Whenever natural disaster warnings go out, pet owners begin to scramble.? Here is a list of items and actions you should take to make sure you are prepared should the big bad wolf ?Huff and Puff? and try to blow your house down!
Understand the possibilities of Natural Disasters.
Recognize the different types of natural and man-made disasters that can occur in your area and know how to effectively plan for them.
Research animal-friendly places.
Many pet owners complain they were turned away from evacuation shelters because they brought pets. Call your local and county officials and find out where you can take your pet before the natural disaster hits.? Your veterinarian or boarding facility may also take in pets during severe weather.
Find out your options and make plans for your pet well in advance.
Get Your Pet Identified
Make sure your pet wears current identification at all times that includes his name, rabies tag and your cell phone number since you will not be at home.? If you are in a hurricane, tornado zone, etc. having your pet micro-chipped is a must.? Microchips are often the only means to positively identify lost pets after a natural disaster.? Each year, thousands of pets are never returned to their owners because owners are unable to positively identify their pets and prove ownership.? So many pets find their way home after being separated for months after a natural disaster!!
If you don?t have an ID tag, write your information in indelible ink on the collar and carrier.?? If possible, include a contact not traveling with you in a safe area.
Have a pet carrier.
One of the most important pieces of pet-equipment you can have during a natural disaster or an evacuation is a pet carrier.? This is especially vital when transporting small dogs and cats.? Pet carriers are often required at shelters and can serve as a safe space for your scared pet.? Be sure to label your carrier with your pet?s name, breed, sex, date of birth, your current address and cell phone numbers and any important medical information.
Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each pet.? Carriers should be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Make sure you have at least two weeks of your pet?s medications on hand.
After some severe natural disasters, many homeowners aren?t allowed to return home for a week or more.? In the unlikely event a natural disaster strikes your area, make sure you have more than just a few days? worth of your pet?s medications.? Make sure you have at least 14 days of prescription medications, heartworm and flea preventives,etc.? Pack them in a bag with your pet?s essentials and write down your current administration schedule in case you must leave your pet at a kennel or other facility.? Even if it?s not time, you should apply heartworm and flea preventive prior to putting your pet in an evacuation facility. Your pet could get exposed to fleas and mosquitoes and the extra protection will only help.
Carry a week?s worth of food and water.
If possible, divide your pet?s meals into individual storage bins or bags. This will ensure you bring enough food and assist others who may have to care for your pet during an evacuation following a natural disaster.
Carry bottled water (figure 24 ounces per day for a 20-pound dog and 8 ounces per day for a 10-pound cat) and bowls.? Many shelters will not have adequate food and water for pets.
Bring at least two slip leashes.
I recommend you have the simple slip-type webbing or nylon leashes with you at all times. A frightened dog can slip out of a collar while a slip leash can hold them securely.? A slip leash can also be used to restrain a cat in a pinch.? Carry an extra leash in your pocket in case someone else needs it or you lose yours.? Remember, not everyone will be prepared for a natural disaster like you are.
Bring a printed copy of your pet?s vaccine and pertinent medical history.
Contact your veterinarian a couple of day?s before a storm approaches to obtain any needed forms.? This serves as a reminder to keep a medical folder for your pets that contains their latest physical exam reports, blood tests and proof of vaccines or licenses. If you wait until a natural disaster is imminent, your veterinarian may not be able to provide you with these documents.? If your pet has a serious medical condition, make sure you fully understand the diagnosis, most recent diagnostic test results, treatment and prognosis.? In case of an emergency, quick access to this information can save your pet?s life.
Take a photo of your pet before you leave your home.
A current photograph on a cell phone can be the difference between lost and found in the event you become separated during a natural disaster.
Prepare for anxiety.
Natural disasters can last for many hours. Even the most storm-hardened pet can crack after numerous hours of howling wind, changes in barometric pressure and being confined in a carrier.? You should carry anxiety wraps (check out the Thundershirt to the right of this post), calming herbal remedies and prescription medications if you suspect your pet needs it.? Talk to your veterinarian a few days beforehand to stock up on aides for your pet?s anxiety.
Litter, piddle pads and trash bags.
I can?t tell you how often even the most prepared pet owner forgets this one vital necessity.? Bring a small baking pan and litter for cats, piddle pads, newspapers, towels and trash bags for dogs ? plenty of them.
Shampoo, brushes and towels.
If you?re evacuated during a natural disaster, things can get messy. Be prepared by stashing a small bottle of shampoo and a brush in your pet?s emergency kit.
Pack plenty of patience during a natural disaster.????? 
Keep in mind that everyone is just as stressed nervous and worried as you are. Be courteous, understanding and helpful. I?ve had pet owners make unreasonable demands (imagine being asked if we had time to bathe and groom a pet during a Category 3 hurricane!), and be downright rude to the staff members that were taking time from their homes and families to care for pets during a crisis. If everyone remains calm, stays focused and slows down, everything will go that much more smoothly.
No one plans on a major storm disrupting their lives. What you can prepare for is how you?ll respond when the natural disaster watches and warnings are announced. Good luck, be safe, and may we all be organized and ready.
About Christina Babulal
I have spent the last 25 years in the pet industry. I started teaching Western Horse Riding and attended Humber College Equine Studies for 2 years. For 2 years, I worked at the Woodbine Racetrack with Thoroughbreds as a Groom. Following that, I attended Seneca College and received my Veterinary Technician/Technologist Diploma. After graduation, I worked in Veterinary Clinics for 6 years before starting my own Pet Sitting Business. Now, I want to share my years of experience with people looking for the "Right" family pet.gop debate republican debate hair hair geisha geisha so you think you can dance winner
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.