Get Ready Now!
Be prepared to evacuate with your pet during an emergency
FEMA has declared May 13th, 2017 as National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. YapTalk has partnered with Hill’s Nutrition and the SPCA of Texas, to raise awareness on this important topic. Let’s discuss the topic of evacuating your home with your pet.
If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return. An easy way to get started is to create your own Pet Emergency Go-Kit with supplies, food and water in the event that you and your pet need to leave your home.
The good folks at SPCA of Dallas also recommend making the following preparations BEFORE an emergency evacuation:
- Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag that includes a contact name, current phone number and address. If you and your dog get separated, proper ID will be the best and fastest way to ensure you can be reunited. Check dog’s collar regularly to ensure that it fits properly and will not slip over their head.
Note: Additionally, make sure your pet is micro-chipped, and confirm that your contact information is registered correctly with the microchip company. If your pet loses their collar with ID tag, a microchip will allow you to be contacted once they are found.
- Keep a travel crate stored in an easily accessible area so that you can safely transport your pet in an emergency. Acclimating your pet to the crate will help the process go smoothly when you are in a hurry. Keep a blanket/towel and a couple of toys in the crate so that it is ready to go in a pinch.
- Create a pet emergency kit to store with your emergency supplies, including the following:
o Ziploc bag or plastic container of dog food
o Travel bowls
o Water bottles
o Waste and clean up supplies, including puppy pads for small dogs
o Copies of your dog’s medical records
o Toys, treats and other comfort items
o A leash, extra collar and a sweater to keep small dogs warm in cold areas
o Any medications your dog is taking
o Instructions for feeding and (if applicable) medicating your dog
o Contact information for your dog’s veterinarian
- Determine pet friendly hotels/motels in your area so that you can make arrangements for stay in the event of evacuation.
Note: Designate a guardian for your dog in the event that you cannot take them with you.
- Display a pet rescue decal in a visible place at the front of your residence so that first responders know a dog is inside.
- Keep your dog current on age-appropriate vaccinations to reduce their chances of becoming ill after a disaster or relocation.
- Acclimate your pet to leaving the house and traveling in the car to prevent causing them distress during a crisis.
Until next time, be safe and most importantly – Get Pet Prepared!
5 Reasons to Own a Small Breed Dog
5 Reasons to Own a Small Breed Dog
- They are portable – You can throw them in a bag and take them anywhere
- Their poops are smaller and arguably less disgusting
- They get you a lot of attention
- If you are single, you always have someone to sleep with
- They are just too cute for words