Prepare for Emergencies with Your Pets

When disaster strikes, it’s not just humans who need a plan — our pets do, too. The best way to keep everyone safe and calm during an emergency is to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re facing severe weather, an evacuation, or other emergencies, a little preparation can make a big difference for both you and your pets.

💡 Think Ahead Before an Emergency Happens

The time to plan is now, not in the middle of a crisis. Having a plan in place can reduce stress for you and your pets. Consider:

• Where will you shelter or how will you evacuate?

• Will all of your pets fit in the same space, or will you need multiple shelter options?

• How will you handle transportation if your pets don’t all get along?

Put together an emergency go bag and make sure everything you need is easy to find when time is critical.

🧳 Make an Emergency Go Bag

When every second counts, your go bag should be ready to grab and go. By gathering essential supplies ahead of time, you can focus on getting to safety.

Your Emergency Go Bag should include:

• First Aid Kit

• Essential medications

• Treats

• Toys and games

• Food and water

• Leashes

Keep your go bag in a place that’s easy to access quickly.

🏡 Taking Shelter or Evacuating

Every household is different, and so are your pets’ needs. Ask yourself:

• Will your pets fit in your shelter area or vehicle?

• Do they get along, or will they need to be separated?

• How do they handle stressful situations?

• Do any of your pets need anxiety or medical support during emergencies?

Preparing for these details now can prevent dangerous situations later.

🐶 Other Important Things to Consider

Not everything fits in a go bag — but these steps can make a huge difference:

• Crates to contain or separate pets if needed

• Collars with phone numbers and updated tags

• Bells on collars to help locate pets in a collapse

• Write your phone number on your pet with a sharpie (as a backup)

• Keep microchip information up to date

And if your pet doesn’t have a microchip yet — now’s the time to get one.

🐾 You and Your Pets Matter

Emergencies are unpredictable, but your preparedness can save lives. Creating a plan and assembling a go bag ensures your pets stay as safe and secure as possible — no matter what comes your way.

Please visit http://wacoanimalguide.com for more resources.