Prepare Your Pets

Fido and Mittens—even Polly—need an emergency plan and supplies.

When planning for an emergency, remember your four-legged, furry friends and feathered family members. After all, an emergency can occur with no warning, and then it’s often too late to help your beloved pets.

FOLLOW THESE PREPAREDNESS TIPS.

Five simple steps:

  • Get a rescue window decal to notify rescue workers that pets are inside your home. And put it in a highly visible location such as a side entrance door or front window. Go to the ASPCA website, www.aspca.org and see pet-care safety to get your free decal and other tips.
  • Keep a collar, current license and up-to date ID tags on your pet at all times.
  • Consider having your pet micro-chipped.
  • Keep an updated list of trusted neighbors who could assist your animals in case of an emergency.
  • Keep your vet’s phone number with other important emergency contacts.

Other steps:

  • Make sure your pet is comfortable being in a crate, box, cage or carrier for transport.
  • Make a go-bag for pets. Tighten and secure latches on birdcages. Fasten down aquariums on low stands or tables.
  • In case of evacuation, locate all your animals and keep them with you. Be aware that most all shelters will only allow service animals and not your family pets. In a large-scale disaster, animal shelters will be set up when possible.
  • If, for some reason, your pets are unable to evacuate with your family, follow these four steps to help ensure your pet will make it through the emergency safely:
    • Inform animal rescue workers of your pets’ status: On your front door or in a highly visible place include their location in your home and the date that you evacuated.
    • Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over.
    • Leave plenty of food in timed feeders to prevent your pet from overeating.
    • Do not tie up your pet in your home.

Get the app:

The American Red Cross offers a Pet First Aid App for iPhone and Android. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know Pet First Aid. Learn more here: http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/pet-first-aid-app 

Home Safety Guide for Pet Owners

Are you one of the 164 million pet owners in the U.S.? There are a variety of ways you can ensure your pets safety in and around your home. Take a look at the Home Safety Guide for Pet Owners and keep your furry friends safe!