Keeping Pets Safe in an Emergency

You do your best to plan for an emergency and keep your family safe, but do you do the same for your pets? The best way to keep your pets safe when you can't be with them is to plan ahead. Some of the situations that could prove disruptive and dangerous to your pets include medical, fire and storm related emergencies.

Here are a few tips, courtesy of , to help keep your pets safe:

• Find a trusted family member or neighbor and give them a key to your house or barn. Make sure this person is comfortable and familiar with your pets.
• Make sure the family member or neighbor knows your pets' whereabouts and habits, so they won't have to waste precious time trying to find or catch them.
• Make sure the family member or neighbor would be willing to take your pets and has access to the appropriate carriers and leashes.
• If you use a pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.
• Create a pet emergency kit and place it in a prominent place where your neighbor or first responders can find it.
• This kit should contain a list of contact numbers for whoever will be watching your animals as well as whatever the sitter may need.  (Ex. Eating schedule, location of food etc…)