This week is Emergency Preparedness Week and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society wants to remind you to include your furry family members in your plan.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Put together an emergency preparedness kit containing everything you, your family, and your pets will need in the first 72 hours of an emergency. You should check your emergency kit at least twice a year and update it as necessary.
- Have an evacuation plan in place that includes your animals. Check to ensure evacuation destinations accept pets.
- Ensure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with an identification tag, ideally with your phone number or the number of a relative outside your area in case you can’t be reached by phone. It’s also important to have your pet microchipped to help increase the chances of being reunited in an emergency.
- Keep a current photo of your pet with you. Make sure it includes their name, address, and a brief description, including any unique markings, in case you need to claim your pet or share information about your lost pet during an emergency.
- Post an emergency decal on your front door to make first responders aware there are pets inside the home. If an emergency like a fire happens when you’re not home, this helps improve the chances your pets will be rescued or receive the care they need. To request a free emergency decal, visit ontariospca.ca/ep
“We urge people to take the time to plan for the unexpected. By having a plan in place and the necessary emergency supplies to shelter in place, you will be in a better position to help the ones you love, including your pets,” says Kristy White, Manager, Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre.
