Idaho is lucky in the sense that we don’t have to deal with hurricanes, tropical storms, or Midwest-sized tornados, but we do have our share of natural disasters. Think house fires, forest fires, and snowstorms.
Even with the limited dangers here in the Treasure Valley, it’s important to have an emergency plan in place for you, your family, and your pets. To prepare for disasters and emergencies, follow the below steps.
Have a Plan in Place
- Make an evacuation plan for your family that includes your pet. Compile a list of places you can stay that allow pets, like friends’ houses and hotels.
- Get your pet microchipped and verify that the information associated with that chip is up to date. Check your pet’s chip number on the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) website. Their website will tell you who the chip is registered with and a website to check the information.
- Use a buddy system. Make a plan with your friends, family, and neighbors. Let everyone know where you will go in the event of a disaster, how to contact you, and what to do if you can’t get your pet out, so they know how to help you.
- Know your safe space. Once you and your family have gotten safely away from the disaster, know the places closest to you that allow pets.
- Make sure your pet is current on all their vaccinations. The last thing you’ll want to deal with is a sick pet while navigating a disaster.
Build a Disaster Kit for Your Pet
- Food and water — Dry food is the easiest and will last the longest.
- Medicine and a pet first aid kit (this includes sedatives).
- Comfort items — Yes, your fur baby will appreciate having a familiar toy around during tense situations.
- Pictures. Pack a current photo of your pet and try to include any unique markings your pet may have. Also, pack a picture of your family with your dog to help prove ownership if a private individual finds your pet.
Most of us Idahoans will, thankfully, live our entire lives without dealing with a major natural disaster. But that does not lessen the need for you, your family, and your pet to have a natural disaster plan in place. Remember, if a situation is too dangerous for you and your family, it’s too dangerous for your pet.
This might be misleading…no tornadoes like the midwest have, but we still have little ones occasionally…maybe reword to say “hurricanes, tropical storms, or midwest-sized tornadoes”?
