TRUCKEE
September is National Preparedness Month, and this year’s national theme, Americans Stand Ready, is a reminder that every member of the household, pets included, needs a plan for wildfires, severe storms, power outages, and other emergencies that can strike with little warning. The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) is using the month to urge local pet owners to build, or update, a pet-specific emergency plan.
“Wildfires and other emergencies can happen with little or no warning, and pets don’t get a vote in when we decide to prepare,” said Erin Ellis, community engagement director with HSTT. “National Preparedness Month is the perfect nudge to make sure every animal in the house, not just the dog and cat, is part of the plan.”
If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. When evacuation orders are issued, pet owners should take all of their animals with them and should not assume they will be able to return home quickly.
Before an emergency happens, pet owners should identify several safe locations where their animals can stay. They can contact a veterinarian about boarding options, look into pet-friendly hotels outside the immediate area, or ask friends or family about temporary care. Cat carriers and dog crates should be kept readily accessible, and evacuation routes should be identified in advance.
Local shelters should be a last resort for pets, since shelters can fill up quickly and have limited space. Affordable pet carriers and crates are available at HSTT’s Thrifty Tails Boutique.
Every household should keep a pet-specific emergency kit ready to go at a moment’s notice, with enough supplies on hand to last through an extended evacuation.
A complete kit should include:
- Pet food and bottled water
- Food and water bowls
- Medications, first-aid supplies, and copies of prescriptions
- Current veterinary and vaccination records
- Collars, identification tags, harnesses, and extra leashes
- Secure carriers, crates, or travel cages
- Litter, litter trays, and a scoop for cats
- Flea and tick prevention products
- Bedding, blankets, and familiar comfort items
- Toys and treats
- Cleaning supplies and waste bags
- Recent photos of every pet in case owners become separated from them
- A list of emergency contacts, veterinarians, and pet-friendly evacuation locations, kept in a waterproof container
For birds, fish. and other small animals, kits should include appropriate carriers, tanks or bowls, bedding, food, water bottles, and other species-specific supplies. Reptiles may require secure housing and a way to maintain appropriate warmth.
For additional pet preparedness resources, dog licensing information, and community services, visit hstt.org.
~ HSTT press release
