It’s Pet Preparedness Month: Put Your Pet’s Safety First!

Hey, pet parents! As we’re in the middle of Pet Preparedness Month, it’s important to take a moment to remember how we can keep our furry friends safe during emergencies. We all hope that we never have to face a pet emergency, but it’s better to be prepared just in case.

Know the Number to Your Local Vet

One of the most important things you can do as a pet parent is to know the number of your local emergency vet. Emergencies can happen at any time, and having the number of your local emergency vet on hand can save precious time in getting your pet the care they need. Make sure to keep the number saved in your phone or posted in a visible spot in your home. Make sure all of your contact information (your address, phone number, and email) are updated in case you need to reach out for help during an emergency situation.

Have First Aid Kit and Medical Records on Hand

Another crucial step in pet preparedness is having a pet first aid kit at the ready. You can purchase pre-made kits or create one yourself! Some key items to include in your kit are gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and a thermometer. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your pet’s medical records and any medications they may need.

You can even create an emergency kit specifically for your pet. Quite like a bug-out bag for us, keep some basics such as food, water and medications in a clearly labeled bag ready to go at any time. Make sure to include enough food and water supplies for at least 3 days, as well as the aforementioned medical records and medications.

Make a Plan for Emergencies

In addition to having a first aid kit, it’s important to have a plan in place for emergencies. Make sure that all family members know what to do in case of an emergency and have a designated meeting spot. If you have to evacuate your home, be sure to bring your pet with you and have a plan for where you will stay.

When creating a plan for emergencies with pets, decide who will be in charge of each pet. Make sure everyone in the family is aware of the plan and assign each person a task if needed. Have an emergency contact list of people who can help out in the event of an emergency, such as your family members, trusted friends or pet sitters.

Check your local weather forecasts regularly and be aware of any potential weather emergencies that may occur. Having the proper supplies and an idea of what to do ahead of time can help you and your pet stay safe in an emergency.

Try to have safety drills. Have a practice run of an emergency situation. It’s important to understand how your pet might react to certain situations (including your family’s response) and have a plan in place to keep them safe.

Invest in Pet Carriers or Crates

If you have to evacuate your home due to an emergency, of course it’s important to make sure you bring your pet with you! Having a pet carrier or crate can make it easier to transport them. This can be used for transporting your pet in case of an emergency or for keeping them safe during everyday activities like car rides.

Make sure to have a comfortable and spacious crate that is large enough for your pet to stand in comfortably. When transporting your pet in the car, it’s a good idea to use a seat belt or harness to keep them safe and prevent them from falling around during the ride. If you have multiple pets, consider using crates that can attach to one another.

Keep Your Pet’s Vaccines Up to Date

It’s important to keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date in case of an emergency. This is especially important if you have to evacuate and travel with your pet, since some shelters or rescues may require certain vaccines before admitting pets. Keeping your pet up-to-date on their vaccines also helps protect them from common illnesses or parasites that can be dangerous for their health.

Keep a Photo of Your Pet on Hand

In case your pet gets lost, have a photo on hand! I know that may sound easy due to our constantly taking photos of our pets on social media, but a separate, physical photo in a pinch can be a lifesaver. You can also consider microchipping your pet so that they can be quickly identified if they find themselves at a shelter or at the vet. This is especially important for outdoor pets that roam around the neighborhood or those prone to running away.

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We love our pets like family, so it’s up to us to keep them safe. It may seem a daunting task, but by taking most or all of these steps, we can be prepared for any pet emergency that may come our way. Let’s end Pet Preparedness Month on a safe note and keep our furry friends happy and healthy!