It CAN Happen to you!
Everyone should have a disaster plan for their families but most forget to include a plan for their fur babies in that plan. You pets are family! In every disaster there are heartbreaking stories of lost pets. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina over 6000 pets were rescued; just imagine how many were not and how many of that 6000 never made it home! Much of this sort of heartbreak can be prevented with some common sense preparation. To that end; please consider reading through and acting on some or all of the following suggestions for all your pets (of course we are biased – pay special attention to your Golden Retriever Babies).
Objectively Evaluate Your Risk(s)
Don’t assume that because you live in an area unaffected by Hurricanes that you are not at risk. There are many types of disaster risks that could force you to act quickly to save your entire family (including your pet family). Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, flood, landslides, wildfire, home fire, environmental (chemical plan leak for example) are but a few reasons you may need to move quickly and evacuate your home. If you travel with your pets you are at risk to potentially ANY of these so remember that your plan should include what to do if a disaster strikes when you are on the road somewhere.
Prepare A Pet First Aid Kit
This is likely the most important thing you should have ready. It should not be something you use every day so that it is always ready and not missing key supplies. It should include medical supplies, extra food and water and anything else you may need to care for any of your injured pets as well as any medications required for ongoing care. AKC provides a First Aid Kit Guide for dogs. Their list is probably more exhaustive than most will put together but it gives some very good examples that we had not though of.
Make an Evacuation Checklist
This bit is much more important than you may think. when you are evacuation there are many, many things to consider and worry about. A checklist can assure that you move quickly, efficiently and don’t forget critical steps or supplies. Also make absolutely sure other people that watch your pets (family, pet sitters, etc) can locate and understand the checklist and all it recommends.
Know Where You and Your Pets Will Go
Remember that many shelters and hotels do not accept pets. It’s up to you to determine several potential safe places for your pets to go during a disaster. Remember too that they may need to stay there longer than a day or two. Friends or relatives are often good places to keep them with but after a few days that may become hard on them. Be absolutely sure that residence of at least a few weeks can be provided in an emergency. These destinations should be in areas unlikely to also be affected by the disasters you have identified .
We at Texas TLC Goldens made the personal decision to not crate train our dogs since in our day-to-day lives we don’t feel the need but in this case it may make sense. A crate trained dog will be much easier for others to handle and some shelters that allow pets will require it. During a disaster would be the worst time to try and do crate training so if this is something that you feel you need, START NOW.
Keep Vaccines Up-To-Date
Almost all shelters and hotels that will accept pets will require proof of current vaccinations and during a disaster it is unlikely you will be able to run to the vet to get last minute shots. Get all the recomended vaccinations every time and don’t forget that Bordatella should also be kept up to date even if you don’t routinely board your fur baby. It is critical that you keep a printed record of current vaccinations with your disaster kit. Many locations will require proof before they allow your fur baby to come in.
Make Sure You can Find Your Lost Fur Baby
So if you somehow lose your pet despite your best efforts you should make sure that whomever finds it can identify it and contact you. Plan for this; it happens.
It is absolutely critical that you not only have a microchip in your pet but that all it’s registered information if fully current.
Make sure your fur baby has a good collar with tags that have your name, phone number and maybe even your vet’s contact information as well. If you baby has a medical condition and/or required meds, that should be listed as well.
Take good pictures of your fur baby now. it will be too late once the disaster happens. Be sure to get identifying marking in the pictures and preferable include yourself in some of the pictures. These can be very helpful in posters and in some cases you can email digital copies of the pictures to rescue shelters that may have your baby.
Be Prepared When You Travel With Your Fur Babies
Be aware of potential disasters on any trips you take with your Fur Babies. If for example you travel to Florida, you should prepare for Hurricane disasters just as though you actually live there. Be aware of potential disasters at your planned desinations as well as any point in your journey there and be ready to respond.
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