When disaster strikes, you often only have moments to act. While many households have taken steps to prepare themselves and their families in the event of an emergency like a wildfire, storm, or flood, far fewer have included their pets as part of their plans.
According to a national survey of pet owners by American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 83% of current pet owners report living in an area threatened by natural disasters. Only 46% have made emergency plans for their pets.
The results can be heartbreaking, putting both human and animal lives in danger. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, 44% of the people who refused to evacuate did so because they refused to leave their pets behind.
For those who did manage to leave with their pets, many were turned away from shelters and hotels who have a no pet policy, even during emergencies. Tragically, it is estimated that 600,000 pets were killed or left stranded after Katrina, and of those rescued, only 20% were reunited with their owners.
As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, we need to be ready to protect every member of our households — including our pets. We’ve reviewed information from disaster preparedness guidelines, animal protection organizations, and veterinary associations to bring you the steps you can take to keep your cherished four-legged family safe.
1. Prepare a Pet Emergency Plan
If staying home is not safe for you, it’s not safe for your pets either. In the case of an evacuation, pets should be included in the plan.
Many emergency shelters do not allow pets (unless they are service animals) to enter. This is also true of hotels and motels. When considering where you will go to find safety during an evacuation, this is an important factor to keep in mind. In some cases, you may need to drive farther than expected to find a pet-friendly place, so plan for extra travel time and fuel as well.
Before an emergency strikes, make a list of the hotels near you that will accept pets. If you know an extreme weather event is coming, it’s a good idea to call ahead to make a reservation, and confirm that they will accept your pets at that time.
You can also make a list, including addresses and phone numbers, of other places that may be able to temporarily look after your pets in case of emergency. These can include: relatives and friends, animal shelters, boarding facilities, and veterinarians.
2. Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit for your household will also have most of the items you will want to have on hand for your pets (learn more about how to save 20% on emergency kits.) However, there are additions you will need to make for your pets’ needs. These include:
- Food and water: At least three days’ worth of your pet’s food and water. Store the food in a waterproof container to keep it fresh and protect it from damage.
- Medications and copies of medical information: If your pet takes medications, include at least a week’s supply. Medical records (including vaccination records) and the name and number of your veterinarian can be stored with your family’s important documents in a waterproof container.
- Sturdy harness, lead, and/or carrier: If you need to leave home, these items will help you transport your pet safely and keep them from running away in moments of confusion.
- Comfort items: Toys, a favourite blanket/bed, or anything familiar that can help keep them calm.
- Waste bags and litter: Prepare for handling waste safely, whether for dogs or cats.
3. Make a Pet ID Plan
Pets can easily become separated from their families during an emergency. Here are ways to help you get back together quickly if that happens:
- Identification tags: Make sure your pet is wearing a securely-fastened ID tag with your up-to-date contact information.
- Microchip information: If your pet is microchipped, this is a helpful way to identify pets if they get lost and end up at a shelter.
- A photo of you and your pet: If you get separated from your pet, this will help efforts to find them, and avoid cases of mistaken identity.
4. Include your pet in your evacuation drills
Emergency situations can be stressful and confusing. Practicing what you will do in advance can help everyone in your household feel calm – including your pets. Try loading your pet into their carrier or harness/lead as if you were leaving quickly. Getting them used to this will help things run smoothly in the event of a real emergency.
5. More information for specific disasters
Different kinds of disasters may need specific or additional steps to keep pets safe. Here are some extra steps to keep in mind:
- Wildfire: Wildfire smoke is harmful to humans and animals alike. The steps we take to keep ourselves safe from smoke will also help our pets. This includes staying indoors as much as possible, keeping windows and doors closed, and filtering your indoor air.
If you have to be outside for a longer period of time, there are now N95 masks specifically designed for dogs, that will help reduce the amount of dangerous particles that enter their lungs. Like other parts of your emergency plan, you’ll want to practice wearing these ahead of time, as they might take some getting used to.
For all pets, try to keep them away from all burned areas and debris that can cause injuries.
- Floods: Keep your pet from wading into or drinking floodwaters, which can be contaminated and dangerous. If you need to transport your animals during a flood, the safest way is inside of a carrier.
- Extreme heat: Heatwaves can cause pets to overheat quickly, as they aren’t able to sweat to cool down like humans. If possible, keep pets indoors or in a cool, shaded place with plenty of water to drink. Walk dogs during the cooler parts of the day in the morning or evening, and avoid hot pavement which can burn their paws.
The heartbreak of losing a cherished family pet is difficult no matter what the circumstances. When it happens during stressful events like climate emergencies, it can be even harder to bear, adding to the loss and uncertainty you may already feel.
As climate change makes these disasters more likely for all of us, making a plan to protect each member of our family – including our pets – is the most loving thing we can do. Taking the time to include our pets in our emergency plans before disaster strikes gives us the best chance to keep them safe, calm, and close.
Further Reading:
Outrunning the Flames: Jenny’s Story of Wildfire and Its Aftermath