CNY SPCA: June is Pet Preparedness Month
be purrpared with a BARC Bag and these tips
Natural and other disasters can strike anytime,
be ready for them with your furry family
Central New York SPCA is reminding everyone that June is National Pet Preparedness Month and it is a good time to make sure you have everything ready if you and your pet have to evacuate because of natural and other disasters.
“No one really wants to think about anything bad happening,” said Troy Waffner, CEO of the CNY SPCA. “But it is better to prepare for the what-ifs in life so you are ready with a plan and supplies in case you and your pets ever have to evacuate for floods or fire or snow.”
Pet owners should make sure that they have a BARC (Be All Ready for Clearing Out) Bag to use in case of evacuation with your pets. This BARC Bag should include:
- Basic first aid supplies
- 3-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food in a waterproof container
- Safety harnesses and leashes
- Waste clean-up supplies
- Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical record
- List of veterinarians and pet care organizations
- List of pet feeding routine and any behavioral issues
- Comfort items such as the pet’s blankets and toys to keep them calm
In addition to the BARC Bag, pet owners should also:
- Have an evacuation plan for your pet
- Have a current photo of you and your pet in case you get separated
- Have up-to-date identification on your pet
- Choose a safe place ahead of time if you need to evacuate
- If you must shelter-in-place, identify a safe area of your home where all can stay together – keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers
- Coordinate with a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor to take care of pets and their disaster kits in case you are not at home when the disaster hits
- Whether you have taken shelter at home or evacuated, your home may be a very different place after a disaster. Don’t allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations
“The old adage of it is better to be safe than sorry is true as being prepared is the best step families can take to ensure people, and their pets, are ready to face an emergency together,” Waffner concluded.