Taking care of your pets during and following a natural disaster is something one might not think will ever happen, but if it does, you want to be prepared. If you live in an area that's susceptible to any kind of natural disaster, from earthquakes to tornadoes, it's important to know what to do. Keep reading to discover what you can do now as well as after the event is over.
Prep Work
It's extremely important to have a series of supplies available for your pets for when a disaster strikes. You could potentially find yourself with no power, no heating, and limited or no access to stores and outside supplies. As a result, you should plan on storing up food for your pet. Keep dry food in a sealed plastic bin to prevent water damage and rodents from getting to it.
Furthermore, make sure to include any medications your pet is currently taking in the kit. Water is also a must. Typically, pets drink 1 cup of water per 10 pounds of body weight, so plan accordingly.
Lastly, make sure to have your pet's transportation supplies and medical information in the kit. You need to be able to control your pet and to be able to present their papers to prove that they're vaccinated and yours.
Isolate and Secure
Immediately following a natural disaster, you need to keep your pet secure. Chances are they will be terrified of what they just went through. If part of your home is damaged in a way that a pet could squeeze out, keep them in their carrier at all times.
If you plan on entering and exiting your house frequently, keep your pet in a closed room where they'll be secluded and safe. This will help to keep them calm and will keep them from escaping your house after the disaster. Pets that run away while scared may be reluctant to return home or could get hurt in any storm aftermath, like a tsunami or earthquake aftershock.
Check with Rescue Officials
Once your pet is secure, communicate with your local rescue officials. They should be able to tell you where shelters are located and whether or not they accept people with their pets. If there aren't any in your area, contact your local veterinarian to find out if they're open. Many vets and animal boarding facilities act as temporary pet shelters after a disaster in order to keep pets safe while their people are having their homes repaired or staying in a disaster shelter themselves.
Being able to care for your dog at all times is important. Remember, natural disasters can strike at any time with little or no warning. Start building your kit today and make sure that your pet is updated on all their medical care and vaccinations.
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