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From tornadoes to flooding and power blackouts, emergency situations can arise at any time, so local authorities advise it’s important to have a plan and a kit prepared — even for the fur babies in a household.
The LaSalle Fire Service recently posted on X.com about keeping animals safe during emergencies: “Include all of your pets in your emergency plan & make sure they have their own emergency kits.”
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Emergency Management Ontario recommends all households develop an evacuation plan and emergency kit that includes attention to the needs of children, people with disabilities, seniors and/or pets.
How do you plan for an emergency?
The provincial organization says emergency situations can arise due to a number of hazards or events, including flooding, earthquake, forest fire, extreme heat, nuclear incident, power outage/blackout, tornado, sinkhole, pandemic and more.
“In 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 every member of your household is the first step to being prepared.”
Every plan should include communication methods, evacuation routes, emergency numbers, procedures for utility shut-offs, access to copies of important documents.
If anyone in the household has medical conditions or disabilities, the plan should reflect this — 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 planning.
If an evacuation is necessary, Emergency Management Ontario officials say the best option is to take any pets with you.
“Pets should not be left behind during an evacuation, as they may be injured, lost or even killed as a result of the emergency,” officials said.
However, some evacuation centres may not accept pets — with the exception of service animals — so check ahead.
Prepare an emergency kit for your pets ahead of time and bring it if an evacuation is necessary.
Where can you bring your pets?
It’s recommended pet owners do some research in advance and review it periodically to ensure it’s up to date.
Find a hotel or motel outside the immediate area where you live that has a policy of accepting pets during an emergency.
Ask friends or relatives if they would shelter the animals during 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 could help in an emergency, but consider this a last resort, officials said, because animal shelters have limited resources and would be very busy during an emergency situation.
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What should a pet emergency kit include?
Officials recommend the following:
- food, potable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener;
- blanket and a small toy;
- sturdy leash/harness;
- cat litter/pan (if required) and plastic bags;
- carrier for transporting pets;
- medications and medical records (including vaccinations);
- a current photo of the animal in case it gets lost;
- information on feeding schedules, medical or behavioural problems in case the pet needs to be boarded;
- up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian;
- copy of licence (if required);
- muzzle (if required).
Also include a copy of the emergency evacuation information locations within the pet kit.
What if you’re not home when an evacuation is needed?
Officials recommend asking a trusted neighbour to help.
In advance of an emergency, make arrangements with a neighbour to remove your pets in the event of an evacuation notice.
The individual should have a key to your home and know where the pet emergency kit is located.
It’s best if the person is familiar and comfortable with the animals and knows where the pets are likely to be.
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Have a pre-arranged location to meet.
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How may pets react to emergency situations?
Animals get anxious during emergencies.
If possible, keep your pet in a carrying cage with a familiar blanket to keep it feeling as secure as possible.
Don’t leave pets alone, with strangers or without a leash at any time, officials advise. And remember, during an emergency, pets may be just as anxious as people.
They may behave in a distressed manner, including biting or running away and ending up lost.
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