Emergencies can occur without warning, and being unprepared can have dire consequences for our pets. June is National Pet Preparedness Month, a timely reminder to ensure our furry, feathered, or scaled companions are included in our emergency plans.
Why Pet Preparedness Matters
Canada has experienced its share of natural disasters, from wildfires in Alberta to floods in British Columbia. These events underscore the importance of including pets in emergency planning. A 2021 ASPCA survey found that while 83% of pet owners live in areas affected by natural disasters, less than half have an emergency plan in place. Moreover, nearly 20% had to evacuate without their pets, often leaving them behind for days or weeks. These statistics highlight the necessity of proactive planning to ensure our pets’ safety during emergencies.
Make a Plan
Don’t wait until it’s too late—create an emergency plan that includes your pets. Here are some key steps you can take:
- Assign responsibilities in your household: Who grabs the carrier? Who collects supplies?
- Plan where to go: Make a list of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and friends or family who can shelter your pet.
- Prepare for multiple scenarios: What if you’re not home when disaster strikes? Leave a rescue alert sticker on your door or window to inform emergency personnel that pets are inside.
- Document your plan: Keep a printed copy with your emergency kit and share it with your family or pet sitters.
The BCSPCA has some great tips for pet preparedness here.
The City of Vancouver also has a good pet preparedness info here.
What to Include in a Pet Emergency Kit
Every household with pets should have a dedicated emergency kit. Here’s what yours should include:
- Food and Water: At least 3–7 days’ worth, with portable bowls.
- Medications: Include a two-week supply and copies of medical records.
- Identification: Collar with tags, microchip details, and a recent photo of your pet.
- Leash, Harness, and Carrier: Ensure they’re sturdy and labeled with your contact information.
- Sanitation Supplies: Waste bags, litter, litter box, and cleaning wipes.
- First Aid Kit: Include pet-safe bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and gloves.
- Comfort Items: Familiar blankets, bedding, or toys to help ease anxiety.
- A Picture of You and Your Pet Together: If you are separated, this photo can help prove ownership and assist with reunification.
- Familiar Items: Toys, treats, or even a shirt that smells like home can provide comfort during stressful moments.
Store your kit in a waterproof container and check it regularly to refresh expired items and adjust for seasonal needs.
Preparing Pets for Travel
In an emergency, you may need to leave home quickly—and travel can be stressful for pets. Prepare by:
- Acclimating your pet to carriers and car rides ahead of time.
- Packing travel documents such as health certificates and proof of vaccinations.
- Scouting pet-friendly hotels and boarding facilities in advance.
- Practicing evacuations with your pet so they’re comfortable with the process.
If flying, review the pet travel policies for your airline. Carriers like Air Canada and WestJet have specific guidelines for crate size, breed restrictions, and travel conditions.
Stay Informed
Timely information is essential in an emergency. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts:
- Local news outlets like CBC Radio One (AM 690 in Vancouver), Global BC, and CTV Vancouver provide live updates during storms or wildfires.
- EmergencyInfoBC (emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca) offers real-time information on provincial emergencies and issues alerts for floods, wildfires, and other disasters.
- Sign up for municipal alerts via your city or region’s emergency management system.
- Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand in case of power loss.
- Follow trusted sources on social media including BC Emergency Management and your local fire department.
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are unpredictable—but being prepared can give you peace of mind and help you protect your whole family, pets included. This June, take time to review your plan, update your kit, and rehearse your evacuation routine with your pet.
For more detailed tips and resources, visit: