With all the fires out west this summer we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about how to make sure your pets are prepared to evacuate should there be a fire. We were recent guests on the Dogish Podcast to discuss this very topic.
If someone knocked at your front door or an emergency alert went off on your phone, what would you do? What would you grab? When there are only moments to get out, that is not the time to think about what you would take.
We talk to so many people that think “I will just grab my pet and get out”.
Think about this! What if you’re not at home? Have you made a plan? If you are home and you panic, your pet could panic, too. They could go into fight or flight mode and run or hide. Now you need to find them and try to get a collar or harness on them and try to drag them to safety. Okay, so now let’s say you have gotten them out. If you have to board them, do you have their shot records? What about their medications, how about food and water or bowls if you have to go to a hotel or shelter? What if they are injured? Can you get them to a vet or do you have a pet first aid kit?
These are only a few of many different scenarios that happen during any emergency. We created an e-book to help you with the 5 major disasters that face us in the United States. We hope that what is in the book will help you with your pets fire preparedness and your overall emergency planning.
A wildfire can spread quickly across forests and fields, giving us little time to evacuate. It is extremely important to have your pets go-bag ready. That will be one less thing to think about when you are panicked and in a hurry. Whether you are in a house or an apartment, in the city or country, it is essential to have an evacuation plan ready. One great item for your go-bag is our Pet Vet Antibacterial First Aid Gel, which is great for first and second degree burns. It is human grade so it’s pet and people friendly.
- Plan a route – It’s important to know your evacuation route even if it might be on foot.
- Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. Make sure they know where your pet’s emergency supplies are kept.
- Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Have your local animal control number handy. They can help direct you to a pet shelter. #___-___-____
- Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit. #___-___-____
- Locate boarding facilities #___-___-____
- Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter, in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit. #___-___-____
- Have your pet micro-chipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include emergency contact Information.
- Any medication your pet needs – enough for 5 days or more.
- A copy of your pet’s shot record.
- Placing a “Save My Pet” decal on your door or window can let first responders know you have pets inside.
- Have a designated go-bag for your pet ready and in an easy-to-reach location. You should include enough supplies for a minimum of 72 hours.
Items to include:
Backpack or carrier, food & water (see page 10 of the e-book for recommended quantities of water), slip lead, bowls for food and water, LED light, Mylar blanket for warmth, first aid kit containing vet wrap, pet first aid ointment, antibacterial wipes, hydrogen peroxide spray, tweezers, cotton swabs, gauze pads, blood stop powder, and cold pack. Other items like waterproof pouch, ID Card, waste disposal bags or cat litter box, scoop and cat litter for your cats.
A photo of you with your pet for identification in case you get separated.
A printed pet first aid brochure in case your cell phone doesn’t work.
Optional items:
Crate, zip ties, duct tape, muzzle, grooming supplies
We now hope your completed plan gives you peace of mind that you are ready to save your pet in any emergency.
If you haven’t made a plan yet, why not? If you need help, make sure you check out our convenient and affordable pet emergency kits. Happy planning!
Team Pet Evac Pak
Thanks for the important reminder. Most of my Pet Evac Pak is ready to go but I need to I need to add some important numbers to make life easier if faced with an emergency situation. Saving time and being prepared can make a difference for me and my dog because I don’t move too fast on my feet . I don’t want to be mired down searching for numbers when I am in a overwhelming an anxious state.
Thanks again for helping me to plan ahead- great tips.
We are so glad to hear that your are prepared for an emergency. While we hope you never have to use it, it’s comforting to know you have it.
Regards
Pet Evac Pak