Is Your Pet Emergency-Ready?

June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and it’s the perfect time to take steps to ensure your pets are safe and cared for in the event of an emergency. Whether it’s a wildfire, earthquake, flood, power outage, or severe winter storm, having a plan can make all the difference.

If you live in or near Monmouth, Oregon, the most likely emergencies to prepare for include wildfires, high wind events, extreme heat or cold, and earthquakes. While we often focus on preparing our homes and families, it’s just as important to think through what your pets might need during a crisis.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit for your pet should be ready to go at a moment’s notice. It should include:

• At least three days’ worth of food and water (don’t forget bowls)
  

• Medications and copies of medical or vaccination records
  

• A leash, collar with ID tags, and a harness if needed
  

• A crate or carrier labeled with your contact information
  

• Waste bags, litter and pan (for cats), and cleaning supplies
  

• A comfort item like a toy or blanket
  

• Recent photos of you and your pet together (to help with identification if separated)
  

Keep this kit in an accessible location and check it regularly to replace expired items.

Make a Plan

Just like with people, you need to know where your pet can go in an emergency. Plan ahead by identifying pet-friendly evacuation routes, shelters, or hotels. If staying with family or friends is an option, make sure they’re comfortable with animals. Create a list of local boarding facilities, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics that could help during a crisis.

Also, consider how you’d evacuate with multiple pets or animals with special needs. Assign responsibilities to household members in case you're not home when an emergency strikes.

Stay Informed

Sign up for local alerts and warnings through your county or city emergency services. Keep hard copies of important contact numbers (veterinarian, emergency clinics, local animal shelter) in your pet’s emergency kit. It's also wise to keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and nearby shelters that accept animals during evacuations.

Be sure all pets are microchipped and that their ID tags are current. In a chaotic situation, these small steps can greatly increase the chances of being reunited.

Practice Your Plan

Take time to run through your emergency plan with your household. Make sure pets are used to their crate or carrier, and practice loading them quickly and calmly into the car. Small steps like these help reduce stress and ensure a smoother response when time is critical.

Prepared pets are safer pets. Taking these simple actions now can protect your furry family members when it matters most.

Sources:

ready.gov/pets

American Veterinary Medical Association - Disaster Preparedness

ASPCA - Disaster Preparedness