No matter what type of pet business you operate, whether you are responsible for your pets or someone else’s, having an emergency plan should be a key component of your business strategy. The more pets you have, the longer it may take to evacuate them, making it vital to plan ahead since time can be critical in emergencies.
Here are some crucial steps to take when developing your emergency plan:
1. **Know the Risks**: Understand what types of emergencies or disasters are prevalent in your area. Determine whether you will need to shelter in place or leave at a moment’s notice.
2. **Plan Your Routes**: Create evacuation routes based on different types of emergencies. Make sure you have more than one exit route or consider alternative ways to leave if necessary.
3. **Establish a Meeting Point**: Designate a safe location to meet in case you are separated from your pets during an evacuation.
4. **Organize Important Documents**: Keep all your pets’ important documents in a secure place that you can access quickly in an emergency.
5. **Create a Call List**: Compile a list of local friends and family members who may be able to help you evacuate your animals. Additional phone numbers to include are all local veterinarians, animal control, and boarding facilities.
6. **Evacuate Early**: Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order; leave at the first warning signs of danger.
Emergency Supplies to Have Ready
Custom Pack – Build your own
- – Crates and/or carriers
- – Slip leads, collars, and leashes
- – Water: Plan for ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of each pet’s body weight per day. For example, if you have 10 cats averaging 10 pounds each, you should plan for 100 ounces of water per day. Prepare enough for a minimum of three days, and remember to include extra for your family and/or employees.
- – Travel bowls: Two per pet, one for food and one for water.
- – Basic first aid supplies
- – All medications: Keep at least a five-day supply.
- – Waste disposal items: Poop bags, cats will need litter boxes, litter, and scoops
- – Night lights or flashlights if you need to evacuate at night, along with extra batteries or chargers.
- – Blankets or bedding
- – Plan your transportation. How many vehicles will it take? Where will they come from?
- – ID tags for every pet
Optional Items
- – Toys
- – Treats
- – Grooming supplies
All of these items can be stored on a pallet, in a bucket or roller bags and should be easy to access quickly.
Involve all employees and family members in the planning process. Assign everyone a task and remember to practice together. Download our Free Checklist to get started.
By preparing in advance, you can ensure the safety and well-being of all your pets during an emergency. Pet Evac Pak is here to help you with all your pets’ emergency planning, whether a single dog or cat or a small business. We can help. Visit our custom build your own pack page or contact us at info@petevacpak.com
