Wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can be traumatic events for people…and their animals.  As you think about how you will react if a disaster hits your area, don’t forget to include your pets in any emergency preparedness planning.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has created this “Saving the Whole Family” video on how to incorporate pets into your disaster preparedness plans:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9NRJkFKAm4&w=560&h=315]

You can download a PDF of the AVMA’s “Saving the Whole Family” planning kit HERE.

It contains everything you need to know to create a full plan for your pets (and farm animals), including information and checklists on:

• Identification
• Transportation/housing
• Veterinary records
• Proof of ownership
• Emergency contacts
• Small animal evacuation and first aid kits
• Farm animal evacuation and first aid kits

The needs of all kinds of animals (besides dogs and cats) are covered, including horses and livestock, as well as birds, reptiles, and other small pets.

You can print out copies and write in all the information for each of your pets before disaster strikes.

For more information on disaster planning for pet owners, check out our blog post on what to include in an emergency preparedness kit.