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Be Prepared for an Emergency
While we may not see Hurricanes here in Minnesota, other disasters both Natural and manmade can affect our area. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe
1. Keep an extra week’s supply of food and bottled water on hand for each pet in your household. Favorite treats can be used to comfort them during the stressful time following a disaster. It is very important not to let pets drink floodwater or any other water that may have been contaminated.
2. If your pet takes medications, keep a backup supply on hand. Veterinary offices may be closed for a while following a disaster. If medications need to be refrigerated, have an ice chest on hand to use in case of a power outage. Red Cross shelters also may have bags of ice on hand.
3. Always make sure your pet has some form of identification. Collars with tags are good, but a permanent form of identification such as a tattoo or microchip is best.
4. Set up a plan with someone in your neighborhood, to check up on each others animals after a disaster.
5. Make sure you have a means of containing your animals if you must be relocated. Having a crate for each of your pets is ideal. Have a leash or harness for your dogs. In an emergency a pillowcase can be used to transport your cats.
6. You should make sure you have recent photos of all of your pets and that you have them handy to take with you. Should you become separated they can help you reunite with your pets.
7. Have a list of possible locations where you can take your pets, should you have to leave your home suddenly. They should include boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, grooming facilities, pet –friendly hotels motels, and the homes of family and friends.
8. Know where you local shelter of animal rescue organizations are located, in case you need to locate a missing pet after a disaster.
9. In Order to be fully prepared for a disaster, you may want to stock an emergency kit with food, medicine, water, extra leashes, carriers, toys and a recent copy of your pet’s vaccine records. Have an out of state friend or relative keep copies of important documents and photos in case yours get lost or destroyed.
10. Make sure to comfort your animals during and after a disaster. They will be frightened by the chaos and sudden change to routine. A Hug from you can be a big help. It will probably help you get through this tough time too!
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