Prepare your pets now for an emergency, They will thank you
September is National Preparedness Month. Take time this month to prepare yourself and your animals for a possible disaster or emergency.
Do these things now:
- Learn about potential risks in your area (wildfires, floods, etc.) and sign up for emergency alerts at www.publicalerts.org.
- Prepare to take your pets with you if you need to evacuate. Identify locations that may be able to house both you AND your animals, like pet-friendly hotels or the home of a friend or family member. Not all emergency shelters accept animals.
- Train dogs and cats to come when called and get them used to being in a crate. During an evacuation, pets may need to stay in crates and carriers longer than usual.
- Get to know your neighbors now. Work with your neighbors to make a plan for your animals (and theirs!) if an evacuation is ordered and either of you isn’t home and can’t return to get your pets.
- Create and maintain emergency supply kits for your pets. Find a list of items to include at www.ready.gov/pets.
- Keep your pets’ vaccines up to date. In an emergency, your pets may need to go to a home with other animals or stay at a temporary shelter. Plan now to help protect them from disease.
- Check that your pets’ tags and microchips have correct information, and that your dogs are licensed. If your pets are not yet microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about this permanent form of identification.
- Finally, take photos. Photograph unique markings, or anything that makes your pet different from similar-looking animals. Get a photo of you with them, too. These photos will be helpful if you are ever separated.
Emergencies are stressful. Do what you can to reduce the stress by preparing now.
Find more information on this topic and more at www.WashingtonCountyPets.com.
