September is Disaster Preparedness month, and we’d like to make sure you and your pet know how to weather any storm. Parts of the country are experiencing extreme weather, hurricanes, flooding and wildfires, and disaster preparedness is critical in keeping your pet safe and calm in emergency situations.

Be Prepared

Keeping a “go bag” is a simple and effective way to be prepared at all times.

@aspca

Here’s what’s in our disaster preparedness bag. What’s in yours?

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Include:

• Food and water for at least seven to 10 days, 
• A water bowl, feeding dish and manual can opener if needed
• Two weeks’ worth of your pets medication
• A spare collar and leash
• A copy or USB of crucial medical information
• Familiar toys or bedding
• Litter or newspaper for a litter box for cats, 
• Garbage bags 
• Pet first aid
• Any traveling bags, crates or carriers for each pet.

Additional Items to be Mindful of:

• Emergency shelters may not allow pets, so have a list of local boarding facilities, hotels/motels or nearby friends that will allow you to stay with your pet.
• All pets should wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain their name, your telephone number and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to also write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
• The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted under the skin in the animal’s shoulder area and can be read by a scanner at most animal shelters. Be sure you have registered your pet’s microchip, and the microchip registration database has your current contact information.
• We always recommend evacuating with your pets, but if you are forced to leave them behind in your home, be sure to put a safety alert somewhere highly visible to let emergency responders know that there is an animal in the house.

How to Help a Scared Pet

There are many things you can do at home to help your pet stay calm during a storm. Please remember that one thing does not work for all pets — so be patient when exploring what works for them.

• Keep calm! Your pet is aware of your emotions and is more likely to get upset if you are.
• Let them hide. If they prefer to stay under the bed, in a closet or bathroom, let them stay there.
• If your pet does not have a place to hide, consider creating a safe place for them. Interior rooms where there is less noise or flashes of light are a good place to start.
• Distracting your pet by playing games, turning on the TV or soft music, or giving them a food puzzle or Kong filled with their favorite treat are all great ways to distract your pet.
• Anxiety vests or shirts may also help your pet feel calmer.

Seeking Help from a Professional

Storm phobias can worsen with time. If your pet’s fear is moderate to severe, you may find that you need additional help. Working with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist will be key. There are also many medications that can be used in addition to training to help with your pet’s phobia.