Are you and your dog prepared for a natural disaster or other emergency? Whether it be tornadoes, hurricanes or flooding, you should have a disaster plan and emergency evacuation bag ready to go for each of your pets. Here is what you can do to keep your dog safe in any type of disaster.
Get an Animal Alert Sticker
Be ready for any emergency with a free Animal Animal alert sticker from the ASPCA. The sticker lets firefighters and other emergency personnel know what kind and how many animals live in your home and need rescue. Once you have a sticker, if you leave your home during a disaster, write “Evacuated” across it so rescue teams know the home is empty.
Make a Checklist
Your checklist should include:
- Ways to identify and find your dog, in case you get separated.
- Places your dog can stay, in case you can’t take your dog with you.
- Your dog’s packing list.
Identification for You and Your Dog
If you and your pup are separated in an emergency, here’s what you can do to keep them safe and aid a speedy reunion:
- Keep current ID tags and license on your dog at all times.
- Ensure their microchip info is up to date (ask your vet to scan your dog for you).
- Keep a current photo of your dog to pass around if you get separated.
- Keep a photo of you with your dog in case you need to be identified as the owner.
- Make a copy of important documents and medical records for your dog and seal them in a waterproof pouch or ziploc bag. Keep a copy with you and add a copy to your dog’s go bag in case you need to shelter separately.
Places Your Dog Can Go
If you can’t take your dog with you, make a list of places in your area where your dog will be safe and welcome. Whether it be friends, family, your dog sitter or dog friendly hotels, keep in mind may not be the same places that’ll shelter you and your family. For example, Red Cross only accepts service animals at its emergency shelters.
Once it’s time to go, these tips will help ensure you all get out safely:
- If you must evacuate, get out early. If you wait to be rescued, you most likely won’t be able to bring your animals, and the emergency situation may make your dog extremely upset and difficult to catch or crate.
- If you’re sheltering at home, choose a protected, safe room and keep your emergency gear there.
Your Dog’s Packing List
You should be able to pack almost all of what your dog needs ahead of time. That way you’ll be able to leave quickly and have everything you need. Your dog’s bag should be easy for you or your dog to carry.
- Spare collar/harness and leash
- A copy of health records and vaccinations with your vet’s contact info
- Folding crate or carrier for smaller dogs
- Packable bed or blanket (think camping-style, like this)
- Enough food and water for a week
- Collapsible bowls
- Spare medication and flea treatment of choice (you may shelter with other dogs)
- Calming items that you know your dog responds to
- A pet first aid kit (available commercially or put together your own)
- Rope or paracord, carabiners, or screw tether for an emergency zipline for your dog to exercise without a fenced in area or use as an emergency leash or collar for other dogs you may encounter
The ASPCA website has more helpful tips on what to do to prepare for an emergency and make sure your dog comes through safe and sound.