Living in Southeast Texas, we are all familiar with how quickly a natural disaster can come upon us. When it’s time to shelter in place or evacuate, you don’t want is to be scrambling to manage your pets needs or having to choose between your family and your pets. The following are some tried and true tips that will help you stay sane and keep your pet safe.
Create an emergency kit for your pets.
Some items we recommend including are:
- A portable carrier for safe transport
- A sturdy leash or harness
- Food, drinking water, and bowls
- Medications and copies of medical records
- A current photo of you with your pet in case they get lost
- Information on the feeding schedules/amounts, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pet
- Any bedding or toys that are easily transportable
- Any bedding or toys that are easily transportable
*Pro tip: join our PetConnect app and have all your pet’s records at your fingertips any time of day
Know a safe place to take your pets.
- If it isn’t safe for you to stay, it isn’t safe for your pet either. Know which hotels at or along your evacuation route accept pets in an emergency. Please note: most American Red Cross shelters CANNOT accept pets due to health and safety concerns.
- We also recommend having a list of friends, relatives, and boarding facilities in your area that may be able to help with your pet in an emergency.
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current.
- Many shelters will require proof of vaccination to reduce the spread of disease.
- Make sure both dogs and cats have a securely fitted collar with an up-to-date identification tag
- Consider having your pet microchipped
