Twisters and Critters

Spring brings showers and lots of interesting weather.  In the recent years, tornadoes and severe storms have become more intense in the midwest.  Are you prepared?  There are various news clips and articles about the list of items you should have to prepare for a storm (flashlight, weather radio, water, etc ), but what kind of plan do you have for your pets.  Below are some useful tips.

1. What are the essentials?  During tornado season, have a tupperware container of pet food and some bottled water in your trunk.  If you need to leave your house with your pets, you might not know when you will be going back.  It is good to have the stash already available so that you can be more aware of your pets' initial needs during an evacuation.  

2. Where's the kennel?  Do you know where your pet carriers are?  During storm season, be sure to inventory your carriers and keep them in an area where you can find them.  If you have cats, this is a very important tip.  Make sure your animals are comfortable going into a carrier, so when things are chaotic, you will not have to worry about them going in hesitantly.  Occasionally feed cats in their carrier.  There are many videos and articles about working on crate games with your dogs.  They're fun exercises that can be very beneficial in the future.

3. Update your information?  If you're not able to take your pets during a storm, make sure they have identification on them.  During this time of the year, invest in new ID tags with updated information.  Microchipping is also a great option that should always be up-to-date.  If collars come off, a microchip is a great back up plan.

4. Where do we go?  Have a plan in place of where your animals can stay if you can not provide a home due to a storm or other catastrophe.  Contact your vet or boarding facility to ask about emergency situations.  Also make sure to check your emergency contact information at those facilities.  If you need to evacuate to a hotel, make sure you have a list of pet friendly options.

Be sure to have a plan.  Write things down.  Hopefully, you will not have to utilize these plans, but you will be prepared and have one less thing to worry about if you need them.  Stay safe!