National Pet Preparedness Month, Week 3: The pet identification profile

In recognition of National Pet Preparedness Month, the Office of Resiliency is providing information and suggestions on how to prepare your pets for an emergency.

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Every disaster is different and requires different measures to keep you and your pet safe, so the best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

Below are simple steps you can follow now to create your pet’s safety pack before the next disaster strikes.

If you have the means, laminate all important identification documents, contacts and your photo to prevent elemental damage.

Step 1: Get rescue alert stickers

Pet rescue window and door stickers can help alert rescue personnel that pets are inside your home in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers and it includes the types and numbers of your pets, as well as the name and phone number of your primary veterinarian.

If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the sticker. You can purchase a free rescue alert sticker from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Step 2: Create the perfect collar

Think of your pet’s collar as their lifeline. Disaster can strike at any time, so always ensure that your pet is wearing a collar or harness with updated ID and rabies tags. While the most effective form of pet identification is external ID tags, the only permanent form of identification is a microchip.

A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted beneath your pet’s skin by a veterinarian or local shelter. It contains a unique number used to identify the pet. This number links to your contact information in a microchip registry that allows shelters, veterinarians and humane organizations to alert you if your lost pet is found. Ensure that your pet’s microchip is registered with your contact information. You can also update their microchip information online.

Step 3: Take a picture

If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you. Add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics somewhere on the photo.

Step 4: Identify pet-friendly emergency shelters

Not all emergency shelters or hotels allow pets. Before a disaster hits, call your local emergency management office or veterinarian to see if there are places planned for people and pets to stay together in the event of an emergency. If there are places within our area, compile a list and get their 24-hour emergency telephone number. Prepare a few options in a range of distances from your home in case of either localized or region-wide emergencies.

Special considerations

While we love our cats and dogs, we have to keep in mind other furry friends.

Horses

Keep equine veterinary records in a safe place where they can quickly be reached. Include your 24-hour veterinarian, emergency services and friends. You should also keep a copy for emergency services personnel in the barn that includes phone numbers for you, your emergency contact, your 24-hour veterinarian and several friends.

Set up a phone tree/buddy system with other nearby horse owners and local farms. This could prove invaluable should you—or they—need to evacuate animals or share resources like trailers, pastures or extra hands.

Don’t forget their photo. On the back, make note of their age, sex, breed and any permanent identification such as tattoos, brands, etched hooves or microchips

Birds and reptiles

Have recent photos available, and keep their leg bands on for identification. Birds and reptiles also can be microchipped.

Additional tips