Tonya Tenters, RVT
Veterinary Information Specialist
Natural disasters can occur anytime and anywhere. Whether it is a hurricane, wildfire, ice storm, or tornado, it is important to be prepared for your family and your pets. Having a plan in place can greatly reduce the stress that comes with these events. Here are some simple preparatory plans to have in place all the time for your family pets.
Identification is key when a natural disaster strikes. Taking steps to make sure that your pet can be identified, if separated, will help reunite you if the worst were to happen. Identification can be microchipping, stamped collars, identification tags, or even tattoos. If you are unsure if your animal is microchipped, check with your local veterinarian.
Transportation is another key component for disaster preparedness. Make sure all collars, leashes, crates, and carriers are in good working condition and contain identification for each pet and your information. Having a list of pet friendly hotels in the area, that is updated and current, is one less concern for you too.
Have clear and current medical and vaccination records for each pet. Keep these in one location that is easy to find or even in an envelope with other pertinent information needed in event of an emergency. A good tip is to always get a current medical record at a pet’s wellness visit and replace the old record with the new each time. If your pet has registration, adoption papers, or other proof of ownership, keep this with the medical records as well. This way is separation occurs, you can verify ownership. With the medical records, keep an emergency contact list. This list should have your veterinarian’s information, an alternative veterinarian, the closest emergency veterinarian, and all numbers that your family can be reached at in case of an emergency.
These are just a few simple steps that can be taken, so that when disaster strikes, you are prepared and have a plan for your pets in case the worst should occur. In today’s world, the family cat and dog is just as much a part of the household as the children. Although we all hope that we will never be faced with a natural disaster, being ready can increase the chances that the ones that are most important to us stay safe.
