Pets are an important part of our lives. Help keep them safe by creating an emergency plan in case disaster strikes.
Keep Up Pet Maintenance
- Pets should always wear fitted collars with up-to-date identification.
- Consider microchipping your pet. Register and keep a record of the microchip number.
- Keep vaccinations up-to-date with proof for shelters.
- If your pet does not like to travel, consider asking your vet for an anti-anxiety prescription.
Create an Emergency Plan
- Identify pet-friendly lodging along your evacuation route.
- Most emergency shelters do not accept pets. Maintain a list of boarding facilities, animal shelters, veterinarians or others who will accept your pet in an emergency.
- Make plans for your pet if you’re away during an evacuation order for a neighbor, friend or relative to retrieve your pet. Give them a key to your house in advance.
Prepare an Emergency Pet Kit
- Sturdy extra leash/harness
- 3-7 days supply pet food and water and bowls
- Manual can opener for canned food
- Kitty litter/pan
- Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container
- Pet bed, if easily transportable, to reduce pet stress
- Current photo of you and your pets for identification in case they get lost
During an Event
Evacuation Tips
- Consider evacuating early, before an order, so you are not forced to leave your pet at home.
- While driving, keep your pet in a carrier or an approved safety harness that attaches to the seat belt.
- Stop regularly to allow your pet to stretch and have some water.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car.
After a Disaster
- Do not allow your pets to roam loose. They could get lost or hurt among debris.
- Resume a normal routine as soon as possible.
- Be patient if your pet experiences behavioral challenges and anxiety after an event.
Pet Injury Coverage
MAPFRE Pet Injury coverage may be added to your auto policy, with up to $500 toward veterinary fees or replacement of your pet for a covered loss. Ask your agent for more information.
Sources
https://www.ready.gov/pets
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/make-disaster-plan-your-pets
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness
https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/emergencies/index.html
