Pet Disaster Preparedness

In the event of a crisis or disaster, we urge everyone to have a preparedness plan in place for your pets. While we hope everyone is able to remain healthy and these plans will not be needed, individuals who become sick or require hospitalization will need to have someone to take care of their animals.

Some steps you can take to be prepared in the event you would need someone else to look after your animals are:

• Identify a friend or family member who can care for your pets if you become hospitalized or too ill to provide proper care.
• Have crates, food and extra supplies on hand for movement and relocation of pets if necessary.
• Keep all animal’s vaccines up to date, and have copies of their medical records available in the event that boarding or veterinary care becomes necessary.
• Ensure that all medications are documented with dosages and administering directions.
• Pets should always have proper identification: a collar with ID tag and microchip with current, up-to-date information where you can be reached.

Click here for a list from the CDC of what they recommend including in a pet disaster preparedness kit.

Here is another disaster planning checklist from the Michigan Humane Society.

Best Friends Animal Society has provided the following resources to help pet parents be prepared in case of an emergency.

• Animals Inside Card you can fill out to alert rescue workers there are animals in your house that need saving in case of an emergency.
• Emergency Pet Care Authorization Form 
• Pet Preparedness Plan Template you can fill out with your pet’s information.

Separation Anxiety in Pets When Returning to Work

Many pets may experience separation anxiety when their owners return to work after long periods of spending the majority of their time at home. Below are some links with tips on how you can make this process easier for both you and your pets.

• PetPlan – Signs of Separation Anxiety and Ways to Help Reduce the Likelihood of Separation Anxiety When Returning to Work
• Dogs Trust – How To Help Your Dog Cope During and After Lockdown
• Humane Society of Boulder Valley – How to Help Pets Navigate Transitions
• ASPCA – How to Treat Separation Anxiety

Protecting Your Pets Through Estate Planning

Another way to ensure your pets are protected is through estate planning. Here are two great articles from the Michigan Humane Society about ways to legally protect your pets.
The Legal Status of Animals and How to Protect Them
Make Sure Your Estate Planning Protects Your Pets