Have a Plan for Your Pets if Disaster Strikes

Earthquakes, tsunamis, fires. In Lake Forest, only that second natural disaster is unlikely to affect us one of these days. Because we live in an area where wonderful weather is balanced by the possibility of big-time natural catastrophes, it’s smart to be prepared. And as a pet owner, being prepared means thinking about dogs, cats and other pets when outfitting an emergency kit or making evacuation plans.

Begin with a first-aid kit. In addition to the usual bandages, scissors, tweezers and antibiotic ointment that can be used by the whole family, it should include a pet first-aid manual and any medications your pet requires, along with an explanation of the proper dosage and a copy of the prescription in case you have to get it filled in a different city or state.

It’s also a good idea to keep your pet’s veterinary records easily accessible. You may need proof of vaccinations or other health care before your pet is allowed in a shelter, hotel or boarding kennel. In the same place, keep your veterinarian’s name, address and phone number, and make a note of veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, animal rescue organizations and pet-friendly hotels in the area you might go to if you had to evacuate. If they have 24-hour emergency numbers, keep them on hand for quick reference. Use one of those cute pet “baby” books to store this type of information and paperwork.

Set aside a supply of your pet’s food. You should have enough to last at least three days or even as long as two weeks. Replace the food periodically so the emergency supply is always fresh. Be sure you have enough bottled water for everyone, too. Disasters can affect the water supply, making it unavailable or unfit to drink. Store at least one gallon of water per person and pet per day.

Be sure your pet always wears a collar with identification tags that list your cell phone as well as your home phone number. This will make it easier to find or reclaim your pet if he gets lost in all the commotion or is left behind because you can’t find him. To avoid the latter situation, teach all pets, including cats, to come when called.

Take your pet with you if you must evacuate. Going back to get him isn’t always an option, especially in the case of fire. Keep a pet carrier handy. If you must evacuate and go to a shelter or stay in a hotel, a carrier will make it easier to take your pet along.

In the past, emergency shelters did not permit pets, but these days more of them have pet-friendly areas or can help pet owners find housing that will welcome their four-footed, furry or feathered family members. In the event that a shelter doesn’t allow pets, you may be able to keep your animals in your car and go out and care for them as needed, assuming the weather isn’t too hot. If that’s not an option, have an alternate plan ready. You may be able to board your pet at a veterinary hospital or boarding kennel.

Don’t assume that your pet won’t be allowed at a hotel. Many hotels waive no-pets policies or pet weight limits in times of disaster. It never hurts to ask.

Make a pact with pet-loving friends or neighbors that you will care for or evacuate each other’s pets in the event that one family isn’t home when disaster strikes. Exchange keys and have a plan for communicating that a pet is safe or being cared for. Text messages, Twitter, Facebook or other social media are great ways to do this.

It takes only a few minutes to prepare an emergency kit and devise an evacuation plan, but having one available can save you hours of worry and care. Even if disaster never strikes, you’ll feel better knowing that you and your pets are prepared.

Upcoming Lake Forest pet events: Learn pet first aid and CPR from certified instructors at a free class on Tuesday, March 29, at El Toro Library, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up, e-mail melora@folfa.org. Limited seating.

Help Friends of Lake Forest Animals raise money by donating unwanted items for the FOLFA garage sale on Saturday, April 2, at 22122 Windward in Lake Forest. For more information or to volunteer, e-mail Allison@folfa.org.