June is the month to make emergency plans for your pets

We’ve heard about “go bags” and other types of preparation for both man-made and natural disasters.

But when you’re planning a quick exit from danger for yourself and your family, you also need to think about your pets.

We’ve all seen heartbreaking photos and videos of animals left behind in hurricanes, or being carried from burning buildings.

No one wants their beloved cat or dog caught in a similar situation — so, with June being National Pet Preparedness Month, now is a good time to get your emergency pet plan in place.

June is National Pet Preparedness Month https://t.co/fzSG3Y9xwq pic.twitter.com/v2RzDMoXoD

— Animal Law Center Pennsylvania (@AnimalLawPA) June 1, 2020

“Your pet is a family member, and you want to do right by them,” says Kathy Burkley, executive director of the Humane Society of Westmoreland County. “When you’re making your own plans, you need to plan for them.”

When you make your own emergency kit, make another one for your pet, says Cassandra Kovatch, public information officer with the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety.

Pet prep

Some basic items for the kit are a three-day supply of food, water and medications; can opener; crate or carrier; veterinary records; and a toy or other familiar item.

“You can even have a shirt or something else that smells like home,” she says. “When you take a pet out of their normal environment, it’s stressful, so having something familiar that they like can help.”

Burkley says many people tend to lose track of vet records.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people lose those. But wherever you end up, you’re going to need those for your pet to get care,” she says.

Here are some other things to include in your pet prep:

• First aid kit and manual

• Collar or harness, ID tag, rabies tag and a leash

• Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, paper towels, trash bags and sanitizers)

• Licenses and adoption documents

• A list of pet-friendly hotels, veterinarians and boarding facilities in an area where you are likely to seek shelter if you evacuate. Remember that emergency shelters for people don’t always allow pets.

Other plans

There’s more to preparedness than a go bag, Burkley says.

People should have a plan for hospital stays or other emergencies that can keep them away from home. Arrange with a friend, relative or neighbor to care for your animals in such an event.

Unfortunately, Kovatch says, there also can be times when you have to leave quickly and can’t take your pets along. Animals sometimes will run away or hide when disaster strikes.

Veterinarians often suggest micro-chipping pets so they can be easily identified in such cases. You also should have photos of your pet on your phone.

You can buy window decals to alert emergency responders or rescue personnel that there are pets in the household.

Kovatch also says the Department of Public Safety will be sharing more animal safety tips via social media during June.