When looking into getting a pet, it’s important to consider life expectancy. You probably don’t want to accidentally sign up for a twenty-year commitment with an impulse adoption at the pet store. That’s a bad deal for you and the animal.
Category Archives: pets
Be Prepared to be Away During an Emergency
July 24 is National Parents Day
Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, including when you’re not with your children and pets. It’s a scary thought. But you can take steps to protect them when you’re not around to do it yourself.
Camp & Childcare Parents
On any given weekday during the school year, an estimated 69 million children are in school and childcare.(1) During summer, some of those same children are in camps and childcare.
Parents, guardians, and other caregivers want to know their children are safe when they’re away from home. Camp and childcare providers play an important role in giving parents and guardians peace of mind. They should have family reunification plans and hold regular drills to help children and staff practice staying safe in the event of an emergency.
In addition, here are some ways you can prepare for an emergency that happens when you are not with your child.
- Keep your contact information updated. Make sure your child’s camp or childcare knows how to reach you.
- Send your child to camp or childcare with an updated Ready Wrigley Backpack Emergency Card.
- If your child has a special health condition, such as a blood disorder, make sure staff know what signs to look for in your child that might signal a health problem and the procedure to ensure appropriate care.
- Provide your child’s camp or childcare with any necessary personal needs, prescriptions, copies of important paperwork, and medical supplies and devices. Everyone with asthma needs his or her own asthma action plan. Provide staff with a copy of your child’s asthma action plan and instructions on how to use his or her inhaler.
Knowing camp or childcare providers have an emergency plan and the supplies they need to care for your child can help you feel better about leaving them in the care of others.
Pet Parents
Pets are family, too. It’s natural for pet parents to feel anxious about leaving their pet in the care of someone else, such as a pet sitter or kennel, or if you have someone nearby who can check in on them. Having someone who can check up on your pet if they are not somewhere safe can give you peace of mind.
Here are suggested steps you can take to help keep your pets healthy and safe if an emergency happens while you’re away.(2)
- Make sure your pet has plenty of food. Write out feeding instructions, including portion size and other special considerations, such as the feeding order of multiple pets.
- Check that your pet has enough medicine. Write out instructions for giving prescription medicines and where they’re kept. Keep medicines up and away from children and pets.
- Write out your itinerary and contact information, including your cell phone number and the name and phone number of where you’re going.
- Leave contact information for your veterinarian and one or two people you trust to make decisions in case you can’t be reached. Be sure to ask those people before you do this. Contact your veterinarian’s office to let them know you have a pet sitter.
- Leave the pet sitter with copies of important paperwork, including a list of vaccinations and dates received.
- Microchip your pet.
- Make sure your pet wears collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.
- Keep your pet’s carrier or crate near the exit. Tell the sitter where your pet might hide when it feels stressed or scared.
- Prepare a pet emergency kit, including first-aid supplies and detailed instructions on how to use it.
- Leave instructions about your home, such as garage door codes, utility shutoff instructions, and your neighbor’s names and phone numbers.
Prepping your pet sitter or a person you trust to check in on your pet can help ensure that your pet gets the best possible care when you’re away.
Reuniting After an Emergency
Separation from one’s family during or after an emergency can have mental and physical effects on everyone involved, including parents and guardians, children, and pets.
Reunification is the process of returning children and pets to their families as quickly as possible after an emergency. The faster reunification happens after an emergency, the better.
Learn more about reuniting with loved ones after an emergency.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/reunification.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/emergencies.html
Resources
- Ready Wrigley
- Keeping Pets Healthy Keeps People Healthy Too!
- Caring for Children in a Disaster
- Reunification
- Emergency Preparedness Info for People with Blood Disorders
- Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids and Families
Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.
Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.
Resolve to Get Ready
The New Year is the time many of us make resolutions for the coming year. Sometimes resolutions feel too big and long-drawn-out to accomplish. As a result, our motivation to see them through can peter out before the end of the year.
This year, instead of making one resolution for the year, make 12 micro-resolutions. Focusing on one thing each month can make it easier for you to reach your goal, whether it’s to quit smoking or prepare your health for emergencies.
Here are some example micro-resolutions you can make this year to improve your personal health preparedness.
January
January is Get Organized Month. Get organized by creating a checklist of your personal needs. Being organized can help you stay calm during an emergency. Ways to get organized include using checklists to help you collect emergency supplies and scanning important paperwork.
February
Just 35% of respondents to a recent Healthcare Ready survey said they could list all their prescription details if they had to evacuate their homes without their medicines or medical supplies.(1)
You don’t have to memorize the details of your prescriptions. Instead, make a list of your medicines, including information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, and medical supply needs. Make an annual appointment with your doctor to discuss your prescriptions and how you can create an emergency supply of them.
March
National Proofreading Day is observed in March. Organize, check, correct, and protect your important paperwork, such as medical records, insurance (e.g., flood and earthquake) documents, action plans, etc. Examples of common errors found in medical records include
- Missing or outdated personal information.
- Missing information about a new medication or allergy.
- Missing or incorrect information about your health history or the date of your visit.
- Mischarges for a test you didn’t have.(2)
April
Practice your emergency action plan with your entire family, including pets. Take the 10-minute evacuation challenge. Set a timer for 10 minutes. In those 10 minutes, see if everyone can:
- Put on long pants, a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt, shoes, and a hat.
- Take emergency supplies and other important things to the car.
- Find your pets, put them in carriers if they have them, and take them to the car.
- Pack the car.
- Get in the car and buckle your seatbelt.
May
May is National Wildfire Awareness Month. Create defensible space if you live in an area prone to wildfires. Defensible space is a buffer you create between your home or another structure on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area around it.
June
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends on November 30. Be prepared to evacuate in case you find yourself in the path of a storm:
- Collect emergency supplies and create “go kits” for your family.
- Test drive your evacuation route to identify detours, gas stations, emergency departments, urgent cares, veterinarians, etc. along the route.
- Learn the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.
Learn more ways to prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms.
July
Emergency supplies expire. Check your supplies regularly so you can be sure they’re safe to use when you need them. Remove, throw away or use, and replace any food and water, prescription medications, and supplies every six (6) months.
August
August 15 is National Check the Chip Day. Microchipping your pet(s) is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if separated during an emergency. Remember to register the microchip with the manufacturer and to keep your contact information up to date.(3)
Also, keep a photo of your pet with your important paperwork to help with identification and as proof of ownership.
September
Get a flu shot. It’s best to be vaccinated before flu begins spreading in your community. September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against flu. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. Even if you are not able to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended because flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May.(4)
October
Participate in emergency drills and exercises like the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill for practice and the peace of mind of knowing how to respond to an earthquake. The Great ShakeOut is held annually on October 21. The drill is an opportunity for you to practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during an earthquake or aftershock.
November
Take action to protect yourself and others from carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires. Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and smoke alarms at the beginning and end of Daylight-Saving Time. If you own a generator, know how to operate it safely during a power outage.
December
There are ways to prepare for emergencies that have nothing to do with collecting supplies. Learning practical skills, like CPR and seizure first aid, is also important to your health preparedness. Many practical skills don’t require special certification or formal training to perform, but you do need education. Seek out local volunteer organizations that can help you learn these types of skills.
There are many ways you can improve your emergency preparedness without being overwhelmed. Doing one thing each month can help you be prepared for an emergency that can happen anytime. Make sure how you prepare aligns with your needs and those of your family.
References
- https://healthcareready.org/community-resilience/
- https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/check-it/
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/emergencies.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm
Resources
Posted by in #prepyourhealth, & Prevention, carbon monoxide, defensible space, disaster preparedness, Do 1 Thing, earthquake, emergency, Emergency Action Plan, emergency preparedness, General, hurricane, personal health, pets, Preparedness, prescription medicine, proofreading, public health, wildfire
4 Tips to Stay Healthy Around Your Pet
Pets, whether covered in fur, feathers, or scales, are an important part of our lives—most American households own at least one pet. Many people see their pet as a member of the family that brings joy and amusement to their life. But did you know that having a pet can even help improve your health? Having a pet can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. Pets can also encourage you to be active and get outside, and provide opportunities to socialize.
While there are many benefits to pet ownership, animals can sometimes carry germs that make us sick. Zoonotic diseases can spread between people and animals—even our pets. In the past decade, we’ve seen outbreaks of illness in people linked to pets such as puppies, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, lizards, geckos, hedgehogs, and even water frogs.
You might not realize that the everyday activities involved in caring for your pet can result in the spread of germs from pets to people. Handling pet food and toys, cleaning cages, and yes, even kissing your pet, can pass germs from the pet to you. Pets can spread germs even if they look clean and healthy.
All of this may sound scary, but knowing about zoonotic diseases and the simple things you can do to reduce the risk will help you enjoy your pets and stay healthy. Adopt these four simple habits to help you, your family, and your pets stay healthy and happy.
- Choose the right pet
Not all pets are right for all people. In addition to thinking about the pet’s needs, consider who will be around the pet at home. Are there young kids in the house, or maybe a relative over 65? Certain pets, including reptiles, amphibians, and rodents, are not recommended for children 5 years of age and younger, adults 65 years of age and older, and people with weakened immune systems because they’re more likely to get sick. Rodents and cats can carry diseases that cause birth defects, so think about waiting to adopt one of these pets if you or someone in your home is pregnant. Talk to your veterinarian about choosing the right pet. - Keep your pet healthy
Keeping your pet healthy helps to keep you healthy. Make sure pets get a good diet, fresh water, shelter, and exercise. Regular veterinary care is also important for your pet. Many pets need routine vaccinations, de-worming, and flea and tick control to protect them, and their owners, from certain diseases. Every pet—whether it’s a dog, cat, hamster, ferret, or iguana—should receive life-long veterinary care. If you think your pet might be sick, talk to your veterinarian. Also, remember to include your pets in your emergency preparedness plans so you can keep them safe and healthy in an emergency. - Practice good hygiene
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to stay healthy around pets and can also protect you against other diseases. Always wash your hands after playing with, feeding, or cleaning up after your pet. Pets can contaminate surfaces in your home with germs—you don’t have to touch your pets to get sick from the germs they might be carrying. Keep your pets away from people food and areas where food and drink are prepared, served, consumed, or stored. Always clean up dog feces (poop) from your yard and public areas to prevent the spread of parasites and other germs to people. If you’re pregnant and have a cat, avoid changing the litter box. - Supervise kids around pets
Always supervise young children around pets, even trusted family pets. Children, especially those 5 years of age and younger, can be at higher risk for pet-related illnesses because they often touch surfaces that may be contaminated, put objects in their mouths, and are less likely to wash their hands. Children are often the victims of bites and scratches and are more likely to get seriously ill from certain diseases spread from pets. Don’t let kids kiss pets or put their hands or objects in their mouths after playing with pets. Help them to wash their hands after they interact with any animal.
We all love our pets, but it’s important to know the risks that come with any animal contact, especially for people who are more vulnerable to certain diseases. Practicing healthy pet habits can help you enjoy your pets while staying healthy.
You can learn more about pets on CDC’s Healthy Pets Healthy People website, and be sure to check out this feature for more tips on staying healthy around pets.
Posted by in animals, General, Handwashing, healthy pets, national pet week, pet week, pets, Prevention/Vaccination, public health, Vectorborne, zoonotic
In Case You Missed It: Top 10 Posts From 2017
In honor of the New Year, we are rounding up the blogs that were most viewed by you, our readers, in 2017.
- America’s Hidden Health Crisis: Hope for Those Who Suffer from ME/CFS
Public Health Matters recognized the 25th anniversary of International Awareness Day for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia. Between 825,000 and 2.5 million Americans are estimated to have ME/CFS, yet this debilitating illness remains largely invisible to most Americans.
- John Snow: A Legacy of Disease Detectives
In 1854, John Snow was the first to use maps and records to track the spread of a disease back to its source. Today, his ideas provide the foundation for how we find and stop disease all over the world. Public Health Matters highlighted the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service in honor of the birthday of the father of epidemiology and the first true disease detective.
- Tips to Protect Yourself from Norovirus
Every year, 19 to 21 million people get sick with diarrhea and vomiting caused by norovirus. Public Health Matters shared five steps you could take to help protect yourself and others from this virus that can lead to dehydration or more serious illness, especially in young children and older adults.
- Why Diarrhea & Swimming Don’t Mix
While sunburn and drowning might be the health risks that first come to mind when you think about swimming, diarrhea is another culprit. Outbreaks of diarrheal illness linked to swimming are on the rise. Public Health Matters shared five important facts about diarrhea-causing germs at aquatic venues and how to protect yourself and loved ones during Healthy and Safe Swimming Week 2017.
- Keep your pets safe in an emergency: 5 things to know
Many pet owners are unsure of what to do with their pets if they are faced with extreme weather or a natural disaster. June was National Pet Preparedness Month and Public Health Matters highlighted five things you can do to keep your pets safe during and after an emergency.
- Get a Flu Shot to Protect Your Heart and Your Health
People with certain long-term medical conditions, such as heart disease, are at high risk of developing serious complications from flu. Public Health Matters discussed the complications of flu and the important steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you including getting a flu vaccine.
- Predicting Community Resilience and Recovery After a Disaster
After a disaster, the number of people with psychological trauma exceeds the number of people with physical injury by as much as 40 to 1, but there is much more research and emergency response focus on the physical effects of a disaster rather than the psychosocial effects. Public Health Matters interviewed a professor from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health about their innovative model and index to measure resilience in the United States.
- Safety Tips Every Contact Lens Wearer Should Know
Forty-five million people in the United States who wear contact lenses to correct your vision. Eye infections related to improper contact lens wear and care are serious and can lead to long-lasting damage, but they are often preventable. Public Health Matters discussed the science behind some of the important contact lens wear and care recommendations in observance of Contact Lens Health Week.
- Preparing for College Life: A Healthy Guide
Public Health Matters invited our David J. Sencer CDC Museum Intern from the Walker School to guest write a post with tips for fellow graduating high school seniors to prepare to head off to college.
- Rural America in Crisis: The Changing Opioid Overdose Epidemic
In America, 15 out of 100 people live in a rural area. The rate of drug overdose deaths in rural areas has surpassed rates in urban areas, and it is a huge public health concern. Public Health Matters explored how rural areas are different when it comes to drug use and drug overdose deaths, including opioids and CDC’s response to this epidemic.
We want to hear from you!
The New Year is not just about reflecting on the past, and as we look ahead to 2018 we want to know what topics you would like to see on Public Health Matters. Please feel free to leave a comment below or send us an email so we can make sure that we are sharing content that is useful and interesting to you.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, follow @CDCemergency, or visit us on Facebook so you are the first to hear about new blogs.
Posted by in chronic disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, college, contact lens, COPEWELL, diarrhea, disease detective, drug overdose, Epidemiology, flu, Foodborne, healthy and safe swimming week, heart disease, injury, John Snow, kit, Natural Disasters, norovirus, opioid, pets, Preparedness, Prevention/Vaccination, public health, swimming, Waterborne
Keep your pets safe in an emergency: 5 things to know
Emergencies come in many forms: fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms and even terrorism. In the event of extreme weather or a disaster, would you know what to do to protect your pet?
Many pet owners are unsure of what to do if they’re faced with such a situation. In recognition of National Pet Preparedness Month, here are five steps you can take to keep your pets safe during and after an emergency:
- Have a plan – include what you would do if you aren’t home or cannot get to your pet when disaster strikes. You never want to leave a pet behind in an emergency because they, most likely,
cannot fend for themselves or may end up getting lost. Find a local pet daycare, a friend, or pet sitter that can get to your pet if you cannot. Make plans ahead of time to evacuate to somewhere that is pet friendly, such as a pet-friendly hotel or a friend or family’s home that is out of the evacuation area. - Make a kit – stock up on food and water. It is crucial that your pet has enough water in an emergency. Never allow your pet to drink tap water immediately following a storm; there could be chemicals and bacteria in tap water so give them bottled water. Also, be sure to stock up on canned food. Don’t forget a can opener, or buy enough pop-top cans to last about a week.
- I.C.E – No, not the frozen kind – it stands for “In Case of Emergency.” If your pet gets lost or runs away during an emergency, have information with you that will help find them, including recent photos and behavioral characteristics or traits. These can help return them safely back to you
- Make sure vaccinations are up to date – If your pet needs to stay at a shelter, you will need to have important documents about vaccinations or medications. Make sure their vaccinations are up to date so you don’t have any issues if you have to leave your pet in a safe place.
- Have a safe haven – Just like people, pets will become stressed when their safety is at risk. Whether you are waiting out a storm or evacuating to a different area, be sure to bring their favorite toys, always have a leash and collar on hand for their safety, and pack a comfortable bed or cage for proper security. If your pet is prone to anxiety, there are stress-relieving products like a dog anxiety vest or natural stress-relieving medications and sprays that can help comfort them in times of emergency. Ask your veterinarian what would be best for your pet.
Some other things to think about are:
- Rescue Alert Sticker – Put a rescue alert sticker by your front door to let people know there are pets inside. If you are able to take your pets with you, cross out the sticker and put “evacuated” or another message to let rescue workers know that your pet is safely out of your home.
- Let pets adjust – Don’t allow your pet to run back into your home or even your neighborhood once you and your family have returned. Your home could be disheveled and things might look different, and these changes can potentially disorient and stress your pet. Keep your pet on a leash and safely ease him/her back home. Make sure they are not eating or picking up anything that could potentially be dangerous, such as downed wires or water that might be contaminated.
- Microchip your pet – Getting a microchip for your pet could be the difference between keeping them safe and them becoming a stray. Microchips allow veterinarians to scan lost animals to determine their identity so they can be returned home safely. Make sure your microchip is registered and up to date so if your pet gets lost, your information is accessible to anyone who finds your pet.
Resources for Pet Owners
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pet Emergency Checklist
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Pets Healthy People
- The Humane Society: Make a Disaster Plan for Your Pets
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Disaster Preparedness
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Helping Pets
Posted by in disaster, evacuation, Natural Disasters, pets, plan, Preparedness
How to Be Smart (About Preparedness)
Emergencies are everywhere: from floods to flu, tornadoes to terrorists… How do you prepare for all of it?
Trying to prepare for every possibility can seem impossible. But you can be smart about preparing for the emergencies and situations you are most likely to experience. Start by looking around at where you live, the people in your life, and the places you go on a day-to-day basis. Ask yourself questions, then figure out what steps you can take.
For example:
- Are you living in tornado alley? Pick a safe place in your home to take shelter.
- Do you work in a large office building? Know how to evacuate during a fire.
- Do you travel often? Make a kit with prescription and over-the-counter medicines, your health insurance cards, and copies of your prescriptions.
- Do you have children? Make a plan with them about where to meet up if you are separated.
- Do you have a loved one with diabetes? Have a plan if they run out of insulin or if they have low blood sugar.
- Do you have pets? Make sure your emergency plan includes them, too.
Emergencies come in all different shapes and sizes. We often hear about preparedness in the context of natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks, but preparedness is also about getting your flu shot every year and wearing your seatbelt when you drive. Preparedness is knowing what to do if your child starts choking or how to help if your coworker has a seizure.
Preparedness also means reaching out to those around you. Do you know someone with a disability who may need extra help when evacuating during an emergency? Are there elderly people living in your neighborhood who are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat?
Of course, something unusual can always happen. (After all, who would have anticipated Snowpocalypse 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia?) But in preparing for the most likely situations, you may find yourself better prepared for the unexpected.
Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.
Read our other National Preparedness Month blogs:
Posted by in children, emergency, General, pets, Preparedness, Preparedness Month, public health, tornado, travel
After the Storm: Pets and Preparedness
Kathleen Fessman did not anticipate the degree of damage that Hurricane Sandy would cause her Rockaway, New York home. She stayed in her house during the storm watching as her basement flooded, knocking over the gas tanks she had stored there. For nearly a week after the storm, Kathleen remained in her damaged home, not knowing where to take her five dogs Yogi, Java, Rainie, Katie and Mocha.
Eventually, Kathleen contacted a local animal welfare agency who transported her dogs to the ASPCA Emergency Boarding Facility in Brooklyn, a facility established to shelter and care for pets displaced by Hurricane Sandy while their owners got back on their feet. At its height, the ASPCA emergency boarding facility housed nearly 280 displaced animals in New York.
Once at the ASPCA Emergency Boarding Facility, two of Kathleen’s dogs were diagnosed with enlarged lymph nodes from breathing in fumes from the gas tanks knocked over by the storm. After intensive treatment from the ASPCA medical team, the lymph nodes regressed significantly for one dog and resolved completely on the second dog.
For months, Kathleen’s dogs were sheltered and cared for at the ASPCA Emergency Boarding Facility while her house was being repaired. Kathleen finally took her dogs home in February, more than 3 months after the storm.
As Kathleen will never forget, it’s imperative to follow evacuation orders and bring your pets with you when a disaster strikes. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find a place to shelter your pet. Not all disaster shelters accept pets, so be sure to identify a relative’s house, a pet-friendly hotel or a boarding facility outside of the evacuation zone where you will take your pet in the event of evacuation.
Here are some additional disaster preparedness tips from the ASPCA:
- Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification.
- Microchip your pets. It may be their ticket home if they become lost.
- Build a portable pet emergency kit with items such as medical records, water, pet food, medications and pet first aid supplies.
- A pet rescue sticker alerts rescue personnel that pets are inside your home in the event of an emergency. Get a free rescue alert sticker from the ASPCA here: www.aspca.org/rescuesticker
- Never leave your pets behind. Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation.
Posted by in dogs, hurricane, Natural Disasters, pets, Preparedness, Preparedness Month, Sandy
Pet Preparedness
Countless disasters have shown that pet owners can quickly become a vulnerable population in the face of a natural disaster or emergency. Should you stay at home with your pet? Should you take your pet with you? Where can you go with your pet? Should you leave your pet behind?
It is extremely important for the safety of pet owners and pets, to have a plan for caring for pets during a disaster. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) helped provide emergency shelter and care for more than 8,500 animals displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Following Hurricane Sandy, the ASPCA assisted more than 30,000 pets in New York and New Jersey. It is estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the people who refused to leave their homes after Hurricane Katrina were staying to care for their pets, and over 600,000 pets were killed or left without shelter. If you evacuate your home, take your pets. Plan ahead and do not leave them behind. Pets most likely cannot survive on their own, and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.
With pets, the best way to protect your furry, scaly, or slimy family member is to plan ahead. They can’t do it for themselves and so it is up to you to have an emergency plan in place for your pets.
In many emergency situations, people will risk their lives to stay behind with their pet. If you think it through and prepare in advance, you will know what to do in order to protect yourself, your family, and your pets.
Things you can do:
1) Pet-Friendly Shelters. Not all shelters accept pets. Before an emergency, make sure you figure out where you will go that is safe for you and your pet. Find out which hotels are pet-friendly, and make sure you look into hotels in your community (for short-term needs) and hotels out-of-town that are pet-friendly in case you have to evacuate. Contact your vet for a list of boarding kennels and facilities that will be open to taking pets in an emergency. Does your local animal shelter provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets? Find out!
2) Designated Caregivers. There are a few reasons why it is a good idea to identify friends or relatives that will be willing to care for your pet if you are unable to do so. You may not be home when an emergency occurs, so line up a neighbor or friend that can check on and care for your pets. Also, ask friends and relatives outside of your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet should you have to evacuate.
3) Emergency Kit. Before you find yourself in an emergency situation, pack a pet emergency kit so that you are ready to care for your pet if a disaster hits. Pack 3-7 days worth of pet food (dry or canned), bottled water, medications, veterinary records, a pet carrier, litter and disposable litter trays, manual can opener, food dishes, first aid kit, and other supplies with you in case they’re not available later. For a complete list, see our Ready Wrigley pet emergency kit supply list.
4) Vet records and identification. Keep paper copies of your pet’s vet records in a safe and accessible place. Make sure identification tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. Pet-friendly shelters, kennels, or boarding facilities that you arrange ahead of time will need to be able to identify your pet and know your pet’s medical history.
5) Microchip your pet. If you are separated, this is the best and easiest way to be reunited with your pet! A typical microchip costs around $45, but shelters and organizations often hold events where the cost is much cheaper.
6) Download the Pet First Aid App from the Red Cross, or the ASPCA app.
7) ASPCA sticker. Get a free pet emergency alert sticker for your home. The ASPCA stickers are used to make sure rescue workers know that you have pets inside your home, the types of pets, and your vet information.
Pets rely on you to care for them every day and you rely on them for comfort and companionship. Don’t let an emergency or disaster prevent you from caring for or separate you from your pets. Have a plan, get a kit, and be prepared for your pet’s safety as well as your own.
Posted by in ASPCA, cats, disaster, dogs, General, pets, Preparedness, Preparedness Month, Response