Our pets are everything to us. They’re a part of the family. When disaster strikes, we need to be as prepared for them as we are for ourselves. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know what to pack for pets if they need to evacuate their homes in cases of emergency.
Pet emergency kits should contain supplies for three days if you’re planning to evacuate on foot, and supplies for one week if you’ll be evacuating by car or sheltering-in-place. Here’s a DIY supply list of must-have items for your kit.
These supplies should be restocked with fresh food and medications every three to six months. While the above supplies are necessities, the greatest benefit of building your own kit is that you can tailor it to your pets’ particular needs. For example, a doggy life jacket, rain jackets, booties, and anxiety solutions can also be useful additions to a pet emergency bag.
If you’re more BUY than DIY, you’re in luck. Many websites catering to pets have emergency kits for you to purchase. You can even find an array of choices on Amazon.com. This option also gives you a backup of supplies so you aren’t reaching into your emergency kit for items you use every day.
Lastly (and most important!) if there are any changes to your address or phone number, immediately update your pet’s microchip. This information becomes vital if you are separated for any reason. Also, your pet’s vaccination records and county registration should be up-to-date. Should you need to stay at a shelter or hotel, these items will be required documentation upon check in.
ALE Solutions seeks out pet-friendly housing options for displaced policyholders and their pets. To learn more about our temporary housing solutions, visit us here.
