Over recent years, we’ve witnessed several natural emergencies where beloved pets have fallen victim to poor planning, with Canada’s 2021 wildfires having a devastating impact on both wild and domestic animals. As we mark National Pet Preparedness Month, we’re inviting pet owners to join us in creating considered emergency protocols whilst raising awareness with our exclusive online toolkit.
In Canada, we aren’t strangers to natural emergencies. This is particularly true when it comes to wildfires, which are becoming increasingly more common. With these fires come an extreme risk to animals, who often get left behind in the chaos of an evacuation. One tragic example was the story of an animal sanctuary in Alberta, where more than a dozen animals were killed in the blaze.
Nobody can predict how these emergencies will pan out. However, we can take steps to have measures in place that preserve the lives of our pets. Keep reading for advice on how to protect your pet in these emergencies, and what you can do to raise awareness of emergency planning, whether you’re a pet owner or a veterinary professional.
How to Create a Pet Preparedness Plan
The chaos and confusion of a national emergency often leads to pets getting lost or injured. As a pet owner, it is vital that you plan ahead to avoid a worst-case scenario.
There are a number of measures you should include in your pet preparedness plan, from identifying safe locations to spotting signs of distress and addressing exposure to smoke. In the next section, we highlight some of the most important elements that should be included within your plan.
1. Create Your Evacuation Plan
Evacuation drills
Practice evacuating with your pets. This helps them get used to entering carriers calmly and reduces stress during a real emergency.
Identification
Ensure your pets have up-to-date identification tags and consider microchipping them.
2. Find a Safe Location in Advance
Evacuation routes & pet-friendly shelters
Know which hotels, motels, and shelters along your evacuation route will accept pets. Keep a list of pet-friendly accommodations and their contact information. During wildfires, some shelters may relax their no-pet policies, but it’s best to verify in advance.
Friends and family
Arrange with friends or family members who can temporarily care for your pets if needed.
3. Prepare Your Emergency Kit
Creating an emergency kit for your pets is a vital step. This kit should include:
Food & water
At least three days’ worth of food and water for each pet.
Medications and medical records
Keep a supply of any medications your pet needs, along with copies of medical records in a waterproof container.
First aid supplies
A pet first aid kit can be crucial. Intriquip offers comprehensive first aid kits designed for pets.
Leashes, harnesses & carriers
Ensure you have sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely.
Comfort items
Include your pet’s favorite toys, bedding, and treats to help reduce stress during the evacuation.
4. Know the Signs of Distress
During a wildfire, pets can exhibit signs of stress and respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation. Watch for the following symptoms:
Coughing or wheezing
Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory issues. Be sure to watch out for coughing and wheezing.
Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
These are signs of heat stress or respiratory problems.
Disorientation or confusion
Pets may become disoriented in the chaos of an evacuation.
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
5. Know How to Deal with Smoke Exposure
If your pet has been exposed to smoke or fire, take the following steps:
Move to a safe area
Get your pet to an area with clean air as quickly as possible.
Rinse their eyes and nose
Use clean water to rinse your pet’s eyes and nose to remove any ash or soot.
Consult a veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian for advice. Intriquip’s veterinary clinics offer emergency consultation services.
How to Raise Awareness on National Pet Preparedness Month
Veterinary clinics and animal owners alike can play a crucial role in raising awareness of the importance of emergency planning. Our resource kit below has everything you need:
Share the blog
Share this blog on social media. Use hashtags like #PetPreparednessMonth and #PetSafety to reach a wider audience.
Share the graphics
There are several assets below that you can share on your social feed, containing vital info on emergency planning.
Print the posters
Educational posters below have a number of key info points for emergency planning. Print them and stick them to your walls, doors and notice boards throughout the month.
Talk to friends and family
Discuss the importance of pet preparedness with fellow pet owners. Encourage them to create their own emergency plans.