How Will Your Pet React In An Emergency?

In an earlier post I talked about why FEMA, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, cares about the safety of pets and other animals.  In this post I want to talk about another aspect of emergency and disaster events that people don't always consider; how a disaster or emergency situation such as a severe hurricane, flood, tornado, etc. can effect their pets both during and after the incident.  I mean beyond needing the items in your first aid or emergency kits.  I'm talking about unexpected risks to your pet and unexpected emotional and behavioral issues that may appear during and after an incident.



Hold on to your collar guys, I'm sensing Big trouble!

It's one thing for your pet to be frightened during fireworks or a thunderstorm and hide in the closet.  It's quite another for your pet to be in the throws of chaos and panic during a hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake or other emergency situation.  In a true emergency situation your pets are not only frightened themselves but they can sense that you are frightened, even panicked, as well.  They can sense that something very bad is going on and they may not behave the way you expect.

To be better prepared, identify potential hazards to your pet & think about ways you can reduce the impacts such as:

🐾 Making sure your pet is microchipped and has updated tags will be a life saver (literally) if you get separated from your pet or can't bring your pet into the hotel or shelter with you.  Pet friendly hotels and shelters may fill up fast!

Don't be scared Phoebe, I'll protect you!

Local authorities, often with the support of FEMA, will coordinate efforts to help lost or displaced pets return home.  Animal Shelters in other states may pitch in to relieve local shelters of the expected influx of animals, making room for the large number of pets they know will end up there.  If your pet is chipped, the odds of returning home safely are greatly increased.  Don’t let your pet be one of the thousands who will be adopted to someone else in the wake of a disaster because you can't be located.  If you’ve been putting it off, please contact your Vet or a local animal shelter (they offer discounts) and get it done this week!

🐾 Right Now, make sure your pets are up to date on all required vaccinations for your state so a last minute trip to the Veterinarian won't be needed.  Vet visits are stressful enough for most pets, don't put them through it in a panic when reports of a hurricane or flooding will be upon you in 3 days.  I keep an envelope in the car with both my dogs’ veterinary information and vaccination records.  I stay on top of vaccinations and update the documentation in the car every time they get a vaccination. 

🐾 Think about how your pet will likely behave when faced with chaos and fear.  Will s/he react with extreme fear or fear aggression?  Will s/he try to hide or run away from the area, or start snapping and biting at you?  Your pet may be fine running out to the car and jumping right in without a leash, but in a disaster there will be many signs of danger for your pet, not least of all your reaction to what is happening and your stress level.  

Anticipate your pets behavior and be sure you have whatever you need to safeguard your pet.  Leashes, harnesses, crates, carriers, blankets, comfort garments that reduce stress, a favorite toy, etc.  You know best what works for your pet when frightened. 

I'm scared!  I'm gonna go hide behind that pile of firewood way in the back of the yard

🐾 There may be downed trees, power lines and debris that pose a danger if your pet isn’t secured.  You don't want to be scrambling around at the last minute to search for that crate in the basement.  Drag it out where you can see it. 

🐾 You may encounter frightened lost or displaced pets, wildlife, or even livestock running loose during or after a disaster.   Their survival instincts will kick in and they could pose a danger to you and your pet.  Think about the wildlife, livestock, and neighbor pets around you and try to anticipate how they might react and how you can be prepared for that.  Keeping your pet secured is the best way to keep him safe.   

What about after a disaster, how might your pet be affected?  How might wildlife and other animals or pets be affected and how will you respond?  Will other animals become aggressive out of fear or extreme hunger? Might animals be roaming the streets weeks after the event, frightening your pet or posing a danger to him?  Be prepared for unusual behavior from your own pet and even from docile wildlife or pets you know in the neighborhood. 

Mommy that squirrel is scaring me, I think the floods made him go insane!

If there is a lot of property damage it could cause your pet to get lost, or be injured by debris.

Please also remember that during a disaster, cell phones as well as hard wired phones often lose service.  Don’t wait until the 11^th hour to print things off your computer, make preparatory phone calls, or inform someone of where you’ll be heading in the event of an emergency.  Have a plan and have whatever you can ready NOW before disaster strikes.  

Download this Info Graphic on how to be #PetPrepared from Hill's Pet Nutrition and their Food Shelter and Love program.  They help animal shelters in need when disaster strikes!

Have you experienced unexpected issues with your pets during or after an emergency situation?  Leave us a comment and share, we always love hearing from you!