Pet Preparedness Month: How to Create an Emergency Plan

June is National Pet Preparedness Month. But what does this mean? Well, many natural disasters such as floods and wildfires typically take place in the summer. And when people are not that prepared for these natural disasters, their pets can often get left behind in the chaos and suffer as a result. Of course, no loving pet parent wants this to happen to their fur babies. So, it's crucial to have an emergency plan in place that includes the furry members of the family.

Have Your Pet Properly Identified

One of the best ways to ensure you are reunited with your lost pet is to have them properly identified with a microchip. Many shelters and vets scan animals while they're in their care in the aftermath of a natural disaster, so it's a good idea to have your pet checked for a microchip at least once a year.

Don't forget to have your pet wear a collar and ID tags as well. This is a good thing to do even if your furry family member isn't horribly afraid of getting lost.

Prepare a Bag of Emergency Supplies

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, pet parents' first priority is making sure they and their families are safe and well. This often means people leave their pets behind and carry on with the evacuation process. But, in your bag of emergency supplies, you should have at least a few days' worths of food and water for your pets.

What if you're forced to evacuate as a result of a natural or man-made disaster? Consider purchasing a pet-friendly carrier in which to transport your pet.

Know Where to Go During an Emergency

Even though you hope it never happens, you should know how to find a safe place to take your pets during an evacuation. Do you know what to do if you're forced to leave your pets behind? If you can't take them with you, will you leave them in a safe place nearby?

Does your pet have a microchip registered? Will you be able to get your animals to you if you are forced to evacuate? Sometimes, pet parents are forced to leave their pets behind because they can't get them to their next place of refuge. This can be a heartbreaking decision to make, but it doesn't mean you have to give up on your pet!

Consult with Your Vet

One of the best ways to ensure your pets are prepared for an emergency is to talk to your veterinarian about it. They can give you advice on what supplies to stock up on and suggest ways to ensure your pets are prepared in case of an emergency.

Your veterinarian may even develop a plan that works best for you, your pet, and your family. Don't forget to ask about your pet's annual wellness visits. These visits offer an opportunity for the veterinarian to assess your pet's overall health and alert you to any issues that might need attention.

In Summary

If you love your pets, you should probably start planning for an emergency now. June may be a month dedicated to emergency preparedness, but it's good to be prepared all the time. Gather a few emergency supplies, give your veterinarian a call, and talk to your family about what you should do and how you should respond to a natural or man-made disaster. You and your pets will be far better off if you are prepared.

Stock up your emergency pet kit with some local pet supplies from EarthWise Pet Fremont. Our goal is to provide high-quality local pet supplies in Fremont that are focused on your pet's health and are environmentally conscious. Our store is designed with pets and their people in mind, and we provide dog grooming services, along with a fully-stocked self-wash station! Shop now!