I wrote about some basic emergency preparedness a few days ago, but today I want to talk about something that may impact a lot of our clients: emergency preparedness when they have pets. This can be a difficult topic for older adults because their pets are their family members and they want them to be safe.
Accommodations
One thing that people with pets struggle with when it comes to evacuating. A lot of shelters don’t accept pets. So in your preparations, you should look into if any of the shelters near you would take pets. You can also research hotels that usually take pets that would be on any evacuation routes. Another thing you could do is find a family member or friend who you can stay with in safety. This way you know you’ll have some place that you can go.
Have a “Go Bag” for Your Pets
It’s a good idea to keep a small bag with some basic pet essentials at the ready if you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Things like extra food, litter, poop bags, etc., can be helpful. It can be handy to keep your pet’s vaccination records in that bag, as well. If your pet needs medication, talk to your vet about a backup supply. Also, if you are caught in a snowstorm, make sure you have pet-safe salt ready.
That’s what to keep in mind to keep your pets safe with you during an emergency! I hope this is a little helpful. Leave a comment down below with your favorite tip and I will see you next time on the blog!
Written by Brigid Stakelum
