National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

Spring is a time of renewal in nature…a time for budding flowers to blossom and the next generation of wildlife to take their first tentative steps out into the world. Along with the beauty, however, the season also brings destruction, with severe weather events. Reminding us all to stay prepared: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Let’s look at how you and your cat can be prepared!

When is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day?

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is now observed on May 8 every year. The pet holiday was developed by FEMA to help pet parents devise a plan to protect four-legged family members in times of crisis.

Creating a Pet Emergency Kit

To defend your cat against a natural disaster, on National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day FEMA advises an evacuation plan and a Pet Emergency Go-Kit complete with:

First aid items
A three-day supply of water and food
Pet care supplies, such as food and water bowls, cat carrier, waste bags and a leash and collar
Any required medication and a copy of your pet’s veterinary records
Important contact information
Comfort items to calm the frayed nerves of your cat, like their favorite toy or a blanket

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe in a Natural Disaster

Other recommended steps to keep your pet safe in the event of a natural disaster include:

Get your cat microchipped and make sure they wear a collar ID tag.
If severe weather is forecast, keep your cat INDOORS. Thunder, high winds–or a tornado— can cause your cat to hide, and you may not locate her before a forced evacuation.
Remember to keep all contact information on the ID tag up to date.
Alert first responders to the fact that there are pets in your home by displaying a pet rescue decal where it can be easily spotted, such as on the front door or window. Include your veterinarian’s contact information on the decal. This is especially important when you are away or when disaster–such as a wildfire or earthquake–strikes without warning.
Where does your cat hide when frightened? Finding the spot where they feel safe when scared will help you locate your cat quickly if an emergency arises and you need to quickly evacuate. If you are at risk for a tornado, go ahead and shut the doors to rooms where your cat hides but isn’t easily accessible.
As some disaster shelters may not accept pets, designate a place to keep your cat in case of evacuation. If relatives or friends cannot accommodate your cat, consider evacuating with your cat to a pet-friendly hotel.
Keep a photo of cat with you at all times in case you are separated during a natural disaster.
Have a cat carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping on hand.

More Animal Disaster Preparedness Tips from Those in Disaster Zones

helping pets after Hurricane Harvey — Lucy Pet Products assisting after Hurricane Harvey. Photo courtesy Lucy Pet Foundation.

Following Hurricane Harvey here in Texas, Lucy Pet Products and Lucy Pet Foundation worked to help the lost, injured, and homeless animals of Brazoria County–so they saw firsthand the devastation that hurricanes will bring and they sent us some helpful tips as well:

ID Tags and Collars are a must have. Make sure your pet’s identification is up to date and on your pet. If you are unable to have engraved ID tags made, any waterproof identification around their collar using tape to create a makeshift tag is better than no tag at all.
Have a travel bag, crate or pet carrier and/or leashes for each pet.
Recent photos of your pet in case you get separated.
Water, Food and Any Medications – Two weeks worth and include their feeding dishes.
Find out if hotels and evacuation shelters are pet-friendly and if they require medical records.
Boarding facilities and veterinary offices may also be able to provide emergency housing.
Litter and paper towels or bags for any clean up.
Let your family and friends know where you and your pets will be.
Never leave your pets behind. Make plans, arrangements, do whatever you can because you don’t know how long you could be gone.