Natural Emergencies and Pets: How to Prepare

Emergency preparedness and response for pets

Pets have a fight, flight or freeze response that kicks into action when facing danger (or perceived danger). So one of the first things they do when facing an emergency or disaster is to run away.

This means pets often become separated from their families. But there are several safeguards that can prevent this from happening, and help you become reunited with your pet should you become separated.

Here’s a list of emergency preparedness and response tips for safeguarding Kiwi pets:

Don’t drop, cover and hold

This rule of thumb for earthquakes doesn’t apply to pets. Unless they’re already close enough to hold and comfort, let them find their own safety point. They’re incredibly adept at doing so, and could bite or scratch if you try holding them still.

Microchip pets

A pet microchip links the animal to all its personal information on a central pet registry, which links to you their owner. When a shelter or vet receives a lost pet, they will check for a microchip to determine the animal’s owner.

Pet collar and tag

In addition to a pet microchip, make sure your pet wears a collar and tag. This will speed up identification if a good Samaritan finds your pet. Be sure to use a safety breakaway collar for cats, too.

Keep a pic of your pet in the cloud

If you’ve had to evacuate you might not have access to your computer, phone or photo album. So keep a recent photo of your pet in online storage, so if your pet goes missing you can post it to lost pet sites.

Leave food and water

If you need to evacuate your home without your pets, leave plenty of dry food and water where they’ll be able to access it.

Pet kit on hand

Have an emergency pet kit ready and packed to go that contains basic first-aid supplies. In addition to food, water and bowls (collapsible ones are great), pack a blanket or towel to help keep your pet calm during stressful situations. Consider including poop bags, leashes and your pet carrier, and be sure to pack a copy of your pet’s medical records along with a recent snapshot.

Vaccinations up to date

Pets can be exposed to many pathogens after natural disasters. Keeping pet vaccination schedules up to date helps mitigate unwanted illness.

Pet door sign

Many people have a sign on their door saying “I live here”, featuring a picture of their pet. Such signs can alert first responders, who keep an eye out for strays and lost animals.

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Common pet emergencies and how to respond

Besides understanding what’s best practice in emergency preparedness and response for natural disasters, what about other risks to pets?

The most common pet emergencies that require treatment involve infections, injuries, allergies and illnesses. Depending on the situation, there may be temporary steps you can take to treat your pets at home but, generally, pets will need an unplanned visit to the vet.

Understanding the common risks faced by pets helps emergency preparedness and response planning. Here’s a list of several common health risks for pets, each with a link through to a relevant blog on the PD website:

• What to do if my cat or dog is choking
• Accidental ingestion guide
• The ins and outs of animal CPR
• Safety measures for dog vomiting and gastro
• Preventing dog bites
• Things that can poison your pet to keep away
• Dog skin conditions