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Warning, Warning, Warning: Disaster Emergency Tips for Pet Owners
Article Provided by Nationwide

Catastrophes come in many different forms, including fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms, and other situations. In the event of a natural disaster or an emergency, are you prepared to protect your pet?

Unfortunately, most pet owners are unsure of what action they would take if ever faced with such a situation. The American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey reports that many pet owners have thought about a disaster situation, but are unsure what they would do to care for their pet.

A responsible pet owner can plan ahead by taking the following measures:

#1: Prepare a Pet Disaster Travel Kit – The American Red Cross, The Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and FEMA (Department of Homeland Security) all recommend having a disaster travel kit readily available for your pet. Keep a small duffel bag or something as simple as a recycled shopping bag filled with the items listed below in an easily accessible area. Your disaster travel kit should contain essential pet supplies for at least five days, including a small bag of food; portable feeding bowls; bottles of water; collar with ID tags, leash, and/or harness; pet medications; pet toys; garbage bags or doggie waste bags; a small litter box, scoop and cat litter; current photos of your pets; and a list of important phone numbers.

#2: Pet Kennels & Bedding – If you have the time to locate your pet’s bed or a blanket before evacuating your home, make sure to bring them with you to help reduce your pet’s stress and keep them as comfortable as possible. A pet carrier and/or portable kennel is also useful if you have to take shelter at a friend’s home or at a public shelter that allows pets. A carrier or kennel will help shield your pet from strange noise, curious onlookers, and other wandering pets. It will also prevent your pet from becoming skittish and fleeing, potentially separating you in a chaotic situation. Make sure to label your carrier or kennel with your pet’s name, your phone number, and your veterinarian’s phone number.

#3: Locate a Shelter that Accepts Pets – If you have to evacuate to a shelter, it’s important to keep in mind that the American Red Cross and other shelters may not accept pets due to state health and safety regulations. Researching shelters and boarding facilities for your pet now can help you avoid the difficulties of locating a place for your pet to stay during a disaster. Keep a list of local shelters in your pet’s travel kit for easy access.

#4: Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel – Contact hotels outside of your immediate area ahead of time and find out if they have pet-friendly policies and/or restrictions. You might even ask if “no pet” policies can be waived in case of an emergency. Make sure to keep a list with phone numbers of pet-friendly places in your pet’s travel kit.

#5: Reach Out to Family & Friends – Don’t wait until disaster approaches; check to see if friends or relatives outside of your disaster zone would be willing to shelter your pet in the case of an emergency. Preparing for an emergency now can benefit your family later when time is of the essence.

Whether it’s dealing with an emergency situation or routine vet appointments for wellness visits, your NYSUT membership allows you to enroll in pet insurance reimbursement plans from Nationwide. Members receive preferred pricing along with additional discounts when enrolling multiple pets.