PETS
AFTER A SUMMER OF epically terrible storms and wildfires, many of us are probably a little more on edge than usual. And the feeling is statistically justified: According to the American Red Cross, everyone in the United States is at risk of experiencing at least one natural disaster at any given time. That includes—but is not limited to—fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and extreme heat and cold. The climate crisis is increasing both the frequency and severity of these events, warns Jennifer Pipa, vice president of disaster services for the American Red Cross. “It’s critically important for families to prepare for hazards that could impact their communities,” she says, adding that pets should be part of your plan. (They’re members of the fam, after all!) Here’s how you can keep your animal safe from whatever Mother Nature hurls your way.
Keep Their ID on Them
Every cat and dog needs a collar with an ID tag. (Yes, even inside kitties—in case they slip out of the house.) Collars should be tight enough that no more than two fingers can fit underneath. And your cellphone number should be legible on the tag. Also: Make sure your pet is microchipped and your contact info is up to date. Whenever animals are found, they’re scanned right away, says Beth Gammie, director of field services for RedRover, a nonprofit that rescues pets during and after disasters. “Emergency shelters, animal control, vet offices—they all have scanners, and microchipping is the thing that will get your pet back to you.”
Know Where You’ll Go
Be warned, should you need to evacuate, not all emergency shelters accept animals. Search for pet-friendly places on the American Red Cross Pet First Aid app (free; iOS and Android), or look for hotels at bringfido.com and petfriendlytravel.com. Of course, you can’t predict where disasters will come from or which roads will be open, says Deborah Mandell, VMD, professor of clinical emergency and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. And that makes it hard to plan. “So it’s a good idea to have a bunch of options in different directions.”
Help Others Help You
Let’s say you get stranded at work or in your car or anywhere your pet isn’t. Your plan should include a trusted neighbor who can help out until you make it home. Give someone a house key, and tell them where your pet tends to hide when they’re scared and where you keep their food, Mandell advises. While you’re at it, put a sticker on a front-facing window or door that tells rescuers how many animals to look for in the event of a fire. You can order one for free from the ASPCA at aspca.org.
Make sure your pet is microchipped and your contact info is up to date.
Pack a Bag
What belongs in a go bag for a pet? At least a few days’ worth of food and water, plus collapsible bowls, a water-resistant zip-top bag with copies of medical records and proof of vaccinations (you may need them for lodging or if your pet gets sick), a collar with tags (as a backup in case the usual one falls off), and bathroom supplies, like poop bags and litter. Foil roasting pans work well as disposable litter trays. Before you head for safer ground, take a minute to pack any medications your pet needs. “And if you’re able to fit a favorite toy or blanket, that can be a big comfort to them,” Mandell says.
Have a Carrier Ready
Even if Beowoof is the biggest boy of all time, you’ll need a crate for him. It should give your pet enough room to stand up and turn around, “because they might be in there for hours or even days,” Gammie says. (Get a collapsible one to save space when not in use.) No worries if the crate is too large to carry your dog around in—it’ll still come in handy. “You’re much more likely to talk a hotel manager into letting you bring your dog if you can crate them in the room,” Gammie explains. If your cat turns into a scaredy-cat when the crate appears, try leaving it out during normal times so it becomes more familiar. You can also run practice drills, Mandell suggests. Practice and prepare. And again, hope for the best.
Photograph by Ted Cavanaugh; PROP STYLING BY MARINA BEVILACQUA