National Pet Preparedness Month: Ensuring the Safety of Our Furry Family Members

June is recognized as National Pet Preparedness Month, an essential time to highlight the importance of including our pets in our emergency preparedness plans. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of our furry, feathered, or scaled family members during unexpected emergencies such as natural disasters or home evacuations. National Pet Preparedness Month is a reminder and a call to action for all pet owners to consider their pets in all emergency planning. This month's dedication to pet preparedness underscores pets' integral role in our lives and the importance of planning for their safety in times of crisis.

Why Preparation is Crucial

Pets are often left vulnerable during disasters, relying solely on their human companions for protection and care. The National Pet Preparedness Month initiative aims to mitigate pets' potential risks and dangers during emergencies. Historical events have vividly illustrated the chaos and heartache that can ensue when pets are not considered in emergency planning. From being left behind during evacuations to suffering injuries or worse, the lack of preparedness can lead to devastating outcomes for pets and their owners alike. 

How to Include Pets in Emergency Plans

To effectively include pets in emergency planning, consider the following comprehensive steps:

1. Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit – An emergency kit tailored for pets is a cornerstone of preparedness. This kit should include:
   • Food and Water – A minimum three-day food and water supply, stored in airtight containers.
   • Medications – A supply of any medications your pet requires, and medical records stored in a waterproof container.
   • Identification – Updated tags, a microchip, and a recent photo of your pets in case they are separated.
   • Shelter Supplies – A carrier, leash, and bedding to keep pets secure and comfortable.
   • Sanitation – Litter, paper towels, and plastic bags for handling waste.
2. Microchip and ID Tags – Ensuring pets are microchipped and wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information is vital for quick reunification if they become separated.
3. Plan for Shelter – Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels and consider friends or relatives who can host your pet, if needed. Not all emergency shelters accept pets, so a plan is essential.
4. Practice Makes Perfect – Familiarize pets with their emergency supplies, especially the carrier, to reduce stress during evacuations. Conduct practice drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
5. Stay Informed – Understand the types of emergencies most likely to occur in your area and plan accordingly. Different situations require different responses.
6. Home Safety – If pets must temporarily be left behind, make the home as safe as possible. This includes securing toxic substances and creating a safe, comfortable area for them to stay.

Utilizing Community Resources for Enhanced Preparedness

Leveraging local resources can significantly enhance pet preparedness efforts. Many communities offer access to specialized services and information to help prepare:

• Local animal shelters and rescue groups often provide emergency preparedness workshops and can offer specific advice for pets.
• Veterinarians can give personalized recommendations for your pet’s emergency kit and advice on keeping pets calm and safe during a disaster.
• Check with local emergency management offices for any pet-specific planning resources.

Online Resources for Pet Preparedness

Several online platforms offer extensive resources and guides to assist pet owners in their preparedness efforts. Here are some valuable resources:

• The American Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness Initiative offers detailed guides on creating a pet emergency preparedness plan and kit.
• FEMA’s Ready Campaign provides tips on preparing pets for emergencies, including a comprehensive list of items for a pet emergency kit.
• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) features an emergency preparedness section with tips on pet disaster preparedness, including how to microchip and ID pets effectively.
• The Humane Society of the United States offers advice on protecting pets in various disaster scenarios and evacuating safely with pets.

The Imperative of Pet Preparedness

As we observe National Pet Preparedness Month, we must recognize our responsibility to protect our pets in emergencies. Preparing for the unexpected ensures that our pets, who depend on us for their safety and well-being, are not left vulnerable during disasters. Incorporating pets into emergency plans, creating pet emergency kits, and utilizing both local and online resources can significantly enhance readiness to face emergencies with our pets. By taking these steps, we not only ensure the safety of our beloved pets but, also mitigate the emotional and physical turmoil that can arise in emergencies.

Let us act this month to reaffirm our commitment to our pets’ safety. By planning, we honor the deep bond between pets and their owners, ensuring that this bond remains unbroken, even in the face of adversity.

About the author: Neeley Bowden is a Manager of Special Services on the BSM Partners Product Innovation team. She earned her bachelor's degree in feed science, emphasizing pet food production, and is pursuing her master's in food science from Kansas State University. During school, she gained valuable experience in the university feed mill and extrusion center, assisting with research initiatives for livestock and companion animals. In her early career, she worked in product innovation of pet food ingredients, focusing on developing palatability enhancers.

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