We're each responsible for our safety & survival, during the first 72 hours of an emergency. Responsibility for the safety of our PETS ultimately rests with pet owners as well, for the entire duration of a crisis. Police, firefighters & paramedics are generally not trained to assist pets in these situations. It's not to say they won't...but they may simply not have the time or resources to do so, under the circumstances.  Now that you know, here are some practical tips, to best prepare ALL family members:

Develop a family emergency response plan: Set a primary & alternate meeting point away from home, in case of evacuation.  List emergency phone numbers, where all family members can easily find them (including the name and number of your veterinarian).  Then put together a family emergency survival kit.

Test the plan regularly (ideally twice-a-year) with all family members, including pets:  Prepare your animals for a potential evacuation by putting them in individual carriers, in a quick and calm manner. Simulate a real emergency environment and conduct your drill at night to allow pets to become accustomed to the chaos, uncertainty and disruption.

Create a pet emergency survival kit:  Keep your pet’s kit with your family’s emergency survival kit for quick & easy access (preferably on the top shelf of a closet near your front door, away from the reach of small children)

Recommended items for your 72-hour PET Emergency Survival Kit, include:

• 72 hour food & water supply, with bowls and a can opener
• Blankets & Towels
• Leash, muzzle, harness & Toys
• Litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper
• Pet carrier to allow for easy transport
• Medical records, Veterinarian’s name and contact number
• Medications and a pet first aid kit
• Current photo of your pet along with their name, address and brief description
• Information on your pets feeding schedule, temperament/behavior, medical concerns
• ID tags and Micro chip number; Flashlight
• List of local boarding facilities, hotels that can accommodate pets

To Recap: Check your kit twice a year; updating it as necessary. Ensure there's always fresh food/water & medication and restock any items that may have been used from it.  Remember your ability to care for your pet during a time of emergency will depend on how well you have prepared for it. Take the time to create a Pet Emergency Survival Kit.  It may very well save their life one day.  And in return, they may do the same for you! Whether you own dogs or cats, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, amphibians or other small animals, click here to download your Emergency Checklist