With summer approaching, you and your four-legged friend will probably be spending more time outside, enjoying the sunny days. As glorious as summertime can be, it also comes with increased risks for severe weather, like tornadoes, flooding, and wildfires, just to name a few. National Pet Preparedness Month highlights the importance of being prepared for emergencies in the summer season and also throughout the year. And knowing what to do in cases of an emergency or natural disaster can help ensure you and your furry companion will have many more years together. Read on as a vet talks about National Pet Preparedness Month and how to create an emergency plan for you and your pets.

Being Prepared

Nowadays, few areas around the country are safe from severe storms, not to mention the flooding and earthquakes experienced along the coastal regions. Also, unexpected home emergencies, such as a gas line explosion, sinkholes, and chemical spills, can transform everyday life into a harrowing experience. And if you’re forced to evacuate quickly, being able to reach your pets is important. While it’s no doubt important to be prepared for emergencies year-round, National Pet Preparedness Month serves as a helpful reminder for you and your family to have an emergency plan in place for yourselves and also your pets.

Putting Together an Emergency Plan

A pet-friendly emergency plan should be thorough and also flexible enough to accommodate a range of different situations. While no amount of planning can make you 100 percent ready for a disaster, having a good plan in place will certainly work in you and your pet’s favor. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you put together your pet-friendly emergency plan:

• Identification – Make sure your pet’s tags and identification are updated at all times. This includes his name, rabies tag, and your mobile phone number.
• List the possible scenarios – Take note of the types of natural and man-made disasters that can occur in your region so you can plan for each one.
• Have response plans – These will list the steps you need to take when responding to each type of emergency.
• Stock up on emergency supplies – This includes a five-day supply of pet food and water, bowls, trash bags, leashes, as well as a pet first aid kit.
• Have pet carriers for each pet
• Research animal-friendly evacuation shelters, and lodging options for your pets

If you have more questions about National Pet Preparedness Month or need help putting together a pet-friendly emergency plan, please don’t hesitate to call us today.