PETS ARE FAMILY MEMBERS TOO!
If you are anything like me and my family, your pets are thought of as family members. The picture, shown below, was taken few years ago and sadly we had to put Skye, the weimaraner, down this past December. I was devastated, she was 14 years, 2 months and 3 days old. She was and will always be a part of our family. I miss her daily.
I share this with you, because I suspect you feel the same about your pets, if you opened this week's tip.
What should we do to prepare for our pets?
Make a Plan
Ensure that your pets have the following, if you encounter an emergency at home or need to evacuate.
Identification:
• collar
• pet tags (name, address, phone #)
• microchip
• Window decals on your home
Sheltering (American Red Cross shelters will NOT take pets, making this step very important):
• vaccinations are current
• locate pet friendly hotels/motels beforehand
• ask your veterinarian or kennels for advice
• Animal shelters
Build a Kit
• extra Water
• food (Dry or canned)
• can opener?
• pet bowls
• medications
• first Aid kit
• booties
• sanitation needs (kitty litter, bags, etc.)
• pet carrier
• extra collar and leash
• copy of important documents
• picture of your pet
• favorite toy & bedding
Stay Informed
Evacuate:
• take pets with you
• leave early
• designate caregivers
• reptiles and avian species need warmth, invest in hand warmers
Stay:
• keep animals inside
• close off nooks for animals to hide
• close windows/doors
• create a safe room
• monitor radio
Recovery
Monitor their behavior and seek care if they have:
• aggressiveness
• defensiveness
• disorientation
• hazards to nose and paws
These are some simple steps you can take today to ensure your pets will be cared for and make it through with you!
Should you need further assistance or want additional resources, please contact us. To learn more about preparedness measures or to schedule a presentation, safety walk, tabletop exercise, home consultation or general consultation with HT2, please Click Here!