Pets are part of the family, so when you’re making an emergency plan for your loved ones in case something out of the ordinary happens, your furry friends should be included.
Prepare your pets for emergencies by microchipping them, building them a ‘go bag,’ readying them for transport, securing their safe spot and staying informed. Let’s dive deeper into these wildfire preparation tips to keep your pets safe:
ID your pet
Consider getting your pet microchipped so that they’re easily identifiable and can be returned to you in case they get lost. Microchips contain the contact information of a pet’s owner; be sure to include your updated contact details.
Prepare a pet ‘go bag’
Build a ‘go bag’ that contains essential items for your pet’s comfort and needs. You can prepare two kits–a large one with all their go-to items and an easy-to-grab one for if you need to leave for another place. Some important items to include are:
- Food (with feeding instructions)
- Water
- Medicine and copies of medical records
- First aid kit
- Collar with an ID tag
- Harness or leash
- Travel bag, carrier, or crate
- Grooming and sanitation items
- Your pet’s favourite toys, treats or bedding
You can also include a recent photo of you and your pet so that they can more easily be associated with you. Remember to review your pet’s ‘go bag’ regularly to check that everything’s fresh and ready to use.
Get ready for transport
Think about how you’ll transport your pets in an emergency that involves leaving the house. Prepare their carrier, adding identification information outside it.
Make sure that they’re comfortable being in the carrier itself. You can train them early on to consider it a safe space by leaving the carrier out in places they frequently visit, feeding them treats near the carrier or adding a small bed inside of it.
Know your pet’s go-to hiding spots and where you keep the carrier so that you can easily find them when you’re in a rush to go. You’ll also want to figure out how to properly fit the carrier in your vehicle quickly.
Find a pet-friendly safe spot
Scout for pet-friendly locations where you can take your pet to ride out an emergency. Check for nearby hotels and motels that allow pets or ask if they allow pet restrictions to be waived during emergencies. Make sure that your animal has up-to-date vaccination shots, as most establishments require this for boarding.
Alternatively, you may want to ask people you trust, such as family, friends or your local vet, to take your pets in the case of an emergency. Keep a list of their names and contact details on hand.
Stay informed
Of course, you should always pay attention to news and alerts from your public safety officials to know the status of any emergencies that may call for evacuation. It’s a good idea to keep emergency push notifications on your phone turned on at all times.
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