During emergencies we want to be able to protect our pets from injury, death or being left to wander around aimlessly. Each pet owner should take some key steps in advance to protect your animals during a disaster. They need a GO BAG just like you!
The first step is to affix a simple sticker by your front and back doors. These stickers alert the fire department or other rescue workers of the presence of a pet. If you vacate your property with your pet, write evacuated on the sticker to save rescue workers time searching. These stickers are frequently available at your local pet food store.
Find shelters in advance if you cannot take them with you. You never want to risk your life, or that of a family member, when evacuating during an emergency. As sad as the situation would be, better to have your dog or cat killed in a wildfire than losing your child. In a large-scale disaster, you’ll need to keep your animals with you or find shelters which are pet friendly. We need to keep in mind some individuals have severe allergies. So there must be some separation which works for both the animal lovers and those who are allergic in your pet emergency plan
Ensure all dogs and cats have collars with current contact information on tags. Frequently, owners may change cell phone numbers and not update the phone number on the animal’s tag. Include the animal's name and any major medical issues which may require immediate attention. Another option is to microchip your cat or dog which will provide easier tracing should the separation occur.
Prepare a Go bag. Like individuals a go bag should be prepared for your pet and placed in a strategic location for an easy grab and go during a crisis. During some of the California wildfires some families literally had only moments to escape. Your pet’s emergency supplies should be kept in a small backpack or carry bag to keep everything together, not only when you depart the premises but while you may be in a hotel or an emergency shelter.
Prepare commonly used food in daily use containers. Pet food is the first logical item and always best to maintain the same food used on a daily basis. If canned food is utilized, purchase appropriately sized cans and if they’re not pop-ups make sure you toss in a can opener. If the dry food is used then keep in individually apportioned bags which can be sealed, and make sure you rotate the dried food at least every two months to keep everything fresh. You should always carry a 3-to-7-day supply of pet food along with any medications or supplements your pet needs.
Prepare containers to shelter off site. Include in your bag dishes for water and food, you don’t want to assume you will be able to locate the correct containers in the shelter, or hotel room.
Add disposable boxes. For cats bring enough kitty litter to last a week and bring aluminum cooking pans to use as disposable kitty litter boxes.
Prepare a box with cleaning supplies. For cleanup bring paper towels, liquid and hard soap as well as disinfectant. Also, bring a few disposable garbage bags which will be necessary for cleaning up your animal’s deposits.
Prepare a separate set of restraints. It’s always good to toss in an extra harness, collar and leash. Further, make sure that you keep records of your veterinarian visits, shots and other pertinent medical information.
Procure a carrying case with your supplies and multi-purposes to cage your pet as needed for transporting. A case should be available for each animal. Make sure you have lining material for the carrying case available to maintain a sanitary situation. While not mission-critical, it is always good to have toys available to help entertain your cat or dog.
King Solomon wrote, “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.” (Proverbs 11:10).
Living through an emergency evacuation or crisis is incredibly stressful. Diffuse stress by preparing in advance to evacuate with your pet. Prayerfully consider packing an extra bag for those unprepared so that you may share the Hope of Christ within you when they ask: “Where is God in this?” Be ready for your family, your pet AND those God places in your path!
Learn more how to become a ReadyChristian helping others in the midst of crises large and small.
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