Don’t forget your furry family members in an emergency

After the warnings we have had lately for various natural emergencies, I thought it timely to write about the saying ‘be prepared’. Many people will have a plan for their family, but have you included your pet? If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will have less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency.

Our pets are part of our family too, so having a plan in place to make sure they are kept safe is an important part of your emergency preparation.

An emergency kit is an essential part of being prepared.

• Include several days’ supply of your pet’s usual food in an airtight, waterproof container. Have a can opener if you store canned food.

• Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.

• If your pet is on regular medicine, keep an extra supply in a waterproof container.

• Include a back-up collar and ID tag, a harness if used and a lead.

• A travelling bag, crate or carrier is important for each small pet.

• Toys, treats and bedding are also a good idea to help reduce stress for your pet.

• Ideally it is a good idea to also include a litter tray and litter if you have a cat.

One of the best investments you can make in your pet’s safety is ensuring they’re microchipped and registered on the Companion Animal register.

During emergencies, pets can easily become separated from their families, but a microchip dramatically increases the chances of a happy reunion. The key is keeping your contact information current on the register – there’s no point having a microchip if it leads to an old phone number or address.

Make it a habit to update your details whenever you move or change phone numbers. You can easily manage this online at animalregister.co.nz.

Have an evacuation plan and practice your plan with your household and pets, including in the dark, in case an emergency happens at night and there is no power. Power outages are common during emergencies, and you’ll want to be confident you can locate and secure your pets even without lights. This practice will help identify any gaps in your plan and ensure everyone knows their role when seconds count.

Taking the time now to prepare for emergencies with your pets isn’t just about being responsible – it’s about protecting the animals who trust you completely and ensuring your family stays together when it matters most.

While we all hope we’ll never need to use these emergency plans, having them in place provides invaluable peace of mind.

Please contact the WISCA Animal Advocate on 0275395107 if you would like your pet microchipped or to check your contact information on the Companion Animal Register is correct.