June is National Pet Preparedness Month, a time to make sure your pet is as prepared as you are in an emergency or natural disaster. Pet owners should have an emergency plan, including contact numbers, and keep important documents such as vaccination records and photos on their smart devices. These quick tips will help you and your pet survive whatever may come:

1. Ensure Your Pet’s Identification

Many pet owners have included their pets in their emergency plans. Make sure you have your pet’s vaccination records and photos on a smart device to quickly provide identifying information if you are separated from your animal.

Include your pet’s name, a photograph, your contact information, and the name and phone number of a friend or relative who will take care of your pet in a disaster. Leave a copy with a neighbour or family member who lives in a different location so that people will have access to your pet’s information if you are unable to provide your pet’s identifying information.

2. Make a Pet’s First Aid Kit

Keep a first aid kit in a zippered pouch attached to your pet’s collar, and be sure to include the following items:

• Pet first aid book

• Scissors and tweezers

• Cotton balls

• Tick remover

• Triangular bandage

• Leash

• Plastic bags

Do not include any medications. Many safe medicines for humans are toxic to pets and other animals. Do not give your medications to your pet unless a veterinarian instructs you.

3. List Where to Go In Case of Emergency

Be sure to include a description of the closest animal emergency clinic, pet-friendly hotels, and animal shelters to your pet’s containment area. You will want to include a map or directions to each location if you cannot provide your pet with verbal directions. You may also want to have the number of the pet poison control center.

4. Have an Emergency Plan

If evacuating, take your pets with you, but know that you may have to take them to a shelter. Make sure you know what to expect at a shelter before you go. Call ahead to find out if they accept pets, if they have a kennel that you can use while in the shelter, and how they handle evacuating animals. Some shelters may limit the number of pets allowed, or they may shelter pets in secured outside areas.

5. Stay Together In Case of Disaster

Try to stay together with your pet at all times. Do so at a pre-designated area with a planned meeting time and place if you do separate. If you have to leave a pet behind, do so only as a last resort and never leave an animal unattended. Make sure that the pet has food, water, and shelter. You will want to consider putting up a sign or leaving a note with your contact information.

Conclusion

Many pets are left home alone during emergencies. If you plan ahead, you and your pet can survive even the worst-case scenarios. Be sure to take the time to make a plan and have the supplies that you need to be prepared for whatever life throws at you.

The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre is a family-owned 7,000 square-foot facility situated in Brandon, Manitoba, offering multiple pet services under one roof in a stunning, natural setting. We are proud to finally roll out our online booking platform for pet boarding services in Brandon, MB. Seeing is believing! Schedule a visit to tour our space with your pet before making any commitments! We’re 100 percent confident you and your fur family will fall in love with The Paw Resort. High standards that you expect and your pet deserves.