Concord Animal Hospital’s Emergency Preparations

​Hurricane season in New England lasts from June to the end of November, but emergencies also come in less predictable forms throughout the year, such as house fires and tornadoes. When disaster strikes, your pets are almost completely dependent on you to survive.
Follow Concord Animal Hospital's 5-point emergency checklist to keep your pets safe during an emergency.

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1. ID & microchip your pets. Your pets should always wear identifications tags with your contact information on their collars or harnesses. If you haven't already, ask your vet to implant a microchip, a safe and effective way for good Samaritans to return your lost pets to you. Read our blog on microchipping your pet to learn more. 
   • Keep your contact information updated on ID tags and with microchip manufacturers - these methods don't work if someone can't contact you when they've found your pet!
2. Rescue alert sticker. Place a rescue alert sticker somewhere rescue workers can easily see it, such as on or near your front door. Your sticker should include the types and numbers of pets in your home. If you evacuate with your pets and time and safety allow, write “evacuated” on the sticker. You can order a sticker free from the ASPCA. 
3. Know where to go. "If at all possible, don't leave your pets behind when you evacuate - if it's not safe for you, it isn't safe for your pet." says Dr. Wilson. Identify which emergency shelters will take pets (not all do), hotels in safe areas that are pet friendly (try a pet travel website such as petfriendlytravel.com) or friends and family outside of any evacuation area that would take in your pet.
   • If you can't take your pet with you, don't tie them up in the yard or crate them in the house as this can lead to death from drowning or exposure. Allow your pets to move to safer areas of your home if one section of your home floods or otherwise becomes unsafe.
4. Travel safely. Keep a pet carrier labelled with your pet’s name and your name and contact information, a leash and/or carrier near an exit as well as proper equipment for your pet to ride in the car such as a carrier, harness or pet seat belt.
5. Emergency supplies. Put together an emergency kit for your pet. Consider adding the following to your kit:
   • Food & water – 3 days minimum supply specifically for your pets 
   • Medicines
   • Medical and vaccination records, registration information and adoption papers
   • Collar or harness with ID tags, rabies tag and a leash
   • Pet carrier lined with bedding
   • Litter box and box liner (litter, newspaper, etc.)
   • A picture of you and your pet together labelled with the species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics in case you are separated
   • Favorite toys, treats and bedding to help reduce stress for your pet
   • Dr. McCullough reminds owners of pocket pets to “keep the little guys in mind! In addition to food and water, pack a week’s worth of bedding, a salt lick and a tube or hidebox. Keep them warm and dry and consider covering their cage or crate with a towel to reduce stress as much as you're able."

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