Prepare For Any Disaster With Your Dog In Mind

Disaster Preparedness - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 14:11

Some disasters strike with warning but most are without so it is imperative that you are prepared.  In the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster being prepared could mean a matter of life and death for you and your dog.  In addition to having designated meeting places and plans for people you need to keep your dog in mind.

Know Who Is In Charge
In the event of a natural disaster you need to know ahead of time who will do what.  Pick a designated member of the family to be in charge of the dog.  This should be the person who is closes to home or walks the dog during the day so that one person goes to get the dog and there is no confusion.  It is easy to get confused and think another family member got the dog and no one has.  Having one person will keep your dog from getting left behind.

Microchip
Have your dog micro-chipped and have two numbers on their tag in case something happens to one person.  It is always good to have a number of an out of the area friend or family member so someone will know about the dogs whereabouts and can give whoever finds the dog the names of the local vet or designated location to take the dog if needed.

Think Ahead
If you live in an area that has the potential to be evacuated with a natural disaster try to have a few hotels that are dog friendly picked out in a few cities that are within driving distance.  In the event of an evacuation you will know that these hotels are there and will accept your dog.

Disaster Kit
Have a disaster kit ready and accessible at all times.  Include the following plus anything you think your dog may need.

Your dogs papers, photos and medication
A week of dog food - canned lasts a bit longer
Can opener
Bowls
Extra collar and leash
Stake to tie dog to if you  need to
Toys  and chewies
Week of bottled water
Extra bags
Paper towels
Disinfectant
Newspapers or pottypads
Carrier or crate

Identify You Have A Dog
Having stickers on windows of the house and car will help in the event someone needs to rescue your dog.  Try to have a sign ready in the event you need to leave it in the front yard alerting authorities of your dog inside.

Leaving A Dog Behind
We know you don't want to but sometimes in a serious disaster there is no choice and it would be better for you to leave and come back for them then for neither of you to make it. If you have to evacuate without your dog,  leave your dog in the safest part of the house, be it a basement or an attic depending on the emergency and make sure there is nothing that can fall on them or hurt them.  Leave them with plenty of water and food and put a big sign on your house saying there is a dog trapped inside.

Tell everyone of the plan.
Make sure everyone in the family knows the plan and where to go.  The designated person should know exactly what they are expected to do in the event of an emergency.  Planning ahead will insure everyone including your dog makes it out ok.

If you have lost your dog in an emergency or disaster please read our article on finding a dog after a disaster.