How to Develop a Disaster Plan for your Pet

You've probably given a little thought to what you and your family would do in event of an emergency. But have you considered what to do with your pet--especially a dog or cat?

Here are some tips for developing a preparedness plan so your pet isn't abandoned during a disaster.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify the Most Likely Scenarios. You can't realistic prepare for all possible disasters. But you can anticipate the most likely events. For instance, if you live in Florida, you know to prepare for Hurricanes, the Midwest--Tornadoes, along the Mississippi--flooding. If you work outside the home you have the possibility of a problem that will prevent you from going back to your house to feed your cat or let your dog out of his crate. Figure out what natural disasters are most likely in your part of the country. Look at your work/home circumstances and see how that could lead to evacuation/care challenges. Any preparation starts first by figuring out what you'll likely need to prepare for.

2. Add pet needs to your home emergency plans. If you have a "safe room" or emergency kit (with food, water and other supplies) in case you're snowed in or some other kind of event prevents you from leaving your home, then account for your pet as well.
   --get several days worth of food that has a long shelf life (canned food is probably a good option).
   --add water to the supply for your pet.
   --be prepared to deal with your pet's waste, especially if it isn't acceptable to go outside.
   --have something to keep your pet occupied (besides treats or food). Are there versatile toys that store well? Are there emergency supplies (like rope) you can use to create toys?
   --do you have bedding for your pet (or can you easily convert something)?

3. Create an emergency road kit. One reasonable scenario is for a police officer to knock on your door to notify you that because of a hazardous chemical spill, you have 30 minutes to get out of your house. Could you get what you need for your pet (in addition to your own needs) in that amount of time? You can create a simple road kit. For a dog, it can include a spare leash, a toy, 2 days worth of dry food in a ziplock bag, a bottle of water, a plastic or mesh kennel that folds up for travel, a copy of your dog's vaccination records, a cheap felt or fleece blanket (which can serve as bedding, warmth, or cover over a kennel--something that calms most dogs), and something to chew on.

4. Have a neighbor as backup. Find someone on your street or close by who can help in an emergency. You may find yourself cut off from your home (where your dog or cat is) because of a downed bridge. Before this kind of emergency happens, find a neighbor who has met your pet and is willing to help in an emergency. Make sure there is a list available (so your emergency backup knows where to find things or what to collect).

5. Have emergency contact info. Make sure that your pet is microchipped with your contact info. Make sure your pet's collar/tags are accurate. If the unthinkable happens and your pet gets lost or separated, do you have a recent color picture you can use to put on fliers to help searchers find your pet?

6. If your pet is on medication, have copies of the prescriptions and the contact number for your vet. It probably isn't realistic to expect everyone to have backup copies of the meds (especially since they can expire) but you need to be able to refill prescriptions if you have to leave them behind and evacuate from your home.

7. Join a service like Rover Responder that provides care for your pet in event of an emergency or evacuation. Make sure there is a decal in your front window near the door notifying first responders that you have a cat or dog (it lets them know to look in event of a fire and it also provides a little bit of extra security to you from burglars or intruders who generally avoid houses with animals).

[zahzel]

on 4/26/2009 Good ideas. I live in a horse area and who knows about disaster prep for a horse, huh?