Preparing for Disasters with Dogs

There are various types of emergency scenarios where you may be required to leave your home for a brief or extended period. As a pet parent, it’s essential to have the necessary plans in place so you and your canine companion can be prepared if ever a disaster strikes.

Get a Rescue Alert Sticker 

Placing a “Rescue Alert Sticker” somewhere near your front door is one simple and easy first step you can take. This sticker will inform people that you have pets inside your home and includes the number and types of pets present. Additionally, it also provides the name and number of your furry friend’s veterinarian.

If you’re able to evacuate with your pets safely, you’ll want to write “EVACUATED” across the stickers. Many local pet stores offer these stickers, or you can receive a free alert sticker by filling out this online form.

Make Arrangements for a Safe Haven 

You’ll need to have arrangements in place for your pet to have a “safe haven” in case an evacuation is necessary. You absolutely should NOT leave your pets behind. If it isn’t a safe environment for you to be staying in, then it definitely isn’t for Fido or any other pets for that matter.

Keep in mind that not all shelters accept pets, so you should have a predetermined “safe haven” ready for your pup that you know is able and willing to take on your animal. Options to consider are:

• Ask Fido’s vet to discover any preferred kennels and facilities they recommend
• Contact your local animal shelters to see which of them, if any, provide emergency shelter or foster care
• Stay at a pet-friendly hotel or motel in safe zones
• Identify any friends or relatives in safe zones that would be willing to take in your pooch

Name a Designated Caregiver 

A designated caregiver will usually be someone who you can call upon to take care of your furry friend in case of an emergency where you have little time to waste, or evacuation is not necessary. You’ll most likely want your dog’s designated caregiver to be a person who lives relatively close to you, maybe is generally home during the day, and you would trust with a pair of your house keys.

As you would with godparents for children, you want to ask this person before an emergency happens, so if you ever do need to call upon them to take care of your pup, they’re not surprised. This will also help eliminate you having to frantically call multiple people last minute to find your pooch a caregiver.

Having a couple of designated caregivers who will agree to watch your canine in case of an emergency is even better – just in case someone falls through, you’ll have a backup.

Prepare a Traveling Kit with Emergency Supplies 

You always want to plan for the worst-case scenario when packing an emergency doggy travel kit, so you’re not left empty-handed when you need something. Things to consider putting in your emergency kit:

• Back-up leash, collar, and harness
• Pet first-aid kit and guide book
• A week’s worth of canned or dry food
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant that’s animal-friendly
• Doggy bags
• Dish bowls
• Copies (photocopied papers, on a USB, or your phone) of medical records and licenses
• Waterproof container with a 2-week supply of any medications your pup is on
• At least seven days worth of bottled water for every persona and pet
• Flashlight
• Blanket
• Recent photos of Fido in case they go missing
• Chew toys & mentally stimulating toys

Rotate any perishable items out of your emergency kit as time goes by so they don’t go expired. For example, if you pack dry food, be sure to rotate it out every two months. Also, ensure everyone living in your home knows where this emergency kit is located.

Always follow the instructions of local and state officials if they announce recommendations for evacuation. And keep in mind you can never be 100% prepared for everything, so if an emergency pops up that you weren’t prepared for – take it one step at a time, your furry friend can sense when you’re stressed and the more upset you get, the more worked up they will be – making it harder to control the situation. If you keep a level head and prepare as much as you can, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about – making your job of keeping you and your pup safe a whole lot easier.