Would your pets be safe if there was an emergency or unforeseen circumstance? Have you prepared for the following situations?
In case of a fire…would firefighters know you have pets inside your home?
Would someone know you have pets at home if you were injured and unable to speak?
Who would tend to your dog if you could not?
Do you have an emergency pet kit prepared in case of an emergency evacuation?
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, who would care for your pets? What if you could no longer care for them? Have you made arrangements with a future caregiver? Please do not assume one of your relatives will take your pets without discussing this with them. This is a common reason why pets are brought to shelters.
Firefighter Alert Stickers
Help ensure your pets would be saved in a fire! Put window decals on all sides of your house letting firefighters know that you have pets inside. You can find them here.
“Save my Pet” Wallet Card
Keep a “Save My Pet” card in your wallet in case you are injured and unable to communicate with emergency professionals…alerting them that you have pets home alone waiting for you. You could make your own or purchase them here.
To make your own: On the back of the card list the names of your friends, family members, or pet sitters who have agreed to tend to your pets in an emergency along with their phone numbers. The front of the card should look something like this: IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE HELP MY PETS I have pets at my home waiting for me. If for any reason I am unable to return home to care for my pets, please notify the people on the back of this card.
Plan for Your Dog’s Care
“Preplanning future care for your dog: New book, What About the Dog? helps dog owners outline details of their dog’s care in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Part journal and part helpful tip compilation, What About the Dog? Everything You Need to Know About My Dog’s Care (In Case I’m Not Around to Ask!) intends to help keep more dogs out of animal shelters by prompting a necessary dialogue between dog owners and their dog’s potential future caregiver.” “What About the Dog?” is a book written by a local pet sitter and dog walker, Christine Ciana Calabrese. You can get the book here.
EMERGENCY PET KIT
It’s a good idea to have an emergency pet kit prepared and easily accessible in case of emergency evacuations, etc.
- 2 Week’s supply of water, food and medications with a spoon and manual can opener if you use canned food
- Non-spill food and water dishes
- A crate or carrier for each pet, labeled with your contact information
- Copy of veterinary and vaccination records along with proof of ownership
- First aid book and first aid supplies. You can purchase a first aid kit here.
- Current photo of pet (close up) with markings and breed
- Information for microchip and contact number
- Put all documents, photos, etc. in Ziploc bag to protect from weather damage
- Written Instructions for each pet (list separately) and include:
- Diet – including what not to feed in case of allergies.
- Medications including dose and frequency for each medication. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills
- Poop bags and leash, collar, harness and id tag for each pet
- Muzzles for each pet (may be required during travel or if your dog is injured)
- Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes (in case of road closures)
- Familiar items to make pets feel comfortable (favorite toys, treats, blankets)
We hope you never have to use any of your emergency plans but it’s best to be prepared just in case… and think ahead for the unexpected so that we can keep our furry loved ones safe. Please let us know if you would like help with acclimating your dog to a crate or muzzle in case they are needed in an emergency.