Hurricane season is upon us and depending on where one lives in the world, the weather right now might be very stressful. Whether it be hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes, being prepared and ready for evacuation beforehand is very important. That’s why Ellie has put her paws together to draft all pet lovers an Ellie’s Disaster Prep Tips.
Research Pet Friendly Stay Options Before You Need Them
No owner wants to leave their pet behind during a natural disaster and friends or family are not always an available option to stay with. In such times of need the pet lover’s salvation is a pet friendly shelter. Not all shelters are pet friendly and most that are have specific stipulations like the requirement to bring shot records or a lockable crate. That’s why it’s best to research your area’s pet friendly shelters far before you actually may have to use them.
To help her furry friends, Ellie has put her nose to the ground and found a helpful list for locating pet friendly shelters as well as pet friendly hotel/motels. Be sure to contact each location directly to find out their specific requirements.
Have a Back-up Plan
Sometimes disasters occur when you are not at home so it is also a very good idea to have a nearby neighbor or friend agree to collect your animals for you and keep them safe until you can be reunite. Make sure to keep current contact phone numbers for those you may need to call on for this.
Prepare Go-Bag for Pets
Another clever idea is to pack a Go-Bag for your pets, much like you should for yourself. This bag would have everything you need if you must leave with no warning. The best place to keep the Go-Bag would be in a crate near the car or another easily accessible area close to where you would go to leave quickly. Ellie recommends the following items be included:
- Shot and other medical records
- 2-3 days of food and lots of treats
- A toy or two
- Collar and leash
- Any needed medications
- Bowls for food and water
- Blanket(s)
- A small prepared medical kit for any issues that may crop up for your beloved pet
Set Routines Early
Gather your family together and set spots inside and outside your house where everyone knows to meet if something bad happens. Know where your pets can go and what items they need if you should leave quickly.
Knowing exactly what you will do in a tough situation, including what you will take, where you will go and even the path you will take to get there, is key to surviving a national disaster.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – or dog treats, according to Ellie’s one track mind! So we hope Ellie’s Disaster Prep Tips will help you establish a plan that can make all the difference in time of need.
For the entire month of September, Open Door Press & Ellie the Wienerdog will be donating 10% of all sales from our online shop to the Humane Society Animal Rescue Team.
If you have a rescue story you would like to share or an organization you would like people to become aware of for their good works, please feel free to share on our Facebook, tweet it to @EllieWienerdog or tag us on your Instagram post using @elliewienerdog.
