September is disaster preparedness month, and it appears this should be on our calendars year-round. Maui, California, and Canada have seen devastating wildfires, record setting heat has overtaken over half the U.S. and California has seen its first hurricane in a year. I write this as the Gulf Coast where I live had been quiet until Idalia paid Florida a visit and we still have another month of very active season left. Katrina hit in late August, and one of Alabama’s recent, damaging hurricanes, Sally, hit mid-September 2020. It’s hard to write an all-encompassing article about disaster preparedness since it would be highly unlikely to see a hurricane in Montana but someone living there must be prepared to face blizzards, an occasional tornado and most definitely wildfires. Early this summer Colorado experienced a tornado right in the middle of our service area. I guarantee none of my sitters ever thought they’d see that; we are very aware of wildfires and blizzards, but a tornado is something we’ve never talked about during our training talks. Regarding a disaster, you may not have forewarning so it’s incredibly important to be prepared. We take our meet and greet opportunities to talk to clients about preparing for a potential blizzard or wildfire and strongly urge them to prepare a pet “Go Kit” this should contain:

Documents

• Photocopied Veterinary records

• Rabies and vaccine certificates

• Most recent heartworm test results

• Most recent FeLV/FIV test results

• Photocopied registration or adoption information (proof you’re the pet parent)

• Waterproof container for documents

• Microchip information including company name, phone number & microchip number

• Pictures of you with your pets (in case you become separated or need to prove ownership)

Food, Water & Medications

• 2-week supply of medications the animals need.

• 2-week supply of food (for each pet) in waterproof container (Your brand may not be available, and no one wants upset tummies if you evacuate)

• 2-week supply of water for each pet

• Manual can opener (if needed)

• Non spill food and water dishes

• One month supply heartworm, flea and tick preventative

Other Items

• Appropriately sized pet carrier with bedding or towels 

• Extra leashes, harnesses, litter boxes, litter

• Cleaning supplies, bags, disinfectant, paper towels

• Towels

• Pet first aid kit

Know pet friendly accommodations wherever possible if evacuation is necessary secure lodging asap. You can pack your go kits and monthly switch out the food and medications. Always let the pet sitter know where the kits are kept and as a professional always urge your clients to be prepared. If you plan ahead, emergencies will be less stressful on your furry friends.

Pro tip for those of you with kitties who dislike the carrier. Start now by leaving it out with the door open and tasty treats or catnip inside so if/when the time comes it’s not such a scary thing and a chore to get them in the carrier.

Make certain you have contact numbers for all close neighbors and that you have a few that are very familiar with your pets and your client’s pets. Should evacuation become necessary and you’re not home a neighbor may be able to help round up and evacuate your fur kids. Remember, in almost all cases your pet sitter and even you may not be able to enter an evacuation zone.

NAPPS has an Emergency Planning Guide  for sitters as well as pet parents to utilize. You can contact your local Animal Rescue Team or American Humane Red Star Relief for more helpful information or ways to volunteer. Take a couple hours now and you’ll be prepared for the unforeseen.

Yvette Gonzales, As You Wish, LLC

NAPPS Past President / Current Marketing Committee Chair