Second Chance: Be Prepared – Disaster Planning for Pets!

02 Oct Second Chance: Be Prepared – Disaster Planning for Pets!

For 30+ years, the Animal Resource Center and Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been serving Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties. Adoption hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. View shelter pets and services online at www.secondchancehumane.org.

“Connecting Pets, People, and Community While Saving Lives.”

View shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.

Donate here or mail to: PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO, 81432. 

Note: From now until 10/15, Second Chance is participating in Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters. All pets over 6 months old: $25 adoption fee; kittens & puppies: $50 adoption fee.

Go here for more options from Second Chance.

Floods, fires, hurricanes… our world is evolving. Weather events that were unfathomable 20 years ago are the “new normal.” Messages of preparedness are everywhere, so it is easy to feel overwhelmed. We all need to plan for what we’ll do,  just in case. Don’t forget your pets in your plan.

Here are some tips about how to protect your pets and be equipped to take them with you if you must evacuate your home.

Many emergency shelters or hotels do not admit animals, so it is important to find places in advance that do. Search now for local and out-of-area, pet-friendly hotels. Also, check out boarding facilities, or make a housing exchange agreement with an out-of-area friend or relative.

If you are not home when an evacuation is ordered, make sure you have a plan with friends or neighbors to evacuate your pets. Exchange keys, give your friend your pets’ medical information and share your emergency contact information.

Having an emergency kit assembled and ready for each pet is essential. It’s recommended to have two kits: one larger kit for sheltering in place; one lightweight version for evacuations. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh. A kit should include (in an airtight waterproof container) the following: several days’ supply of food; a water bowl; a supply of water; medicine your pet takes on a regular basis; a first aid kit; a collar with an ID tag; a harness or leash; a crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet; grooming items, sanitation needs (waste bags, pet litter, and litter box); and favorite toys, treats or bedding.

Given the possibility a pet could get lost in an evacuation or disaster, make sure he or she is microchipped. Be sure to update your microchip registration when you move, change phone numbers, get a new emergency contact, or change veterinary clinics. In addition, keep an ID tag on your pets’ collars. Take photos of you with your pets so you can prove ownership should you be separated.

This all can seem overwhelming and stressful, but if you are faced with a disaster, your dear pets will be part of your plan.

Start by doing one small thing today. Take one action that contributes to your readiness and encourage others to do the same.

For a more complete list of ways to be prepared, visit the Red Cross checklist for Pet Disaster Preparedness.

Wolfie

Wolfie is such a great dog. She’s a corgi/shepherd mix who loves people and gets along well with other dogs. If you rub her belly, she’ll be your friend forever.