Preparedness
Evacuating with Pets: Essential Tips for Prepared Gun Owners
When it comes to emergency preparedness, the safety and well-being of your pets should be a top priority. Planning for scenarios where you might need to evacuate with your furry companions is essential. Consider the duration of your evacuation: will it be just a few days, or could it be indefinite? Also, think about your mode of transportation, whether by foot, bicycle, or vehicle, and the scope of the disaster you might face.
Transporting pets safely is crucial, and while it’s possible to have them as lap animals, using carriers is the safer choice. “They are less likely to be able to dart off in all the confusion, and won’t be thrown about the cabin of your vehicle during a sudden stop.” Make sure your carriers are ready and appropriately sized. For instance, if you have a large pet like a 25lb tomcat, a standard carrier might not suffice. The last thing you want is to discover that your pet doesn’t fit when you have only minutes to evacuate.
When it comes to lodging, remember that not all hotels are pet-friendly, and shelters typically don’t allow pets. Having your pet in a carrier might help you persuade a hotel to accommodate you, or at least keep your pet safe in your vehicle overnight if the weather permits.
Microchipping is a reliable way to ensure your pet can be returned to you if lost. However, “having a collar and tags with current information on them is also a very good idea.” Additionally, keep a copy of your pet’s vaccination records handy. A digital copy stored on a platform like Google Drive and a hard copy in a waterproof pouch attached to their kennel will ensure you have access to this vital information even if the power is out.
Acclimating your pet to their carrier before an emergency can reduce anxiety. Take them on trips other than to the vet, and ensure your dogs are responsive to basic commands or at least comfortable walking on a leash.
Pet first aid is similar to human first aid, and you can find classes online or at pet stores. Your kit should include sterile gauze pads, vet wrap, and a topical antibiotic gel like Vetericyn Plus®. For pain relief, consult with your vet before administering any medication, as human pain relievers can be harmful to pets.
If you have a large dog and anticipate the possibility of evacuating on foot, consider training them to carry a pack. They can carry essentials like food, water, and a first aid kit. “Medium sized dogs can usually carry 10-12% of their weight.” Ensure the load is balanced and practice with your dog ahead of time.
For food, a medium-sized dog needs about two cups of dry food daily. In a 72-hour survival scenario, pack around 6-7 cups, which is roughly 2lbs of kibble. Lightweight collapsible dishes are ideal for serving food and water.
Evacuating with smaller animals like cats, ferrets, or small dogs requires more planning. While small dogs can walk some distance, they may tire quickly and need to be carried. Training them to ride in a front carrier can be helpful, but remember it will increase your fatigue.
In dire situations, you may face the heartbreaking decision to leave your pets behind. If this is unavoidable, do not chain them, allowing them a chance to survive independently. After the fire in Paradise, CA, “several cats were found in surprisingly good shape,” demonstrating their resilience.
For those with livestock, such as chickens or goats, having a comprehensive evacuation plan is vital. Determine how you’ll transport them and prioritize which animals to take if space is limited. Training goats to pack can be a practical solution, as they can forage along the way.
Ultimately, pre-planning and regular practice are key. Conduct evacuation drills regularly so that both you and your animals are familiar with the procedure. “I have known dogs that learned what the emergency horn meant and would run to where their packs were kept and wait to be harnessed up and taken out.” Being prepared ensures that you and your pets can evacuate swiftly and safely when every second counts.
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