If Disaster Strikes, Do You Have a Plan?

Two ways to help Japan’s animal-related victims and 7 tips for preparing to move pets during a disaster.

The news and video from Japan’s earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis are devastating. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people and animals of Japan.

If you’re wondering how you can help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami, be sure to check out Dr. Marty Becker’s suggestions.

How would you manage?

As a professional pet sitter, you may wonder how you would manage with your pets and your clients’ pets in the event of a disaster. If so, read on . . .

While you can never be 100 percent ready for a disaster, a good plan can make a huge difference if it’s thorough and flexible. Start your disaster plan by pinpointing the types of catastrophes your community is most likely to experience.

Preparation can save lives—yours and the pets in your care. As a pet-care professional, your disaster plan should include pets and you can help your clients create a disaster plan that includes their pets as well.

During the disaster, evacuation may be necessary. Please keep in mind that the most important thing a pet owner can do to protect their pets when evacuating is to take their pets with them. If this is necessary, preparation is key. It is essential to a pet’s well being to keep the following supplies in a portable container and keep the container in an accessible location in case of an emergency.

• A crate for each pet that is large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around in.
• Food and water dishes.
• A file on each pet that contains health history, vaccination dates and a recent photo.
• A leash and collar with all pertinent information on the tags readily available. This will include pet’s name, rabies tag and contact phone number – remember to include your cell phone number since you will not be at home.
• An ample supply of food, water and medication for the pet with specific feeding and medication instructions written out in clear handwriting.
• A muzzle and harness are good ideas in case behavior becomes less than desirable for the place you are staying. The pets may be put into close contact with many new pets they do not know and they may have to be cared for by people they do not know.
• Flashlights, batteries, trash bags, baby wipes, newspapers and paper towels should be included if pets either get sick or go to the bathroom while in their crate.

Remember that you can not predict Mother Nature. You may be evacuated much longer than you had originally thought. Pack enough supplies for an extended stay. If you don't need them, great! You can keep them on hand in case of another emergency situation.

While you never know when disaster will strike, as a pet-care professional, you can take a proactive approach by having a disaster plan in place to ensure that you, your pets and clients’ pets are safe.

© Copyright 2011 by Pet Sitters International. All rights reserved. For reprint permission for this article, contact EllenPrice@petsit.com.