RECAP

Now, that you have created your Evacuation plan putting it into practice and created your Out-of-State contact and assembling  your First Aid Kit, did you remember to include your Pets in your Evacuation Plan?  Well, we will discuss how pets are important and as you know, we treat them just like they are part of our Family [Pack].

PURPOSE

Pets are people too!  Okay, not technically but they are definitely part of the Family and must be included in your Plan.  On a recent wildfire, a firefighter was seen pictured with an evacuated resident’s dog.  By Planning to include your Pet and making sure to bring your loved one with you to your “meeting place” is sure to reduce stress and worry.  Now, we are not saying to do this at every cost, including your life – but do it as safely as best as you can when you are evacuating.

ALTERNATIVES

Some have left pets behind because they have had no choice but to do so.  In light of recent Washington State wildfires, there have been plenty of warnings of impending danger with fires coming towards them and alerts stating where pets and large animals could be safely boarded.  If you find that you may or may not be able to evacuate with your pet, create a Plan that will allow for another to rescue your pet or ask your nearest animal shelter or pet rescue organization how you can include your Pet[s] into your Evacuation Plan.  We promise this will keep worry off of your mind and knowing that he or she will be safe.

As previous K9 owners ourselves, it would be very painful  for us to have to leave them behind.  Remembering that last statement, we always had them in our Evacuation plan to go with us and ready at a moment’s notice.

In addition to including your Pet, it is very important to make sure that your pet is chipped as he or she could easily be separated from its collar and tags.  Most Vets can check the chip by scanning the device – returning their beloved pet[s] to them quickly.

BE PRO-ACTIVE, NOT REACTIVE

Including your pet[s] or large animals into your Evacuation plan will save time in knowing what to do, lessen stress and worry and keeping your family intact. However, sometimes evacuating with your pet at that moment in time may not be possible and therefore, you need to have a plan of what to do when leaving your pet behind.  No one really wants to even think of that possibility but in reality, you need to have your practiced plan in force.

This post is to help Get the Conversation Started and thinking about including your Pet in your Evacuation Plan, if not already thought about.  We will discuss later on what to bring for your Pet in the topic “Go Kits” for Your Pets.

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