Emergency planning for your family should include your pets

Having an emergency plan for your family is essential. It needs to include all members – even your pets! 

If there’s an emergency and you need to evacuate your home, make sure you are prepared to care for your pet for several days. These are items which should be part of your emergency kit for your pet: 

Food and water 

Depending on the size of your dog, they can drink about four litres of water per day. Cats drink about one litre of water per day. Don’t forget bowls and a can opener for food. 

Pet first aid kit 

Include any medications along with dosage information, vaccination records and your veterinarian’s contact details. 

Identify your pet 

Make sure they’ve got their collar, ID tags, and that microchip information is up-to-date. In case of separation, having a recent photo in your kit can also help you identify your pet. 

Comfort and care items 

You’ll want to have essential items such as a good leash, their harness, a crate or carrier. There’s also essentials like paper towels, bags for waste pick-up, as well as litter and a litter box. Your pet’s favourite blanket or toy will bring comfort, too. 

Ideally, you won’t be in a situation where you need to evacuate. If you are, it’s recommended you take your pet with you. However, most emergency shelters do not accept non-service animals, so planning ahead is wise. Your plan should include pet-friendly hotels or boarding kennels. Out-of-town friends or family are also an option for caring for your pet during an emergency. 

If you must leave your pet behind, leave them indoors, but not in a crate. Give them plenty of food and water. Leaving the toilet seat up can also be a place for them to get water in an emergency. Post signs on your windows and doors to alert emergency responders to the fact that pets are inside. 

“Pets are a part of the family, so including them in your emergency plan makes sense,” said Bruce County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Ray Lux. “Emergencies are stressful, so knowing your pets will be taken care of and safe is one less worry.”  

For more information about emergency preparedness, visit www.brucecounty.on.ca/getprepared.