It has been ten months since hurricane Harvey hit Houston. I remember gathering our three dogs, leashes, their medications and ensured all of them were wearing their collars with respective names and phone number. We could hear the helicopters hovering over our neighborhood. Unfortunately, the level of the water was too high at that point, and driving would have been a big mistake. We both knew that no matter what, we would stay with our dogs. This may sound a poor decision to someone that has never had a pet, but to us, Stanley, Albert, and Emma are not pets, they are family. This year we are preparing early. Below I share some essential things you should get done NOW to protect your animal companions.
🐾 If your pet is not microchipped, NOW, is the time to get it done. If your pet is microchipped, but you have not enrolled or registered, your pet is not adequately protected! Various companies provide different services.www.homeagain.com was the company our veterinarian recommended. When you register the microchip ID number, it will be permanently recorded in the HomeAgain National Pet Recovery Database, along with your contact information. Therefore, it is vital that you always keep your contact information up to date. Also, it is essential to include information for emergency contact (relative or friend) outside of your immediate area.
🐾 Ensure your pet has a collar with an up-to-date tag indicating the name of the pet, your mobile number or vet’s number. Include rabies tag if you have it. I prefer the collars with the name and phone number embroidered.
🐾 Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations. You will be required to show proof of these vaccinations at shelters or boarding facilities. It is a good idea to keep a digital and hard copy available.
🐾 If you need to evacuate, you should plan to leave with your pets. Remember that if it’s not safe for you, most likely it’s not safe for your dog either. Assuming that you are taking your dog(s) with you will need to find pet-friendly hotels along with your evacuation route. GoPetFriendly.com and BringFido.com are resources you can use to find pet-friendly hotels.
Below is a list of essential items you should pack if evacuating with your dog. To ensure that you are ready when needed, I suggest you make your “Dog emergency bag” now.
🐾 Folding Metal Crate or pet carrier
🐾 Bag or backpack to keep all your dog items together. This will be your “Dog emergency bag.”
🐾 A leash
🐾 Harness. Petsafe Deluxe Easy Walk Harness is durable and ideal for dogs that like to pull
🐾 Treats
🐾 Newspaper or puppy pads
🐾 LED Dog Light Collar Safety Necklace. With this LED collar, your pet will be visible to you and others during nighttime.
🐾 Emergency kit. This kit should be good for the whole family, and it should have the essentials for unexpected major emergencies, natural weather disasters, and survival situations
🐾 Paper towels
🐾 Plastic trash bags
🐾 Household chlorine wipes
🐾 A familiar toy or blanket to help reduce the stress
🐾 Pet food: At least two-week supply in an airtight, waterproof container
🐾 Water: At least two-week of water for your pets
🐾 Pet’s medications (may include: flea and tick prevention)
🐾 Medical records –vaccine records including rabies license and tags. Keep them in a waterproof plastic bag
🐾 Keep a recent photo of you and your dog for identification purposes and to document ownership
🐾 List of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities and shelters with maps with evacuation routes
We would love to hear about your experience preparing your Dog Emergency Bag. If you have suggestions of other items that you think should be included, please let me know.
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