How to Save Our Pets During Natural Disasters | Petzlover

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Natural disasters can strike at any time, leaving little room for preparation. While we often think of how to protect ourselves and our families, it's equally important to ensure the safety of our pets during these events. Pets depend on us for their care and well-being, so having a disaster preparedness plan in place for them is crucial. This article outlines common natural disasters, the steps to take for saving your pets and the precautions to consider for their safety.

Common Natural Disasters That Can Affect Pets

  • Earthquakes: These can happen suddenly without much warning and the aftermath may cause structural damage to homes or create hazardous conditions.
  • Floods: Floods can occur due to heavy rain, hurricanes, or other weather patterns and they can displace families and pets from their homes quickly.
  • Hurricanes/Tornadoes: These severe storms bring strong winds, heavy rain and the risk of flooding, all of which can pose dangers to your pets.
  • Wildfires: Fires can spread rapidly and force families to evacuate, putting both humans and animals at risk of smoke inhalation and burns.
  • Extreme Heatwaves: Heatwaves can cause heatstroke, dehydration and other health issues in pets if they are not adequately protected.
  • Blizzards and Snowstorms: In areas prone to snow and extreme cold, pets can suffer from frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related injuries.
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Steps to Take for Saving Your Pets During Natural Disasters

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  1. Create a Pet Emergency Kit
    • Your pet's emergency kit should contain enough food, water and medications to last for at least 72 hours.
    • Include your pet's ID tag, microchip information and any important veterinary records.
    • Pack your pet’s leash, carrier and any comfort items such as toys or bedding to reduce stress.
    • If your pet requires specific medical items (e.g., insulin for diabetic pets), be sure to include these in the kit.
  2. Ensure Identification
    • ID Tags: Make sure your pet has an up-to-date ID tag with your contact information.
    • Microchip: If your pet is not already microchipped, consider getting this done before a disaster. This can significantly increase the chances of being reunited with your pet if you get separated.
    • Photos: Take clear photos of your pets before a disaster so that you can prove ownership in case they go missing.
  3. Evacuation Plans
    • If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, develop an evacuation plan that includes your pets. Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends/family members who can help.
    • Familiarize your pet with their carrier or travel crate well in advance so they can feel safe when it's time to evacuate.
    • Know multiple routes out of your area in case some roads are blocked or inaccessible.
  4. Pet-Friendly Shelters
    • Not all evacuation shelters accept pets, so identify pet-friendly shelters in your area beforehand.
    • If no shelters are available, have a list of boarding facilities, veterinary offices, or hotels that allow pets in your emergency plan.
  5. During a Disaster
    • Stay Inside: If a disaster strikes and you are at home, keep your pets indoors and secure. Close windows and doors to keep them from escaping.
    • Stay Calm: Pets are very sensitive to human emotions. If you remain calm, it will help keep your pets calm as well.
    • Monitor for Hazards: Be aware of potential dangers such as toxic fumes, flooding, or structural damage that can harm your pets.
  6. Evacuating with Pets
    • When it’s time to leave, bring your pets with you. Never leave them behind, as they may become lost, injured, or worse.
    • Keep them on a leash or in their carrier at all times to prevent them from running off in confusion.

Precautions to Protect Your Pets Before, During and After a Disaster

Before a Disaster

  • Update Veterinary Records: Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that they are in good health.
  • Emergency Plan: Involve your pets in your family’s emergency plan. Practice drills to ensure that all family members know what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Safe Space: Designate a safe space in your home where pets can take shelter during a disaster, such as a basement or interior room without windows.

During a Disaster

  • Avoid Panic: Animals can pick up on their owner's stress and may become anxious or frightened during a disaster. Try to stay as calm as possible.
  • Keep Pets Secure: If there is a lot of noise or commotion, keep pets in a room with minimal distractions and noise. Close curtains and blinds to block out the view of any chaos outside.
  • Limit Outdoor Time: If it's safe to do so, keep pets inside during storms, floods, or fires. Only let them outside if absolutely necessary and keep them on a leash.

After a Disaster

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  • Check for Injuries: Once the disaster has passed, check your pets for injuries or signs of stress. If necessary, take them to the vet for a check-up.
  • Provide Comfort: After the chaos subsides, help your pets adjust back to normal by providing comfort, food and water.
  • Check Your Home for Hazards: Disasters may cause debris or hazards in your home that could harm your pets, such as broken glass, chemicals, or downed power lines.
  • Reunification: If you and your pet were separated during a disaster, check local shelters, animal control agencies and online platforms to find your lost pet.

Additional Precautions for Specific Disasters

  • Floods: Make sure your pet stays away from contaminated water. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider investing in flood-proofing your home and creating an evacuation plan that prioritizes quick access to your pets.
  • Wildfires: Keep your pets indoors and create a “go-bag” that includes essential items such as masks to protect from smoke inhalation. If evacuated, make sure they are transported in safe carriers and that they have a supply of clean water.
  • Heatwaves: During extreme heat, avoid taking pets outside during the hottest part of the day. Provide plenty of water and shade and never leave pets in a hot car, even for a short time.

Incidents of Pets in Natural Disasters

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    1. Hurricane Katrina (2005): Natural disasters in U.S. history, Hurricane Katrina displaced over 1,000,000 people and left countless pets stranded. Many families had to leave their pets behind because shelters didn’t accept animals. Pit Bulls, Chihuahuas and Tabby cats were among the most affected, with many rescued in the aftermath by animal rescue teams. Unfortunately, some pets were lost forever because of inadequate disaster preparedness. The incident led to changes in emergency management policies, including a greater emphasis on ensuring pets are included in evacuation and rescue plans.
    2. California Wildfires (2017-2020): The California wildfires of recent years have prompted many pet owners, including those with Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, to quickly evacuate with their animals. Pomeranians and Chihuahuas were also at risk due to their small size, which made them vulnerable to smoke inhalation and heat. Many pet owners had to make difficult decisions, leaving behind livestock or pets that they were unable to evacuate in time. After these events, local shelters and rescue groups have focused on improving pet rescue operations during wildfires.
    3. The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: This disaster tragically affected many pets, particularly Shiba Inus, a breed native to Japan. When the earthquake and tsunami hit, many pets were separated from their families. In the aftermath, numerous rescue efforts were made, including efforts to locate lost pets and reunite them with their owners. The disaster highlighted the importance of having a preparedness plan and emergency kits, especially in regions prone to such events.
    4. Hurricane Harvey (2017): In Texas, German Shepherds, Beagles and Boxers were among the dogs most affected by Hurricane Harvey. With flooding reaching unprecedented levels, many pets were trapped in homes or lost in evacuation chaos. Rescue organizations quickly mobilized to help these animals, with the use of boats and helicopters, saving over 3,000 pets in the process. Pet owners who had emergency evacuation plans and kits were better able to keep their pets safe during the storm.

Conclusion

Preparing for natural disasters is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. By planning ahead, gathering supplies and knowing how to keep your pets safe during times of crisis, you can reduce the risks and help them weather the storm. Take the necessary steps now and you’ll be able to give your pets the protection they deserve when disaster strikes. Remember: being proactive in your planning can save lives.