Storm season brings strong Oklahoma winds that can take down a fence or gate causing our beloved pets to run for safety.
Stay united with your furry friends with low-cost pet tags from Good Dogma.
Pet Preparedness Tips
Download, print and share FEMA’s brochure.
Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe, so the best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared. Here are simple steps you can follow now to make sure you’re ready before the next disaster strikes:
Tip #1: Tag Your Pets
Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. You can get a low-cost pet tag from Good Dogma or visit one of the free pet tag events in April. The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal’s shoulder area, are available at your local veterinarian clinic, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.
Tip #2: Bring Pets Indoors
Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
Tip #3: Get a Rescue Alert Sticker
You can get a free alert sticker from the ASPCA or in your goodie bag at one of Good Dogma’s pet tagging events listed above. This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. The ASPCA recommends that you make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes 1) the types and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian’s phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers.
Tip #4: Locate a Temporary Refuge
Not all disaster shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you plan ahead. Make a list of hotels/motels outside of your immediate area that accepts pets. As an alternative, you can ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency care for pets during a disaster. Ask relatives outside of your immediate area if they would be willing to take your pet in.
Tip #5: Build a Kit
Pets are part of the family and deserve the same disaster consciousness you’ll apply to your own kit. In the event of evacuation, do not leave your pets behind. These resources will give you several ideas on how to put together the best emergency kit for your pet.
Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is, and that it clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your “Evac-Pack” include:
- Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include)
- 3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)
- Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
- Litter or paper toweling
- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
- Pet feeding dishes and water bowls
- Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
- Photocopies and/or USB of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless)
- At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
- A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
- Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoop-able litter
- Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner
You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.