Are Your Pets Included in Your Emergency Plans?

Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes and can trigger your fight, flight, or freeze instincts. To help reduce panic and confusion, you should establish an emergency plan that provides clear guidance on what to do.

When making your emergency plans, be sure to include your furry family members. It is crucial to have a pet emergency plan because pets are completely dependent on you for their safety.

Why is it Important to Have a Pet Emergency Plan?

Establishing a pet emergency plan will help prevent difficult choices you may have to make when rushing to evacuate or attempting to go back for a pet you left behind. By creating a plan, you are ensuring your pet’s safety and survival and removing  guesswork during an emergency situation.

What to Include in your Pet Emergency Plan

 Create a Pet Emergency Kit

• Food and Water: Pack a three- to seven-day supply of food and water for your pet. Make sure to include a food and water bowl.
• Medications and Records: Ensure you have at least a two-week supply of all necessary medications, copies of vaccination and veterinary records, and your veterinarian's contact information.
• First Aid Kit: Create a first aid kit tailored to your pet's needs, including gauze, self-adhering bandage, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, styptic powder, a thermometer, a cold pack, blunt-tipped scissors, and disposable gloves.
• Identification: Create an identification portfolio for your pet, including a current photo of them, a sturdy leash and collar with ID tags, and a backup collar and tags.
• Comfort Items: To reduce your pet's stress, pack familiar toys, blankets, or bedding.
• Sanitation Products: Pack litter and a litter box for your pet to relieve themselves. Bring paper towels and plastic bags to clean up after your pet.

Develop an Evacuation Plan

If a situation is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. Leaving them behind can lead to serious injury, loss, or death. Pets left behind can also endanger the lives of first responders by exposing them to the possibility of animal attacks, delaying rescue efforts, and consuming additional search and rescue resources.

Designate a Safe Evacuation Location. When creating your evacuation plan, select a pet-friendly hotel, a relative's house, a friend's house, a boarding kennel, or a pet-friendly shelter in an area away from potential hazards.

Plan your Evacuation Route and have Suitable Transportation. Make sure you have a vehicle or trailer that can accommodate your pet, and plan both primary and backup routes to your evacuation location.

Establish a Designated Caregiver. In case you are not at home when an evacuation order is issued, ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or pet sitter to check on your pets and evacuate them if necessary.

Practice your Plan Periodically. Practicing your pet emergency plan will familiarize your pets with the procedures and help reduce their stress. Be sure to go on practice drives to acclimate your pet to traveling in the car.

Ensure Your Pet Has Proper Identification

• Microchips: If your pet is microchipped, make sure the chip is up to date with your contact information.
• ID Tags: Use a collar with an ID tag that has current contact information, including a backup phone number.
• GPS Tracker: Consider attaching a GPS tracker to your pet’s collar in case they get lost, and you’re unable to locate them during an emergency.

Practice Shelter-in-Place Procedures

• Identify a Secure Location. If evacuating is not possible, bring your pets inside, secure them in crates or carriers, and move to the safest place in your home.
• Prevent your Pet from Fleeing. Oftentimes, pets run away when they are frightened. Keeping your pet indoors and secured can prevent them from getting lost during a stressful and confusing situation.
• Obtain a Rescue Alert Sticker. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers free rescue alert stickers to notify emergency responders that pets are living in your home. The stickers display your phone number and type of pets, your veterinarian's name and number, and a space to write "Evacuated" if you've already left with your pets.

How to Help Your Pet Recover After an Emergency

 Your furry family member may be disoriented after an emergency. It is important to create a calm, secure environment and re-establish a routine with familiar items. Set up a comfortable resting area for your pet away from any loud noises and other disturbances.

It is essential to keep a close eye on your pet when they are outside, as some of the scent markers they use to find their way home may have been disrupted or washed away. Be aware of potential hazardous debris, such as broken glass, fallen branches, and sewer water that may contain harmful chemicals.

Monitor your pet closely for any changes in appetite, water intake, and increased lethargy. If you notice persistent changes in their behavior, it is best to consult your veterinarian. If you’re unable to reach your veterinarian, Red Rover helps animals in crisis through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education.

Keeping Safety Top of Mind

By taking the time to include your pets in your emergency plans, you’re not only protecting their lives, but you’re also reducing stress and uncertainty for your entire household.

Florida Peninsula Insurance Company will be there for you when you need us most. Reach out to your agent today to learn how you can protect what matters most to you. If you’re not already insured by us, you can quickly and easily get a quote online today.