Emergencies don’t just impact people-they affect our pets too. From evacuations to power outages, our furry, feathered or scaled friends rely on us to plan ahead.
A recent Alberta survey found that just 1 in 4 Albertans feel very prepared for emergencies. Pet preparedness often gets overlooked-but it’s just as important. By including your animals in your emergency plan, you’ll reduce chaos, panic, and potential harm when time is crucial.
Questions to consider:
- Does your pet have stress triggers? Thunder, sirens, strangers? How will you calm them in an emergency?
- Does your pet need medication or special food? If yes, consider how to store and pack those items.
- Do you have a carrier or leash ready? Practice loading your pet into their crate or vehicle so it’s familiar and fast.
- What if you must shelter in place? Do you have enough pet food, water, and supplies on hand for at least 3 days?
By creating a plan tailored to your pet’s needs, you protect them from being left behind, lost, or stressed beyond what they can handle.
Check out Alberta’s guidance on emergency preparedness for more planning tips.
Mini Kit Challenge for September:
Add a photo of your pet to your mini emergency kit along with a copy of their vet records, medication list, or any special care notes. These items can help reunite you if separated or assist others in caring for your pet during an emergency.
Incentive:
Complete all 12 mini-kit challenges throughout the year for a chance to win in our year-end emergency kit giveaway!
Preparedness is a continuous effort, not a finish line. Small steps, like ensuring your vehicle is ready or preparing for power outages, can reduce stress and save lives. Stay tuned for next month’s tips and challenge as we take the next step toward readiness. Let’s make 2025 the year we all #BePrepared. For more resources and information, visit: