Disaster Preparedness with your Dog

Written By The Mom Pop

Natural disasters are unpredictable…

And it never feels good to think about the worst possible scenarios. However, having a plan for these events will ensure a relaxed reaction once they happen. Once you have your plans in place for these various occasions, be sure to share your plans with your family, and a trusted friend so they are aware of what your action steps will be.

Before the Disaster

Disasters can happen without warning, but there are ways to be prepared to keep your animal safe in an emergency situation:

  • Make sure your pets wear collars and tags with up to date information

  • Have your pets microchipped, and ensure you have the microchip registered with your current information

  • Keep a leash and/or a carrier near the exit

  • Make sure you have the proper equipment for your pet to ride in the car

Having knowledge of what kind of natural disaster is common in your area will help you understand better how to prepare for the disasters. We live in California, so we know earthquakes, fires, and floods pose immediate threat in terms of natural disasters. Responding to any of these events would require different actions.

Evacuation Plan

In California, we would use an evacuation plan for fires or flooding so we have a place for our pets to stay. Not all shelters allow pets, so it’s good to have a back up plan. To find a map of shelters that do accept pets, click the link here .  A good rule of thumb: if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your dog. Leaving your dog behind could result in a lost pet, injuries, or worse.

  • Identify shelters that do allow pets

  • Find out-of-town relatives that would be willing to house your dog in the case of an emergency

  • Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter

  • Create a Buddy System with a neighbor, or nearby relative who can check on your pet - or evacuate them if needed - if you are away during an emergency

Have several options available, so you don’t have to make frantic calls when the emergency arises.

Practice your evacuation plan with your pet and family so everyone knows how to safely get your pet out of the house. Know where your dog likes to hide when they are stressed, and practice getting them when they are running around.

Emergency Kit

Most people have an emergency kit or “go bag” for themselves and their family. Just like you would have a kit for yourself, keeping one for your dog may be a good idea too. Here are some items to consider for their kit:

  • Pet first-aid kit, and guide

  • A pet carrier for each of your pets with their name, your name, and contact information

  • Dry or canned (with the pop-top) food for a minimum of 5 days, up to 2 weeks (note: remember to rotate foods as they can expire within a few months)

  • Bottled water for 5 days, up to 2 weeks

  • Feeding dishes

  • Poop bags

  • Medications for up to 2 weeks (note: remember to rotate medications as they can expire within a few months)

  • Medical records including vaccination records, prescription records, and medical history. Have hard copies, and files saved to your phone

  • Sturdy leashes and harnesses

  • Microchip number

  • Contact information of a close relative or friend

  • Flashlight and batteries

  • Blanket

  • Current photos of you and your dog in case of separation

  • A chew toy and/or a used t shirt to help minimize stress

Realizing that you don’t have a kit for yourself? It should include similar basics: food, water, flashlight, tarp, duct tape, radio, multi tool, important phone numbers, extra medications, and copies of medical insurance. For more information on how to prepare your family’s emergency kit, click the link here.

Shelter in Place

An emergency Shelter-in-Place would be used for an emergency such as an earthquake. When sheltering in place with your dog, make sure the room that you have chosen is pet safe:

  • Select an interior room, preferably with few or no windows

  • Remove any toxic chemicals or plants

  • Close off small areas where frightened pets might get stuck under (such as heavy furniture)

Other Considerations

If you are stressed, your dog will likely be stressed too. To help keep them safe, keep them on a leash so they don’t run away in a panic. Keep your dog’s personality in consideration as well. It may be safer to have your dog in a crate, and consider bringing a soft basket muzzle if your dog has reactive tendencies. Dogs often behave differently in stressful environments than we are used to.

As mentioned above, practice your plan. Practice having your dog in a kennel, and make sure they feel comfortable and safe in it. Practice putting on a muzzle and walking around, so your dog isn’t offended with their new head gear. If your dog is nervous in the car, try driving around the neighborhood a few times. The goal is comfort when it comes to handling emergencies, and rehearsing is an effective way to ensure a smooth operation.

Take a Breath

This may seem overwhelming, but the best advice is to take it one step at a time. Having plans to keep you, your family, and your pets safe is always a great way to handle any disaster. As my dad always says: “Hope for the best, plan for the worst” (Thanks Dad). If you’re interested in more sources for how to plan, refer to our Sources section below.

If you already have an emergency plan, let us know in the comments if you’ve practiced it, and how it went!

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Written By: Gabby St.Martin

Gabby is a dog walker and writer for Dog Tired Adventures. She loves being active, the great outdoors, and loving on her Doberman.

The Mom Pop
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