Disaster Preparedness for You and Your Dog

Living in the Valley, it’s easy to think we don’t need to prepare for a disaster or emergency situation.

Flooding and wildfires, however, are a risk here in Scottsdale. Everyday emergencies such as a summer power outage are possible too. 

Preparing ahead of time is key, because if a need to evacuate occurs, you are not panicked and can leave with your dog on time. So how can you ensure you and your dog are safe? Here are some tips.

1. Plan to bring your dog with you

Taking our pets with us when we evacuate is part of our job as pet owners. The Humane Society of the United States advises, “If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets.”

2. Prepare a kit for your dog

Here’s what should go in it:

• Bowls for food and water
• At least a week’s supply of food in a waterproof, resealable container (and manual can opener if bringing canned food)
• At least a week’s supply of water
• Medicine
• Waste cleanup items
• Toys
• Cleaning wipes
• Blanket
• Extra leash, collar and id tag
• Folder containing important papers, such as registration, vet papers, feeding instructions and a photo of you and your dog
• Grooming items 
• Kennel big enough for your dog to stand in

3. Prepare a kit for yourself

Check out ready.gov for resources.

4. Plan where you might stay

• Try to figure out if emergency shelters in your area will accept pets during disaster.
• Compile a list of hotels out of the immediate area that accept pets.
• Choose a neighbor or close family member who you can rely on to help your pets if you can’t get home.

5. Decide on at least two evacuation routes 

Know and discuss these routes and meetup locations with members of your household. Because the nature of an emergency will determine how far you need to go, come up with several evacuation routes that lead out of your city as well as out of the region or beyond. Go to ready.gov for more tips.

6. Ensure your dog’s microchip is up-to-date

If your dog gets lost, current information can be a lifesaver. A picture of you and your dog will help in establishing ownership as well.

7. Check your kits

Remember to check items periodically because some will expire. Try to make a habit of rotating them to avoid waste. 

8. Stay informed

• Get a portable AM/FM radio.
• Bring an extra phone charger.
• Watch your phone for alerts and also the City of Scottsdale Office of Emergency Management recommends checking their website for updates.

9. Put up a sticker 

If an emergency strikes directly at your home and you are not there, a “pet alert” window sticker is a useful tool to let first responders know of the pets residing inside. You can pick one up for free at the Arizona Humane Society or buy one on Amazon.

Ideally, you will never encounter a natural disaster or emergency situation, but hopefully being prepared brings you peace of mind.