Offering Some General Advice On How To Prepare Your Pets For Nearly Any Emergency By Planning Ahead Of Time

Emergencies can strike at any time, whether it’s a house fire, flood, tornado, or another disaster. As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out emergency plan that includes our furry family members. Cincinnati, Ohio, experiences various weather-related emergencies, making it even more important to prepare ahead of time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an emergency plan for your pets.

1. Create an Evacuation Plan

Disasters can escalate quickly, and you may have only minutes to evacuate. Ensure you have a clear plan that includes:

• A designated safe place: Identify pet-friendly hotels, shelters, or boarding facilities in and around Cincinnati that accept pets during emergencies.

• Escape routes: Familiarize yourself with multiple routes in case roads are blocked.

• Pet-friendly emergency contacts: Have a list of family, friends, or neighbors who can take in your pets if needed.

2. Prepare an Emergency Kit For Your Pets

Having an emergency kit ready ensures that your pet has everything they need during a crisis. Your kit should include:

• Food and water for at least 3-7 days

• Collapsible bowls

• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container)

• Leash, harness, and sturdy carrier

• A recent photo of your pet (in case they get lost)

• Poop bags, cat litter, and disposable litter box

• Favorite toy or blanket for comfort

3. Microchip and ID Tags

In the chaos of an emergency, pets can easily get lost. Ensure your pets:

• Wear a collar with up-to-date ID tags

• Are microchipped with current contact information

• Have your phone number and an emergency contact listed on their tags

4. Know Local Emergency Resources

Cincinnati has several resources available to pet owners in times of disaster:

• Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency: Offers updates on evacuations and disaster relief.

• Local Animal Shelters: Check with Cincinnati Animal CARE or the SPCA Cincinnati for temporary pet housing.

• Pet-Friendly Hotels: Websites like BringFido.com can help locate nearby hotels that allow pets.

5. Severe Weather Preparedness

• Floods: Never leave pets behind. Move them to higher ground as soon as possible.

• Tornadoes: Identify a safe space in your home, such as a basement or an interior room without windows.

• Winter Storms: Have extra blankets and coats for pets, and never leave them outside for extended periods.

6. Fire Safety Plan

House fires are one of the most common emergencies. Keep your pets safe by:

• Placing a pet rescue sticker on windows to alert firefighters

• Keeping leashes and carriers near exits

• Assigning family members pet-rescue duties

• Practicing fire drills that include your pets

7. Train Your Pets For Emergencies

Practice evacuation drills with your pets to reduce panic during real emergencies. Make sure they are comfortable getting into carriers and respond to basic commands quickly.

8. Arrange For Backup Care

If an emergency prevents you from reaching your pet, a trusted neighbor or pet sitter, like Stay At Home Pet Services, should be on standby. Provide them with a spare key and instructions on caring for your pet in your absence.

Being Prepared Can Save Lives

Emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared can make all the difference. By taking the time to create a pet emergency plan, you ensure their safety no matter what happens. Start today, and give yourself peace of mind knowing your beloved pets are protected when disaster strikes.

Hire A Pet Sitter Today!

Pets need regular stimulation to stay happy and mentally healthy. If you don’t have the time to regularly stimulate your pets, then consider hiring a professional pet sitter! Here at Stay At Home Pet Services, we offer quality pet sitting services at competitive prices. We have over 10 years of experience, our sitters are certified in pet first aid & CPR, and we love all pets as if they were our own.

We are located in Cincinnati, OH and service the following areas of East Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, Mt Lookout, Oakley, Norwood, Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Tusculum, East End, Mariemont, Fairfax, Madisonville, Mt Washington, Dillonvale, Deer Park, Silverton, Kenwood, Madeira, Indian Hill, and Anderson Township. 

Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 513-706-7702. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too! We post everyday, so make sure you follow us so you don’t miss out on any adorable pet pictures.