Are you ready to protect your pets in case of an emergency? Don't wait until there's an emergency, prepare now. Your pet's life may depend on it.
Arrange for a place to take your pets, don't plan on leaving them behind. Even if you think you'll only be gone a short while, take them. You could be gone longer and may not be able to return for them. Your vet's office could advise on pet boarding facilities. Find out which hotels and motels outside your neighbourhood will accept your pets in an emergency, or try to arrange with a friend or relative to take your pet.
Keep a kit for your pet ready and handy which includes items for first aid and for daily care. The most important things to gather are: food (pop-top or include can opener), spoon, plastic lid, jugs of water; food/water dishes and litter pan that will fit in a crate (your pet may have to live in a crate for a while); litter and scooper; garbage bags, paper towels, bleach; harness and leash; blankets, photocopies of medical records, rabies certificate, dog licence; any prescriptions (rotate stored medications); and photos of your pets in case they get lost. Include important information about your pet in case you get separated from him and his kit. Also include a signed letter of release from responsibility if your pet is hurt during evacuation and a signed letter authorizing veterinary treatment. Rely more on dry food during the evacuation period to help avoid diarrhea, and store a minimum two-week supply of food and water, rotating it every couple of months. Each pet should have his own crate since even pets that get along can fight when stressed. If you have birds or reptiles, pack a plant mister to cool them in the heat, or a heat source such as a hot water bottle to warm them in chilly conditions.
Arrange for someone who lives near you to take your pets if you are unable to get home, and agree on where to meet. This person should be someone who is home most of the time and whom you can trust with the keys to your house. Keep them up to date on your pets and their needs. Tell them where to find your pet and his supplies so they don't have to waste time searching.
In case your pet will be left at home during the emergency, keep a sticker on your doors telling rescue personnel what pets you have, your vet's name and phone number, and where to find your pets' evacuation kit. If you do evacuate with your pets, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers if you have time. Leave muzzles, gloves or restraints where rescue workers will find them since a frightened animal can be unpredictable. Adequate food and water should be available to your pet to hold him if he's on his own for a while. If you live in an apartment, make sure your pet can evacuate via the stairwell. If you must leave your pet, his odds of survival are better if he's not caged or tied.
Make sure there is up-to-date identification on your pet at all times, either collar, legible tattoo or microchip. Contact information and any urgent medical needs should be noted. An alternate phone contact is wise in case you can't be reached. Make sure pet carriers or crates have identification on them too.
After the emergency, don't let your pets loose outside your house. Their territory may be changed by the emergency. Familiar scents could be gone and a pet could become spooked or disoriented and disappear. Ask your vet what the disaster plan is for the clinic since the usual hours or location may not be available right away after the emergency.
With any luck, you won't need to use any of this information. But if you do need it, you'll be glad you were ready.