and/or collar I.D.
Microchippingcan help increase the odds of getting a lost cat or dog back.
But even with a microchip, double-check your pet has a collar I.D.
with up-to-date contact information.
Know your pets hiding spots.
When our pets are scared or feel threatened, they often respond by hiding.
But when disasters hit, time is of the essence.
Determine a pet-friendly place in case of evacuation.
Wildfires, hurricanes, floodsevacuation is sometimes the only way to guarantee safety.
check that youve determined a pet-friendly place where you’re able to evacuate to.
Carry a picture of your pet in case you get separated.
As they say, prepare for the worst but hope for the best.
In the event youre ever separated from your pet, keep a picture of them handy.
This can help rescuers identify and return your furry friend if theyve gone missing.
Keep a pet carrier or crate on hand.
When our pets are scared, theyre prone to run or react.
Stow a pet carrier or crate to help you transport your pet more comfortably and safely.
Build an emergency kit for your pet.
Expecting the unexpected is smart pet parenting, and an emergency kit is the essence of preparedness.
According toHills Pet Nutrition, your emergency kit should include:
Ready for anything.
We want our four-legged companion to stay happy and healthy in the long run.
That means best-in-class nutrition, plenty of activity, and as much love as humanly possible…
But also thinking ahead for their safety.
That includes theirscience-led nutrition, but also theirDisaster Relief web connection.
So when should you start preparing for an emergency?
Theres only one answer: right now!
Putting a plan together isnt excessive, its responsible.
