8 Tips for Keeping Fido Safe During an Emergency

The hillside is on fire. The authorities are telling you to evacuate, taking only what is necessary. A frightening time for you, your family and your four legged friend too.

Natural disasters are part of life on planet Earth. Fires, earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes are only some of the dangers humans, and their furry friends, face in their lifetimes. What can you do, as a pet owner, to make an evacuation easier on yourself and your pet?

Planning ahead is the most important thing you can do. Having an escape plan and supplies for both your family and your pet will make a disaster easier to manage. What else can you do to plan ahead?

1. Make sure your pet has an up-to-date license or registration, which ever your state requires. Check their collar to know it's in good shape and secure. If it isn't, replace it immediately.

2. Get your pet micro-chipped. Ask your veterinarian about this simple and somewhat inexpensive procedure. Most animal shelters have the ability to scan lost pets. Most of the micro-chip companies give a tag with the phone number and identification number so a lost pet can be reunited with their family quickly.

3. Have a pet first aid kit in case of injury. During an emergency it might be a while before you can get your friend to a veterinarian and if he is hurt you will have to take care of him. Pet stores and some veterinarian offices carry kits packed just for animals.

4. Plan where you can go during an emergency. Remember that shelters and veterinary clinics will probably not be able to take your pet during an emergency. They might have to evacuate as well. Find a friend or relative outside of your area who will allow you and your four-legged friend to come and stay with them.

5. Be sure you have all of your emergency numbers, both the homes for your family and your furry friend. Keep a print out of those numbers in your emergency kit. In the event of an evacuation, you will need those numbers in an easy to find location and you might not be able to count on your electronic address book. Electrical outages are quite common after a natural disaster.

6. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not wait until the last minute. You have an easier time keeping your family and pets together if you leave before it becomes a necessity. Remember, there isn't anything in your home that isn't replaceable. But your family and furry friends aren't!

7. During an emergency always keep your pet on a leash. A disaster can be very chaotic and frightening for your furry friend. Keeping your pet on a leash will help you keep him in control at all times.

8. Consider having your pet crate trained. A crate is a great way to keep your pet under control through even the most difficult of times and it will be a place of comfort for him as well. Be aware you may not be able to take a large crate with you if you are forced to leave your home do to a disaster.

There are not guarantees you and your pet can stay together during a disaster, but with a little planning and a cool head you can keep your four-legged friend safe and secure.

Dawn Arkin is a writer and animal lover who enjoys spending time with her pets. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.