If you live in Washington, you’re aware of the risk of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides, fires, and major storms. Washington experiences more than 1,000 earthquakes each year. If you have pets, you must factor their safety into your household’s emergency evacuation plan. Here is your guide to disaster and evacuation planning for your pets in Seattle, WA.
Create an Evacuation Plan and Make Contingencies if You Are Not Home
Create an emergency evacuation plan for your pets, including how you will get them out of your home and to safety if an evacuation order is issued or a natural disaster occurs. Research nearby pet-friendly shelters and hotels or talk to friends and family about taking you and your pets if you need to evacuate. You should also make contingencies for your pets’ care if you are not home when a disaster or evacuation order occurs. Make sure a neighbor, friend, or family member can safely evacuate your pets for you or find a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility that is outside the evacuation zone.
Make Sure Your Pet’s Identification Documents and License Are Up to Date
Next, make sure your pet’s license and identification documents are up to date. Update your address and contact information, including emergency contact information, with your county licensing agency, veterinarian, and microchip company. Make sure your pet’s ID tag has the right contact information.
Put Together a Pet Emergency Kit
Put together a pet emergency kit and a first aid kit. It should contain your pet’s food, medications, toys, bedding, and a leash and collar. Make copies of your pet’s medical records and identification documents and put them in a fire- and water-proof bag. Include a pet first aid kit with bandages, gauze, antibacterial ointment, tape, scissors, and more.
Practice Your Evacuation Plan
You should also practice your evacuation plan. This will help your pet get used to the procedures and help you identify potential problems or delays that will impact your safe evacuation. Help your pet get used to being transported in a pet carrier, and make sure you know how to get from your home to your vehicle as safely and quickly as possible. Identify all possible evacuation routes, using information from city or county agencies to help you plan.
Make an Appointment with Your Veterinarian
Finally, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Ask for a physical examination and check-up so that you have a complete understanding of your pet’s health. Make sure they are up to date on all vaccinations and preventive care. Get advice on what to include in a pet emergency kit or first aid kit, and recommendations for shelters, veterinary care, and emergency veterinary hospitals outside your evacuation zone. At Emerald City Emergency Clinic, we offer 24/7 emergency and veterinary services in Seattle, WA. Call now to let us know you’re coming in for a pet emergency.