September is National Preparedness Month, a good reminder to make sure your emergency plans include every member of the family - including your pets. Emergencies can happen with little warning, whether it is severe weather, a power outage, a house fire, or an unexpected evacuation. A little preparation ahead of time can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
A Few Things You Can Do Now
Put together a pet emergency kit. Keep several days of food and water, medications, bowls, a leash and collar with current identification, a carrier or crate, basic first-aid and cleanup supplies, and a familiar blanket, toy, or treats. Check the kit periodically so food and medications stay current.
Gather your pet's important information. Keep copies of vaccination and veterinary records, medication instructions, microchip information, and a recent photo of you with your pet. Store paper copies in a waterproof container and consider keeping electronic copies as well.
Know where you would go. If you had to leave home, where could you take your pet? Identify pet-friendly hotels, family or friends, boarding facilities, or veterinary hospitals ahead of time. Not every emergency shelter or hotel can accommodate pets, so having options before you need them is important.
Choose a backup person. Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member if they could help care for or evacuate your pet if you could not get home. Make sure they know where your pet's supplies, medications, leash, and carrier are kept.
Keep your information current. Check ID tags, microchip registration, veterinary contacts, medications, and emergency phone numbers at least once or twice a year.
To make planning easier, we have created a Pet Emergency Preparedness Worksheet you can download, fill out, and keep with your emergency supplies. Taking a few minutes now to organize the basics can save valuable time when you really need it.
Helpful Emergency Preparedness Resources
Virginia Department of Health - Plan Ahead for Your Pet
VDH Pet Emergency Preparedness
Ready.gov - Prepare Your Pets for Disasters
Ready.gov Pet Preparedness
American Kennel Club - Emergency Preparedness for Dog Owners
AKC Emergency Preparedness Guide
