Emergency Preparedness and your Pet

In our area of the world, this marks the beginning of a long season where we sit at the edge of our seats waiting for a storm to show in the ocean.  We check in daily with our local weather forecasters and our social media feeds are plastered with satellite images of projected storm paths. When a developed storm looks like it just might come our direction, the reality sets in.  Grocery stores frantically shock shelves of water and nonperishables while lines at gas pumps wrap around the block. Severe weather can happen at any time but being prepared in advance for the care of your whole family is critical. This time of year is a reminder to review your family’s emergency plan and to also make sure you are including your pets.  

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Your emergency preparation should begin with a discussion including your whole family in regards to what you will do in the face of an emergency.  Planning ahead for a potential mandatory evacuation will ensure you have a safe place to stay until it’s safe to return. Our community leaders have several evacuation shelters available to residents evacuating their coastal homes but not all will allow pets.  Check with your local emergency management officials for lists of available pet friendly shelters. Alternately, secure appropriate lodging in advance that can accommodate your entire family or plan for a friend/relative you can stay with. Consider making reservations at a kennel or boarding facility that is near your evacuation location in the event you cannot secure accommodations to stay alongside your pet. 

If evacuation is required, have your pet and your pet’s emergency kit ready to go.  Know your hurricane evacuation zone and route by checking scemd.org as well as with your local emergency officials.

GET READY!

In addition to planning for the specific needs of the human family members, our pets require a checklist of items for their emergency preparedness kit.  Assemble these items in advance of an emergency and store in an easy to transport, water-proof container. 

Food, Water, and Medications

• One week supply of dry and canned food

• One week supply of clean drinking water

• Two-week supply of required medications as well as heartworm/flea/tick prevention

• Food and water bowls

• Dish soap

  First Aid Kit

  Discuss which items would be most appropriate for your pet’s first aid kit with your veterinarian.  Most supplies will include:

• bandage material

• bandage tape

• scissors

• antibiotic ointment

• isopropyl alcohol

• saline solution

• towel/washcloth

• tweezers

• latex gloves

• Travel and Identification Items

  • Your pet should wear a collar or harness with their rabies and identification tags at all times.    

  • Ensure your pet’s microchip is registered with your appropriate contact information.  If your pet doesn’t have one, get one! Your family veterinarian can discuss how to get one for your pet.  This permanent implant and proper registry with the owner’s information can help your animal be identified and ultimate reunited with you.

  • Crate or other pet carrier labeled with your contact information.  If you have to evacuate to a shelter, your pet’s carrier should be large enough where they can move around in it as they may be confined for several days.

  • Current photos of you with your pet in case they get lost or separated from you.  You may have to use these photos to further identify that you pet belongs to you.

  • Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable. These can help your pet feel more comfortable if they have to stay in an environment foreign to them.

• Sanitation

  • Litter, litter pan and scoop

  • Pet waste bags

  • Dish soap

  • Paper towels

  • Trash bags

• Documents

  • Veterinary medical records and medication instructions

  • Emergency contact list including your family veterinarian and your local emergency veterinary hospital.  Also contact number for veterinary hospitals in the area you may evacuate to

  • Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions and any behavior problems in case you have to foster or board your pets

• Comfort Items

  • Bedding/blankets

  • Toys

Written by Kristin Levine, Hospital Manager at East Cooper Animal Hospital