From blizzards to flooding, DoodyCalls has received a few heartbreaking calls over the years from customers who have found themselves and their pets in life altering situations due to natural disasters. Our heart goes out to these customers. That’s why, this June, in honor of National Pet Preparedness Month, we would like to offer the following 5 tips in the hopes of keeping you and your pet safe in the event of a disaster.
1.Prepare a Kit – Ready.gov suggests that you always have a kit on hand that contains the following items:
- Food
- Water
- Litter/Pan
- Leash and Collar
- Medications
- Immunization Records
- Contact List
- Pet Carrier
- First Aid Kit
- Food Dishes
- Manual Can Opener
- Blanket
- Flashlight
2. Create a Contact List – Think ahead of all possible situations that may occur and plan your list accordingly. Some numbers to consider include:
- Veterinary’s Office
- American Red Cross
- American Humane Society
- Relatives and Neighbors
- Pet-Friendly Hotels
3. Act Fast – At the first signs of an incoming disaster, bring your animals indoors. Pets are usually able to sense trouble coming and may impulsively try to flee. By keeping them close to you and on a leash, you will lessen the risk of being separated.
4. Microchip Now – If you do end up separated from your pet at any point, having them microchipped will increase your odds for a joyful reunion later.
5. After a Disaster – The smells and sights of a location may have changed, so take your time when reintroducing your pet to their home. Keep them leashed initially and be aware of downed power lines as well as an increased risk of dangerous wildlife that may have moved closer to your home after having felt threatened by their environment.