Pet Preparedness for Severe Weather

In San Antonio, we’re no strangers to natural disasters. Whether it be hurricanes, flooding, wildfires and even the occasional sinkhole or earthquake, being prepared is key to staying safe. While you may have a plan for your human family, have you considered what your pets would need in an emergency?  

Taking the time to think through your pet evacuation plan and emergency actions can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring your pet’s safety.  

Pet Disaster Preparedness  

Do you know where you would go if evacuation became necessary?  How would you transport your animals? What essential items would you bring along?

Breaking your pet emergency plan down into actionable steps can make the process more manageable. Here are some key areas to focus on:  

• Create an evacuation plan —  If you ever need to leave your home, identifying places where both you and your pets can go ahead of time is very helpful. Make a list of friends, family, pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and campgrounds as potential evacuation options. Keep the list up to date and easily accessible. If evacuation seems imminent, act quickly to call ahead to reserve boarding or accommodations.  
• Assemble a pet emergency kit  —  Prepare a pet disaster kit with essential items such as a week’s worth of food and water, medications, a sturdy pet carrier, an extra leash and collar, bowls for food and water, and litter boxes or waste bags. You should also keep copies of your pet’s medical records and recent photos in case you’re separated. Be sure to rotate perishable items to ensure they remain fresh.  
• Think first aid  —  Assemble a small pet first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and other essential medical supplies. Keep it with your emergency supplies for pets.  
• Ensure Contact Information is Current  —  Double-check that your pet’s ID tags are up to date with accurate contact details.  Consider microchipping your pet if you haven’t already, and be sure that the registration includes multiple contact numbers.  

Why Pet Disaster Preparedness Matters  

Thinking ahead about disaster preparedness can save precious time and reduce stress during an emergency. The more prepared you are, the faster you can act to get your pets to safety.  

At Borgfeld Animal Hospital, we’re here to help. Whether you need advice on creating a pet emergency kit, updating your pet’s microchip information, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can weather any storm, and keep our furry family members safe.