Have you ever thought about what would happen to your furry family members if a hurricane, fire, flood or other natural or man-made disaster were to strike? A well-thought-out plan will help you and ALL of your family members get back together, get help and increase the chances that everyone will stay safe in the event of an emergency.

Here are five tips to help you protect your pets in emergencies:

1. Identify a Safe Haven – If you have to leave your home, don’t leave your pets behind. Pets can’t survive on their own. They could escape, become trapped, or worse. Before an emergency strikes, be sure you have identified which shelters accept pets. Some shelters are unable to take in pets for public health reasons. If you’re thinking about evacuating to a local motel or hotel, you should call beforehand and ask if the location allow pets. You can also ask your veterinarian for a list of kennels or boarding facilities in the area.
2. ID Your Pets – Ensure that your dogs and cats are wearing collars with up-to-date identification tags, containing their names and any urgent medical needs. Your cell phone number should also be on your pets’ tags. Having your pets micro chipped will also increase your chances of being reunited with them if they get lost. However, remember that the average person who finds your pet isn’t able to scan for a chip but that individual will be able to read an ID tag.

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