September is National Disaster Preparedness Month

Disaster preparedness is just as important for pet safety as it is for yours. When disasters and emergencies hit home, your fur family is vulnerable to their impacts, and they rely on their humans to protect them. The best way to do that is to know what steps you need to take in any disaster and to put together a pet evacuation plan before you are confronted with an emergency.

Prepare a Disaster Plan

Writing up a plan ensures everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Plans should include measures for the various natural disasters prevalent in your area and for house fires. They should also specify steps for pet safety. In the event you need to evacuate your home, know your options for where you can go with your pet. Practice the procedures with your family.

Prepare Your Pet

The 2016 PET Act requires that pet evacuation and transportation needs are met during major natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. However, you need to ensure your pet is welcome at emergency shelters by having all vaccines up-to-date and paperwork in hand. For pets under the care of Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we are happy to provide you with vaccination records.

Having a way to identify your pets is critical. Even with the best planning, disasters and emergencies sometimes result in pets getting lost or separated from their humans. Placing identifying tags on collars is great, but it is too easy for collars to break away. Each of your pets needs a microchip so they can be identified should they lose their collars.

Prepare an Emergency Evacuation Pet Kit

If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, you live with the understanding that you could be required to evacuate your home quickly. Before there is an imminent threat, put together an emergency kit for your pet. These supplies should be kept in an airtight and waterproof container. Place it where it is easy to access should the need arise. Include these items in the kit:

•       Food and medication: Be sure to have a week’s supply of food and water for each fur family member and a two-week supply of medication. Make sure you rotate these out before they expire. Do not forget to include food and water dishes.

•       Cleaning and sanitation items: Include liquid dish soap and disinfecting cleaner in your kit. If you have a cat, litter, a box, and a scoop are essential. Include newspapers, paper towels and garbage bags to clean up those inevitable messes.

•       Travel items: Place a collar, leash, and harness for each pet in your supply kit, along with pet carriers and a crate. Label all of the items with your pet’s and your family’s information.

•       First-aid supplies: Important supplies to include are antibiotic ointments, isopropyl alcohol and prep pads, bandages and first aid tape, gauze, saline solution, tweezers and a towel and washcloth. You should also have flea and tick repellent.

•       Documentation: Keep a copy of vaccination records and a list of medications that includes instructions. An emergency contact list is vital. On that list, make sure your vet information is provided. It is also a good idea to have proof of ownership, as well as a photo of your pets with at least one member of the family.

Pet Hospitals of Hawaii Is Here for You

Pet Hospitals of Hawaii is here to help you prepare your fur family for disasters and emergencies. Schedule an appointment today to vaccinate your pets or to gather necessary supplies for your evacuation kit.