Be Prepared

In any evacuation situation, time is usually the one thing you don’t have a lot of. Couple that with having to act quickly, many times at night, and it’s best to have what you need at the ready. Depending on where your dogs may spend the night, in the bedroom loose or in a crate in the kitchen, make sure you have a leash and collar handy. This leash should be a short 6-foot leash and a quick slip or choke collar with ID tags on it. Keep the leash attached to the collar and hang it in a place that is easy to find in the dark. Also, place a flashlight near them so you have easy access to light.

It’s important to have a short leash that can be easily handled and used to tie to a post or tree outside if necessary. If you always use a retractable leash avoid using that in cases of quick escape. They are bulky to carry and not very utilitarian.

If you have multiple pets and several family members assign each family member a pet. That way one can grab the dog, the cat and the hedgehog, rather than have every body scrambling around. Write down the procedures, nearest exits and alternate exits and then run a fire or evacuation drill.

Permanent ID And Records

Unfortunately, many times during house fires or evacuation, the family pet darts out the front door in the confusion. That’s why it’s very important to make sure your pet has some form of ID on him at all times. If he wears a collar always, then make sure there is an identification tag with his name, your name and a phone number, preferably the home phone and the cell phone. Also, permanent ID with a microchip helps if his tag or collar falls off.

Another step to remember is to protect his vaccination records, especially Rabies, which is required by law. If you do need to evacuate and your dog must go to a boarding facility, they will not take your dog without proof of his rabies and other necessary shots. Make copies of any documentation for your dog and keep them in an envelope in your car’s glove box.

Doggie Travel Bags

Once you and your dog are safely evacuated, you may be headed to a friend’s house, hotel or shelter. But what happens when it’s Fido’s dinner time? If you are able, pack a doggie travel bag for emergencies in your car. In the bag, put an extra copy of his records, feeding instructions, medical history that requires attention, vet’s phone number, your contact information, and a few days worth of dry kibble sealed in plastic or canned food and a hand-held can opener and a small bowl. Also have at least two gallon jugs of water. Don’t forget a hard bone for chewing and new toy.

These items will make an overnight stay in a strange place under adverse conditions less stressful for you and your pet. Additionally, if you must leave your dog in a pet shelter and are unable to be with him, then he will come with all the amenities of home and instructions for his temporary caregiver. 

Having a tested evacuation plan, important documentation, properly identified dog and ready supply of food, water and gear will remove most of the confusion in a hasty escape from your home and safety for your pets. Let’s hope you never need them.

For tips on collar ID tag and microchip enrollment of your pet and storm preparedness go to www.akccar.org and for more information on emergency pet sheltering and evacuation visit www.avma.org.

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Director of Club Communications at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com  or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.