Learn more from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on how hurricanes and other storms may affect our region and how you might mitigate hazards in your home, and read more below about precautions you can take to keep your pets safe in a variety of inclement weather.

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September is Emergency Preparedness Month, and with storm season here and winter right around the corner, be sure to take all of your loved ones into account, including your furry family members!  The best way to cope with an emergency is to be prepared in advance, and here are some steps you can take today to help you be ready if disaster strikes:

Identification

Dogs and cats should wear collars with their license tag (both dogs and cats must be licensed in the City of Alexandria) and a tag containing ID information, including your name and phone number.  In an emergency, collars may be accidentally removed or fall off, so we suggest getting your pet microchipped.  It is critical that you register this microchip to include your information and an emergency contact and keep this information up to date, and you should also register it at PetMicrochipLookup.org to provide additional information associated with your registration.  You can have your pet microchipped at your vet and should check to make sure the microchip is in place at annual wellness exams.

Pet Emergency Kit

Gather essential supplies that can be ready at a moment’s notice.  This kit should include several days worth of food and water, medications, medical and vaccination records, a leash, a collar, ID tags, toys and bedding.  It’s also a good idea to have printed photos of your pet, and additional photos of yourself with your pet, to serve as extra identification if necessary. You can find your full kit checklist HERE.

Prepare in Advance

Create an emergency preparedness plan that includes your pets and accounts for transportation, food, water and shelter.  Make a list of pet-friendly hotels in your area in case power goes out or you have to evacuate your home.  And don’t forget to consider how to care for your pets your pets in case you can’t get home, whether that means staying with local family members, your neighbors or a pet sitter who is able to get into your house and take care of your pet.

Identify Yourself

If you are away from home and something happens, make sure you have identified your pets at home, any special care they need and who to contact to visit them.  Carry a card in your wallet with information about your pets, and keep and emergency contact card home.  You can find an emergency contact card for your pet HERE.

And check out more helpful tips to prepare yourself and your pets no matter what the weather.

Don’t wait until an emergency to prepare your pet.  Get organized today!  You can find even more information on emergency preparedness for your pet HERE.