June is National Pet Preparedness Month, a crucial time to reflect on the steps Pet Parents can take to ensure their furry, feathered, or scaled friends are safe during emergencies. Natural disasters, power outages, and other unexpected events can strike at any time, and having a plan in place can make all the difference.  This blog will guide you through comprehensive strategies to prepare your Pets for emergencies, ensuring their safety and your peace of mind.

1. Creating a Pet Emergency Kit: Just as you would for any family member, prepare an emergency kit specifically for your Pet. This kit should include:

• Food and Water: Keep at least a three-day supply in an airtight, waterproof container.
• Medicines and Medical Records: Stored in a waterproof container, these are essential for Pets with chronic health issues.
• First Aid Kit: Tailored to the needs of your Pet, including items like gauze, tape, and scissors.
• Collar with ID Tag, Harness or Leash: Identification is crucial in case of separation.
• Crate or Pet Carrier: A safe place for your Pet to retreat.
• Sanitation Needs: Litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach.

2. Plan for Sheltering: Not all shelters accept Pets, so it’s important to prepare for alternative shelter options before disaster strikes:

• Contact Hotels and Motels: Check policies on accepting Pets and any restrictions on number, size, and species.
• Talk to Friends and Family: Identify someone who can shelter your Pets if you cannot reach them.
• Utilize Pet Shelters: Research Pet-friendly facilities and requirements in advance.

3. Ensure Proper Identification: Microchipping your Pet is one of the best ways to ensure a safe return should you get separated.  Also, keep a collar with tags that include your contact information, and consider adding a temporary tag with the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area.

4. Familiarize Pets with Their Carriers: During an emergency, you may need to transport your Pets quickly.  Help them get comfortable with their carriers ahead of time by allowing them to spend time inside with the door open and a favorite blanket or toy inside.

5. Practice Evacuation Drills: Include your Pets in your family’s evacuation drills.  It can be chaotic to get Pets into carriers and evacuate in a hurry.  Practice these drills to reduce stress and increase efficiency during a real emergency.

6. Keep Updated on Local Hazards: Stay informed about the types of natural disasters or emergencies that are likely to affect your area and adapt your plan accordingly.

Preparation can significantly reduce the dangers and distress associated with emergencies for both you and your Pets.  This National Pet Preparedness Month, take the time to review and enhance your emergency plans.  Remember, the key to effective emergency preparedness is not just having a plan, but also regularly updating and practicing it. Remember, the safety of your Pets during an emergency depends on the actions you take today.  Let's ensure our beloved companions are as prepared as the rest of our family.