Protect your Pet
You can prepare for potential hazards by having a plan in place to deal with anticipated impacts of an event. Having your plan and emergency kit prepared in advance is the best way to support your family and pets. You may need to Shelter in Place or “hunker down” in your home for at least 72 hours (3 days) without needing to leave for supplies. Plan to be without power in many hazards that could occur.
Floods, wildfires, hazardous material spills, emergency evacuations – emergencies/disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. If you think you will never have to evacuate unless you live in a floodplain you may be tragically mistaken. It is important that you make preparations to evacuate your family and your pets in any situation. In the event of a disaster, proper preparation will pay off with the safety of your family and pets. When you evacuate put your pet in a portable kennel. Remember pets will likely be distressed and may bolt from your vehicle. Most emergency shelters do not allow pets so be sure you have an alternative plan before an emergency.
Before an Emergency
At the first hint of emergency or disaster act to protect your pet; often warnings are issued hours, even days in advance.
- Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements.
- Check your pet’s emergency supplies are ready to take at a moment’s notice.
- Bring all pets into the house so you won’t have to search for them if you leave in a hurry.
- Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars that are securely fastened. Ensure up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the evacuation area.
- Find a trusted neighbour who would be willing to get your pets and meet you, should you not be at home.
During an Emergency
- Put your pet in a safe, secure room without windows but with adequate ventilation (i.e. bathroom).
- If you have to evacuate and are not taking your pet, leave enough food to last for 7 days.
- Fill with water: sink, bathtub, and containers that would not tip over.
- Your pet will be under stress and may drink more water than usual. Four to eight litres of water per day per pet can be used as a guideline depending on the size of your pet.
- Leave familiar bedding and safe toys.
- Do not confine dogs and cats in the same space and cage small animals and birds.
- Ensure that your pet is wearing ID tags and microchipping your pets is the best way to ensure their safe return.
- Place a notice on your front door that there are pets in the house and where they are located. Provide a telephone number where you can be reached or the number of your veterinarian.
- If you expect flooding provide access to elevated spaces or counters.
- Never leave your pet tied up outside, especially when expecting a flood.
The following steps will help keep pets safe
Identify your pet. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, their identification and microchipping may be the only way to find them. Make sure each animal wears a collar and identification tag at all times.
To assist in preparing for your click any of the following links for downloadable and fillable forms.
Pet Emergency Kit Checklists
