If a human – triggered or natural disaster strikes, then what would you do with your pets? If you are going to prepare your family, your home and pets for disaster, then the safety and well being of your pets should also be considered. Pets can become frightened, disoriented or can even be injured during the time of disaster so be ready! Helping them is a very important part to keep your disaster response effective and focused. This article will help you to know how can you care for your loving pets during and after a disaster in order to make sure that your pet is as prepared as the rest of your family.
1. CHECK THE REACTION OF YOUR PET :-
Be aware of the reactions of your pets during a disaster event which can be based on fear and instincts. Moving rounds ( earthquakes ), thunder, flashes of lightening, increasing water levels, loud noises can actually lead them to abandon their usual places in order to find a new one. So, for this reason, it is very important to increase the chances of your loving pet being located and returned to you if any disaster event occurs. You can micro – chipped or tagged your pet in order to make the ownership clear, you can micro – chipped your pet in many veterinarians or animal welfare organisations. Also try to always keep your pets’ ID cards with their name, your current address, and your mobile number. If your pet lost his way then, in order to fight this situation, you can take digital pictures of your pet, this will help to find your pet by asking others if they have seen this pet, by the photos, if your pet have been separated. No one can know your pet better than yourself so if they have been separated then immediately check your pet’s common hiding places. These places should be first checked before taking the steps further. You can also make him wear ID tag and a flashing collar which can help you to find your lost pet at a night.
2. KEEP YOUR PETS’ IMMUNIZATION UP TO DATE AT ALL THE TIMES :-
Keeping your pet’s immunization up to date at all the times is not only important for your pet’s ongoing health but is also important to keep your pet in protection from any disease during the time of emergency. Keep the vet’s phone number, immunization card or records in an easy – accessible place and make sure to tell all the members of your family about the place where they can find these things. You can also keep the copies in a plastic bag of your pet’s survival kit in order to allow the rescuers or shelters to know the health/vaccinations status of your pet. You should also make a list of medications of your pet, write exact names of your pet’s medications if he is on the medications. During the time of any emergency, you will be able to refer to this information easily which will ease the panic, this will help those people also who do not know your pets.
3. PREPARE A PET FIRST AID/SURVIVAL KIT :
-It can be really helpful to keep this kit and you should keep them at an easily accessible place where your family can also find. This survival kit should be always ready – packed in case you will need to leave your house. The kit should contain any needed medication, pet first aid supplies, at least 3 days of emergency food, emergency water supplies, harnesses and safety lashes, travel bowls for food and drink, photos of your pet, emergency contact numbers of vet, local authorities, emergency services, and animal rescue centers, litter tray for cats and poo bag for your dogs, towel or blanket for your pet.
4. DEVELOP A PET BUDDY SYSTEM :-
Unlike service animals, pets might not be allowed in some emergency shelters especially in urban areas. You can talk to your friends, family and neighbors about the planning of how will you help each other during the event of emergency. You can also make a note of animal rescue shelters in your area who may take your pet during emergency event.
5. KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR HOME :-
Collect your pets after making sure you have all the family members ready. Don’t leave them unless you can’t find them as most of the pets will not be able to survive if you are gone for more one day. Cover your pet with a blanket or towel in order to calm them and then place him in his own pet carriers. Do not take bedding or pet toys and just grab only survival kit.
6. ALWAYS TAKE TIME TO COMFORT THEM :-
Comforting and soothing them is essential too as they’ll be as afraid as you’re. During a situation of disaster, spending time with your pet will not only comfort your pet but also you and your kids.