Explainer: Why pet owners should be prepared for emergencies

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From hurricanes to floods to power outages, emergencies can occur at any time; That’s why local officials advise that it’s important to have a plan and kit ready, even for fur babies at home.

The LaSalle Fire Department recently published a post on X.com about keeping animals safe during emergencies: “Include all your pets in your emergency plan and make sure they have their own emergency kit.”

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Emergency Management Ontario recommends that all households develop an evacuation plan and emergency kit that takes into account the needs of children, people with disabilities, the elderly and/or pets.

How do you plan for an emergency?

The county says emergencies can occur due to floods, earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat, nuclear incidents, power outages/blackouts, hurricanes, sinkholes, epidemics and many other hazards or events.

“In case of an emergency, your household may not be together or you may be asked to evacuate your home,” officials said.

“Thinking about what you would do in different situations and making a plan with each member of your family is the first step to being prepared.”

Each plan should include communication methods, evacuation routes, emergency numbers, utility shut-off procedures, access to copies of important documents.

If anyone in the household has medical problems or disabilities, the plan should reflect that, including copies of prescriptions and health care provider contact information.

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How do you keep your pets safe?

Pet safety should be included in any emergency plan.

If evacuation is necessary, Ontario Emergency Management officials say the best option is to take pets with you.

“Pets should not be left behind during evacuation as they may be injured, lost or even killed as a result of the emergency,” officials said.

However, some evacuation centers may not accept pets other than service animals, so check in advance.

Prepare an emergency kit for your pets in advance and bring it with you if evacuation is necessary.

Where can you bring your pets?

It is recommended that pet owners do some research beforehand and review it periodically to make sure it is up to date.

Find a hotel or motel just outside your area that has a pet-in-emergency policy.

Ask friends or relatives if they would shelter animals in an emergency.

Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians that offer shelter and include a 24-hour phone number.

See if local animal shelters can help in an emergency, but consider this as a last resort because animal shelters have limited resources and will be very busy in an emergency, officials advise.

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What should a pet emergency kit include?

Officials recommend:

• food, drinking water, bowls, paper towels and can openers;
• blanket and a small toy;
• sturdy collar/harness;
• cat litter/pan (if necessary) and plastic bags;
• carrier for transporting pets;
• medications and medical records (including vaccinations);
• a current photograph of the animal in case it is lost;
• information about feeding schedules, medical or behavioral issues in case the pet must be boarded;
• current identification tag with your telephone number and your veterinarian’s name/phone number;
• copy of the license (if necessary);
• barrel (if necessary).

Also include a copy of emergency evacuation information locations in the pet kit.

What happens if you are not home when evacuation is required?

Authorities recommend asking a trusted neighbor for help.

Before an emergency, make arrangements with a neighbor to remove your pets in the event of an eviction notice.

The person must have a key to your home and know where the pet emergency kit is located.

It is best if the person is familiar and comfortable with animals and knows where pets may be.

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Have a prearranged place to meet.

How can pets react to emergencies?

Animals become anxious in emergency situations.

If possible, keep your pet in a carrying cage with a familiar blanket to make him feel as safe as possible.

Authorities recommend never leaving your pets with strangers or off leash. Remember that pets can be just as anxious as humans in an emergency situation.

They may exhibit distressing behavior such as biting, running away, and eventually getting lost.

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