Being Prepared for a Natural Disaster with Your Dog
Being prepared for a natural disaster ensures your dog’s safety and well-being when you need it the most.
Natural disasters can strike at any time, and it’s crucial to be prepared—not just for yourself, but for your pets as well. Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, or flood, having a solid plan in place can make all the difference in keeping your dog safe during an emergency.
Why Pet Preparedness Matters
When a natural disaster occurs, it’s easy to focus on securing your own safety. However, it’s just as important to have a plan that includes your dog. Animals are often scared during these events, and knowing what to do can reduce stress and keep your dog calm.
Denise Bozenski, owner of Fetch This Canine, shares, “Pets rely on us for their safety and security, especially in stressful situations like natural disasters. Having a preparedness plan in place is one of the best things we can do for them.”
Learn more about Denise HERE!
Create an Emergency Kit for Your Dog
Just like you have an emergency kit for yourself, your dog needs one too. A well-stocked emergency kit should include:
Food & Water
At least 72 hours of food and water for your dog. Don’t forget a can opener if you’re using canned food.
Medications
Keep any necessary medications in a sealed container. If your dog takes regular medication, have a week’s worth available.
Collar & ID
Ensure your dog’s collar has an ID tag with your phone number and that their microchip information is up-to-date.
Leash & Harness
A sturdy leash and harness for secure transport.
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any specific supplies your dog might need (such as bandages for paw pads or allergies).
Comfort Items
A favorite toy, blanket, or something with your scent to help your dog feel more comfortable during stressful situations.
Denise emphasizes, “Having all of these supplies in one easy-to-access bag makes it easier to grab in an emergency and ensures you won’t forget anything.”
Learn how muzzle training can help your dog in emergency situations by reading our blog, Understanding the Importance of Muzzling Dogs.
Plan Your Evacuation Route
Know multiple evacuation routes from your home and the best places to take shelter in case of a disaster. Make sure your dog is included in your evacuation plan.
Pet-Friendly Shelters
Research pet-friendly shelters or hotels ahead of time. Keep a list of places where dogs are allowed, as many shelters may not accept pets.
Transportation
Have a plan for how to transport your dog—whether that means driving, walking, or using public transportation. Make sure your vehicle is pet-friendly and that you have a crate or carrier for transport.
“Planning your evacuation route ahead of time can help reduce panic when a disaster occurs,” says Denise. “It’s not a time to scramble for answers—being prepared helps you stay calm.”
Keep Your Dog’s Medical Information Handy
In an emergency, you might need to quickly provide medical records to a shelter or veterinary clinic. Keep your dog’s medical information in a waterproof folder. Include:
- Vaccination records
- Medical conditions or allergies
- Emergency contact information for your vet
- Behavioral concerns or special needs
“Knowing your dog’s medical history helps you communicate quickly and efficiently with vets or shelters,” explains Denise. “It’s also a lifesaver if your dog gets injured or becomes ill during the disaster.”
Prepare for a Shelter or Temporary Home
If your home is no longer safe, you may need to find shelter. Research local disaster shelters, hotels, or boarding facilities in advance to know where you can go with your dog.
Set up a Safe Space
In case of evacuation, know where you can safely house your dog. This could mean booking pet-friendly accommodations or finding a safe, temporary home with a friend or family member.
Pack for Comfort
Bring familiar bedding, toys, and calming aids (like pheromone sprays) to make your dog feel more at ease in unfamiliar environments.
Denise suggests, “Making sure your dog has a familiar space or scent can be comforting when everything else feels chaotic.”
Practice Emergency Drills with Your Dog
It’s one thing to have a plan, but it’s another to execute it. Practice emergency drills with your dog to help both of you know what to expect.
Desensitize Your Dog to Crates and Carriers
If your dog is not used to being in a crate or carrier, practice getting them comfortable with it well in advance. This will make transport easier if you need to evacuate quickly.
Learn more about the benefits of crate training in our blog, Crate Training Done Right: Ensuring Safety and Comfort for Your Dog.
Practice Leash and Collar Protocols
Get your dog used to wearing their collar and leash in emergency situations. Make sure they respond to basic commands like “come” and “stay,” as these can be helpful in chaotic situations.
Denise recommends, “Doing regular drills helps your dog become familiar with the process and reduces their anxiety in the moment.”
Know How to Identify Your Dog if They Get Lost
In the chaos of a disaster, it’s possible that your dog could get separated from you. It’s important to have measures in place to help identify your dog if they become lost.
Microchip
Ensure your dog is microchipped, and keep the chip registry up to date.
Collar & Tag
Ensure your dog wears a collar with up-to-date identification tags.
Photo of Your Dog
Keep an up-to-date photo of your dog in case you need to make lost pet flyers or share their image with rescue groups.
“Keeping your dog’s identification details current is vital, especially in a stressful situation like a disaster,” says Denise.
Stay Calm and Keep Your Dog Calm
During a natural disaster, it’s easy for both you and your dog to feel stressed or panicked. However, dogs can pick up on your emotions, so staying calm is essential to helping them feel safe.
Read more here about how our stress can effect our dog's stress, How Stress Affects Pet Health.
Remain Quiet and Steady
Speak calmly to your dog, and avoid raising your voice or showing anxiety.
Provide Comfort
Give your dog reassurance through gentle petting, soft words, and a calm demeanor.
Denise advises, “Your energy is contagious to your dog. If you stay calm, they will feel more secure.”
Be Proactive, Be Prepared
Natural disasters are unpredictable, but with preparation, you can ensure your dog’s safety during an emergency. Having a plan, an emergency kit, and a calm, steady demeanor can make a world of difference for your furry friend.
Being prepared can help protect your dog in the event of a natural disaster. If you need help creating a customized disaster plan for your dog or would like additional guidance on emergency preparedness, contact Fetch This Canine for a consultation. Let's ensure your dog’s safety, no matter what life throws your way. Get started HERE!
FAQs
What should I include in my dog’s emergency kit?
Your dog’s emergency kit should include at least 72 hours of food and water, medications, a first aid kit, collar and ID tags, a leash and harness, a crate or carrier for transport, and comfort items like their favorite toy or blanket.
How can I help my dog stay calm during a disaster?
Staying calm yourself is the most important thing. Dogs are highly sensitive to their owner’s emotions, so by keeping your own stress levels low, your dog will feel more secure. You can also bring comfort items like their favorite blanket or toy and use calming techniques such as gentle petting and soft, reassuring words.
How can I make sure my dog is identified if they get lost during a disaster?
Ensure your dog is microchipped and that your contact information is up-to-date. Additionally, always have your dog wear a collar with an ID tag. Keep a recent photo of your dog on hand in case you need to create lost pet flyers or share their image with local shelters.
