Your pet is a part of your family, and in an emergency, they depend on you for their safety and wellbeing. To raise awareness about disaster preparedness for pets, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared May 8 National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Your pet’s safety is our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team’s top priority, and we’re sharing five tips to help you learn how to protect your furry pal if a disaster occurs.

#1: Have your pet microchipped

Before disaster strikes, ensure your pet is microchipped, which increases the likelihood that you and your pet can be reunited if you become separated. Microchipping is a simple and quick process, equivalent to a vaccination. Your veterinarian implants the tiny chip in the loose skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. Although your pet may wear a collar with current identification tags, they could fall off, or be removed. A microchip ensures your pet carries your contact information at all times. Some microchip registration companies also allow you to store your pet’s medical information in their database. When your pet’s microchip is registered with a database or recovery service, your pet’s unique identification number is linked to your contact information, ensuring you can be contacted when your pet is found.

#2: Create an emergency kit for your pet

Prepare a ready-to-go emergency kit that includes supplies your pet will need, whether you shelter in place or must evacuate. Stock your pet’s emergency kit with these essential  items:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Bowls
  • Leash and collar 
  • Collapsible crate or carrier, labeled with your contact information
  • Elimination supplies, including waste bags, litter, litter scoop, disposable boxes, and cleaning materials in case of accidents
  • Medications and their instructions
  • Important medical records, such as vaccination paperwork
  • A pet first-aid kit
  • Current photo of you with your pet
  • A favorite blanket or toy

#3:  Make a pet-friendly evacuation plan 

Some emergencies require evacuation, and if it’s not safe for you to stay behind, it’s not safe to leave your pet behind. In anticipation of an evacuation, make a list of pet-friendly shelter options—including their contact information—and store the list in your pet emergency kit. Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and place copies of those records in their emergency kit, because many shelters and boarding facilities require them. Some shelter possibilities include:

  • Boarding facilities — This is a convenient option, but the facilities may be overcrowded or closed during an emergency.
  • Personal contacts — Out-of-town family and friends may be able to house your pet or provide permanent care. Discuss this possibility with them before an emergency situation arises.
  • Pet-friendly hotels — Find options nearby or along your evacuation route.
  • Local humane societies — These organizations may have a disaster plan in place and a task force for sheltering pets during emergencies.

#4: Practice evacuation procedures with your pet

Although the adage may sound cliche, practice does make perfect in preparation for an emergency evacuation. Once your emergency plan is in place, practice with your family and pets often. Prepare your pet by ensuring they are comfortable spending time in their carrier. Make their carrier a positive place by keeping it accessible, and include a cozy bed and some treats. Take short car rides while your pet is secured inside their carrier, so they become accustomed to being inside and traveling calmly.

#5: Keep your pet calm during a disaster

Whether you stay in your home or evacuate to another location during a disaster, your pet is going to be stressed, and part of emergency preparation includes planning how you will distract and comfort your pet. When disaster strikes, keep your pet safe indoors and follow these tips to distract your furry pal from the sights and sounds occurring outside:

  • Toys — Engaging toys and puzzles that require your pet to solve problems will help focus their attention away from a stressful situation. 
  • Calming tools —  Calming vests, pheromones, or veterinary-prescribed medication can be helpful tools for your pet during an emergency. In addition, keep in mind that your pet looks to you for guidance, so try to stay calm during a disaster by using your own self-soothing strategies

While we hope you and your pet never experience a disaster, preparedness will provide you with peace of mind and help keep your pet safe. If you have questions about how to include your pet in your disaster preparedness plan, need to update your pet’s vaccinations, or would like to have your pet microchipped, contact our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team.