How to Protect Your Pets During Storms

November 29, 2019

Author: John Woods

How to Protect Your Pets During Storms

Disaster can strike at any time, if a storm were to happen within the next hour, would you know how to look after your pets, and are you prepared for the worst outcome?

A recent survey found that 91% of pet owners are not prepared for the next natural disaster. Do you have an emergency pet kit packed, if not, would you know what items to pack and do you even have them?

We’re going to take you through five of the best tips to protect your pets during a storm.

Preparation Tips

Tip #1: Prepare an Emergency Pet Kit

Your kit will need to include a plan which is simple and straight forward, and that can be carried out quickly and safely. Think about how you’ll leave the area, where you might go to, and have your plan written down so you can refer to it easily.

Other things you’ll need to include in your emergency kit are:

Food and water for both you and your pet
Your pet’s medical records and any prescriptions they need
A pet carrier
A litter box
Plastic poop bags
A leash
Some toys
A first aid kit.

Make sure you put the kit somewhere which is easily accessible.

Tip #2: Ensure Your Pets are Microchipped

This is a precautionary measure, just in case your dog goes missing during the storm. The ASPCA recommends that pets are microchipped as this is a more permanent form of identification, just in case their collar or ID tag falls off.

You’ll need to remember to keep the information on the microchip database up to date; especially their name and address. If you move house, or change your phone number, let the company know.

Tip #3: Keep Up to Date with Vaccinations

You should be keeping up to date with your pet’s vaccinations anyway, but it’s even more important that your pet is fully vaccinated during or in the aftermath of a storm.

There are likely to be more wild animals out in the open than usual, so you pet might come into contact with rabies or other diseases. There also might be bacteria in puddles or flood waters which have built up.

Tip #4: Follow Evacuation Warnings

Make sure you listen to the news. If you are told to evacuate, it is really important that you listen and leave immediately. This includes bringing your pets with you.

Make sure you have your emergency pet kit with you, and head to the nearest evacuation shelter which accepts animals.

Your pet will likely be stressed due to the change in their routine, so try to remember this! They might try to run away, or become nervous or skittish. Training them to feel comfortable in their carrier prior to any storms or natural disasters is a great idea.

It can reduce the risk of injuries, keep them safe, and make it a lot easier to get to where you need to be with the peace of mind that your pet is safe.

Tip #5: Stay Indoors

If there haven’t been any evacuations issued for your area, you’ll need to stay inside until the storm passes.

For most pets, this won’t be much different to their usual routine and they will feel comfortable in their own surroundings.

Things that you do need to take into consideration, are whether you have enough food to last for the duration of the storm, and what you will use as a toilet for your pet?

A popular choice would be to use puppy training pads, or a cat litter tray.

Being prepared for this situation is the best course of action in protecting your pets during a storm.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

― Benjamin Franklin