Emergency Preparedness for Pets- Parker Colorado

After the flooding in Texas & Florida and the start of wildfires & floods in Colorado, pet owners are realizing that being prepared for an emergency includes more than just thinking about themselves and their kids… their fur babies also need to be taken into consideration.

DISASTER PREPARATION FOR YOUR PETS

1. MICROCHIP YOUR PETS AND MAKE SURE YOUR MICROCHIP REGISTRATION IS UP TO DATE!

It normally costs about $25 and is well worth it for your peace of mind. I thought since my rescue dog was microchipped that everything was ready.. I was wrong! I needed to register the number that the rescue organization had given me and provide them with my name, address, email and a couple of alternate phone numbers. You can register with PetLink.net

2. Keep a collar and tag on all cats and dogs even those that normally stay indoors as during a natural disaster they will most likely find a way to get out.

3. Plan a pet-friendly place to stay
Search in advance for out-of-area pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities, or make a housing exchange agreement with an out-of-area friend or relative. Never leave your pet behind if you evacuate!

4. Have a support team
Exchange pet information, evacuation plans and house keys with a few trusted neighbors or nearby friends or family. If you’re caught outside evacuation lines when an evacuation order is issued, your neighbors or friends can evacuate your pets for you. This is also where having the emergency decal on the front door or window comes in handy.

5. Prepare an emergency kit for each animal
Just like for humans, you should have a week’s worth of supplies ready to go for your pets if for some reason you need to vacate your home. This is the American Red Cross plan for your pets

Keep your pet’s essential supplies in sturdy containers that can be easily accessed and carried (a duffle bag or covered trash containers, for example). Your pet emergency preparedness kit should include:

Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a First Aid kit.
Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can’t escape.
Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
Food, drinkable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and manual can opener.
- Barb Likos at Simply Preparing recommends you have 1 gallon of water per person per day so depending on how large your pets are you need to add their needs to your family’s needs.
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
Pet bed or toys if easily transportable.

You might also want to include a pet first aid kit for your pets as well as others you may end up helping to evacuate. Many of the items could also be useful for human first aid.

6. Identify emergency veterinary facilities outside of your immediate area
If a disaster has affected your community, emergency veterinary facilities may be closed. Pets may become injured or ill during the disaster, so make sure you know how to access other emergency facilities. You can also check with your veterinarian to find out if they have an emergency plan that includes setting up in an alternate, emergency facility.

7. Place an emergency decal on your front window or door

The ASPCA recommends using a rescue sticker alert to let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes the types and number of pets in your household and your veterinarian’s phone number.

If you must evacuate with your pets (and if time allows) write “EVACUATED” across the stickers so rescue workers don’t waste time looking for them.

We like this bright red one.

We really like this kit too which includes a key fob stating that you have animals at home in case you are separated from your pets.

CLICK TO ORDER

8. Comfort your animals
Your animals will appreciate your calm presence and soft, comforting voice if they are stressed following a disaster or while evacuated, and you may find it comforting to spend time with them, too. Make sure to bring something they are used to especially their bedding if at all possible. Familiar smells will help them calm down.

9. Know where to search for lost animals

10. Read the PDF Brochures for Pet Preparation from Ready

We have listed lots of Colorado resources for you here.