I thought I would take a moment and write about planning for your dog’s future.  It is important to have a plan in the event you have to evacuate your home due to a natural disaster or if you are going to be unable to care for your pet for any reason.  I looked to the ASPCA, a local veterinarian and a pet trust professional.

Every area of our country has a "season" in which there is a risk of having to evacuate your home.  Having a predefined game plan on for you and your pet will help ease some of the stress you'll experience at this time.  

The first step is to evaluate what safe havens you need.  This includes any havens outside your home so you can ensure you can bring your dog with you.  This will include researching different hotels that accept dogs.  Not all shelters will accept pets so knowing where to go is going to be very important.  Your local veterinarian may have a list to share with you.  Family and friends outside your residential area will also be a great resource to tap into if possible. 

Next you want to have a “bugout bag”.  According to the ASPCA the bag should contain the following items:

• Medications
• Pet first-aid kit and guidebook (ask your vet what to include)
• 3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless)
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
• Food and water bowls
• Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
• Photocopies and/or USB of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires
• At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and dog (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
• A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each dog
• Wee pads to line the carrier and to use elsewhere when needed
• Flashlight
• Blanket
• Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
• Humans will need to have batteries, duct tape, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, phone chargers, emergency radio, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

Store your bugout bag in a place where you will remember it easily!  Maybe near a door or in the garage where it is easily visible.  I know a few parents whose care is always prepared.  Do what works best for you; mine is in the garage.

It is important to make sure your dog has his/her tags on and if they have been chipped, make sure the chip is working properly. 

*Download, print and share FEMA’s brochure today.

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