With all the recent natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires) and so many displaced pets, it is imperative to put an emergency preparedness plan into place.
Put your kit(s) together with extra food, medicine, water, vet records and crates for all your pets. Have a weather radio so you can hear what is happening and have a way to communicate if cell phone service is disrupted.
It is important to make sure your pets are comfortable traveling and being crated. If you stay with family or friends or find a place to board them, your dogs may need to be crated. It is better to acclimate them to that process now, rather than when they are stressed in a new environment.
Then make an evacuation plan. Where will you go that will take you and your pets and make sure you have a safe way to transport them.
Have your pets microchipped and have identification on their collar. If you don’t like collar tags, check out embroidered collars or identification holders.
We are sharing a number of resources below that may be helpful.
Link to pet preparedness brochure
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/ready.gov_prepare-pets-for-disasters.pdf
Emergency supply list brochure
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/ready_checklist.pdf
In addition to gathering supplies, food and water, the more you practice traveling, recall, and crate training, the easier it will be if you need to travel during an emergency.
Practice recall training with your dogs in a variety of locations with long leads to ensure success.
Practice crate training with your dogs (even if you don’t need the crate anymore, don’t donate it or get rid of it). Put it in the garage or attic. You never know when you may need it. It is good to crate your dog for a day or two every once in a while just to get them used to being calm in the crate.
Keep copies of all your vet records for all pets and keep copies of the emergency preparedness plans in your kits, in your cars and in the house.
Use safety straps with your training collars to prevent escape or collars breaking and dogs running free.
Please share pictures of your emergency evacuation kits.