Pet Care During Disasters
By Megan Muller
The Federal Emergency Management Association has issued some great literature and information on keeping your pets safe during a disaster. They recommend that you create a
pet supply kit
or develop a pet care buddy system.
These are three easy ways to keep your pet friends safe:
- Take a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
- Have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness so your pet can’t escape if panicked.
- Make sure identification tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar.
If you evacuate your home, don’t leave pets behind! You may not be able to find them when you return and they are unlikely to survive on their own.
Need to find a shelter? In Sussex County, Delaware Indian River High School, Milford High School and Sussex Technical High School are pet friendly red cross shelters. In Worcester County, Maryland both Pocomoke High School and Stephen Decatur Middle School are pet friendly shelters.
Be sure to plan in advance for shelter alternatives as some emergency shelters cannot accept animals. Find out which
hotels allow pets
in the area to which you plan to evacuate. You can also contact family or friends outside of your area who may be willing to host your pet.
Thanks for reading. If you have a fabulous pet story, please do share below in our comments. We love reading good stories!
