Preparing your pets for natural disasters: a comprehensive guide for pet parents

By Janelle Leeson

Hopefully, a natural disaster doesn’t land on your doorstep. But if it does, you and your pets need to be prepared. From wildfires to tornados and hurricanes, this emergency preparedness guide will have you and your pets ready for whatever comes your way.

What to do with your pet during a natural disaster

Just like your pup can sniff out his treats in any drawer, dogs may have an extraordinary ability to sense natural disasters before they occur. But that doesn’t mean your pet will be prepped and ready to head to safety at the first whiff of a storm or slight vibration of the earth. In an emergency, it is vital to never leave your pet behind.

Our pets rely on us for everything, especially when disaster strikes. Leaving them behind during natural disasters puts them in a vulnerable position since they can’t care for themselves. Additionally, it's important to consider that you may not be allowed to return home within a reasonable timeframe to care for them.

Developing an emergency preparedness checklist and practicing a disaster preparedness plan ensures a smoother and quicker evacuation with your pet. It will also help familiarize your pet with the process so when the time comes, it won’t be scary for them.

What to pack in your pet emergency kit

Before disaster strikes, assemble an emergency kit for your pets. Having a pre-assembled "go bag" can save valuable time in an emergency. However, it is also beneficial to create a checklist and know the location of each item to ensure preparedness.

Pet identification. Ensure your pet’s ID tags and microchip data are up to date and registered. In the event that you and your pet become separated, carry a recent picture that you can show others for identification.

Health records. Keep all your pet’s vaccination records together and ready to go. If your pet needs to be boarded, seen by a clinic, or enter an evacuation shelter with you, they may be essential.

First aid kit. Pet first aid kits should have everything your pet needs to manage an injury until they can get medical attention. Essential items may include gauze, medical tape, antiseptics, medical scissors, and a syringe. If your pet is on any medications, pack enough for at least two weeks.

Basic supplies. Your pet will need everything from their leash and harness to poop bags or a litter box. Pack food and water bowls, as well as enough food to last at least two weeks.

Comfort items. If there’s room, a few comfort items that remind your pet of home can reduce anxiety. This might be a favorite toy, blanket, or bed.

Have a plan and practice it

To prepare your pet for a natural disaster, practice evacuating so your pets get comfortable calmly entering their carriers. At the first sign of bad weather, bring pet inside and consider keeping them in a room where they’re easy to find. Before disaster strikes, practice these training cues and commands:

Create a verbal cue. Teach your pup a verbal command that indicates that they should enter their carrier or crate when it's time to evacuate. Teach a separate cue that is dedicated to them going to their safe place in the house.

Clicker training and desensitization. Clicker training is an effective method for training cats and dogs. Begin by associating the sound of the clicker with rewards like treats or playtime. Once they understand the concept, you can use the clicker and positive association to teach your pet verbal or visual clues and how to enter their carrier. By spending more time in the carrier and the car alongside positive interactions, you can desensitize your pet to potentially stressful situations.

Know their hiding places. If your pet spooks with loud noises or the first sign of stressors, learn their hiding places so that you can quickly find them in an emergency. Talk to your veterinarian about fast-acting anti-anxiety medication, if necessary.

Whether you have a cat or dog, consistency and positive reinforcement are key when training your pets for any command or cue. This means rewarding them for behaviors you want to encourage, such as interacting with or entering their carrier. Practice the commands regularly, gradually increasing difficulty and/or stressors that mimic a real natural disaster.

Where to go during a natural disaster

According to the CDC, most evacuation shelters aren’t pet-friendly. Therefore, it’s crucial to map potential evacuation routes and pet-friendly accommodations or boarding facilities in each direction. There may be local relief organizations or rescue groups who accept pets during emergencies, however, they are unable to guarantee immediate assistance, especially during high-demand situations. Therefore, it’s always best to have a well-thought-out plan. You can also try to find a pet-friendly hotel, BringFido and TripsWithPets offer a great variety locations ready to book.

Returning home after a disaster

Unfortunately, most disasters don’t end when you return home. Even if your home remains undamaged, your pet may experience stress and disorientation. To ensure their safety, keep your pet on a leash or in their carrier when assessing the damage to prevent any injuries and reduce the risk of becoming frightened and running away.

When your home is safe to return to, keep in mind that it might take some time for your pet to return to their regular routine. If you have concerns about their behavior or well-being, ask your veterinarian for help. They can provide guidance and medication when needed.