Pet Safety Preparedness

Tails on Trails is happy to provide the best pet care in the area to our clients. But, sometimes things are out of even our capable hands.

September is National Preparedness Month and we’d like you to think a little bit about getting things in place in the event of an emergency.

We all know Maryland has seen it’s fair sure of natural disasters, from earthquakes to hurricanes.

So we’d like to ask you…In the event of a natural disaster, are you prepared to provide care for your pet?

It’s not the most pleasant thing to think about, but it is something that needs to be prepared for.

There are some very simple first steps you can take:

1) Make sure that your pet has an ID. Everyone is always sure that their pet won’t need it, but in the event of any time of emergency, it is always best to have a name tag with your number on your pet. It is the absolute quickest way to get your dog back to you.

2) Get a Rescue Alert Sticker. Make sure that the sticker has the number of pets in your home as well as your Veterinarian’s information. This will be very useful if there is ever an emergency and your pet needs to be taken to the veterinarian when you’re not there.

3) Establish a safe haven. Arrange ahead of time for a place not within the immediate area that is safe for you and your pets. When push comes to shove, the last thing you want to have to do is leave your pets behind to face the emergency alone. Find a pet friendly hotel or a friend who would be willing to take you all in.

4) Create an Emergency Kit. A good kit should contain food, water, medication, pet records, pet waste supplies (litter, bags), leashes, harnesses, pictures of your pet, and anything else that your pet might need if suddenly evacuated from your house.

5) Find a safe room. Within your house find a safe space that will protect you and your pets from broken windows, flying debris, and whatever other hazards might arise.

For more information on being prepared for you and your pet, check out these resources:

FEMA

Red Cross

The Humane Society

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals