When Disaster Strikes: A Pet Owner's Evacuation Nightmare
November 11, 2024

When Disaster Strikes: A Pet Owner's Evacuation Nightmare

"Daddy, Cooper's breathing funny," Emma whispered, watching their elderly Golden Retriever pace anxiously in the backseat. Their German Shepherd Luna whined softly, picking up on everyone's distress as Mike made what felt like the hundredth phone call from the gas station parking lot.

The hurricane evacuation order had come just hours ago, it’s getting dark, and every pet-friendly hotel within 200 miles was booked solid or would only accept small animals. Their aunt had offered to take in the family, but also has severe pet allergies, "Maybe the dogs could stay somewhere else?"

Cooper and Luna weren't just pets – they were family. These dogs had been there for every nightmare, every scraped knee, every celebration. Cooper's evening heart medication was overdue, and Mike caught his wife Sarah's worried glance. The prescription was sitting back home on the kitchen counter, forgotten in their panicked rush to leave. Tyler's small voice broke the tense silence: "What are we gonna do Dad? Is he going to be ok?"

His phone buzzed with another "sorry, no vacancies." The closest pet-friendly emergency shelter was three hours away, and they were only accepting pets with up-to-date vaccination records – which were sitting in a folder in his home office desk. "We'll figure this out," Mike promised his family, watching all four of his children – two human, two canine – huddled together in the backseat amongst whatever supplies they could grab.  "We're staying together. No matter what."

 

When disaster strikes, every minute counts. While most of us have some kind of emergency plan for our human family members, we assume our four-legged (or winged, or scaled) friends will just tag along with us only to find out, its not that easy. With a little extra planning, you can ensure your pets safety as well.

 

Create a Pet Go-Bag:

Think of a pet emergency kit as a backup supply pack you can easily grab along with your people emergency kits.

 The Basics

  • A 7-day supply of food (Rotate supplies every few months to prevent expiration)
  • Fresh water (1 gallon per pet per day just like humans)
  • Collapsible food and water bowls for easy transport
  • Any daily medications
  • Pet first-aid supplies (ask your vet for specific recommendations)

 

Documentation (digital and/or physical copies)

  • Current photos of your pet (including one with you in it)
  • Vaccination records
  • Medical history- copy of prescriptions
  • Microchip information or other tracking devices
  • License documentation
  • Pet insurance papers (if applicable)

 

Comfort

  • A secure carrier, leash LED collar, or reflective gear for nighttime visibility
  • A blanket
  • A familiar toy or two
  • Treats (just like people, helps with stress)
  • Portable habitats
  • Species-specific environmental needs (heat lamps, etc.)

 

Hygiene & Sanitation

  • Waste management supplies (poop bags, litter, portable litter box)
  • Grooming basics
  • Pet wipes for quick cleanup

 

Finding Pet-Friendly Shelters

Don't wait until an evacuation order to figure out where you'll go. Keep a current list of:

  • Pet-friendly hotels within a 100-mile radius
  • 24-hour emergency vet clinics along potential evacuation routes
  • Pet boarding facilities that offer emergency services
  • Friends or family willing to take in your pets temporarily, with or without you.

 

Keeping Your Pet Calm in Crisis

Animals are incredibly perceptive to environmental changes and our own stress levels.

  • Maintain routines as much as possible during emergencies
  • Create a safe space in your emergency location
  • Consider anxiety or vet-approved calming products
  • Stay calm yourself—your pet will pick up on your energy

 Emergency preparedness for pets isn't just about having supplies—it's about peace of mind. When you know you've planned for your entire family's safety, including your pets, you can face unexpected situations with confidence and get all to a safe location.

 

 Take time now to prepare, so you never have to make a hard choice.  Remember: Your pet relies on you entirely for their safety and survival.

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