Be Ready for an emergency when you are with your pet

SALT LAKE CITY — Are you ready for an emergency while you and your pet are at home or away?

KSL NewsRadio’s Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic spoke with Be Ready Utah Manager Anna Boynton about being ready when disaster strikes and you are with your dog or cat.

At the top of the list? Microchipping.

Debbie said she didn’t know if her rescue dog, Riley, was microchipped. 

“Microchipping is just one of many things you guys are recommending,” Debbie said.

“Yes, actually, it is. That is one that can be very helpful,” Boynton said.

Build your emergency pet kit

In addition to microchipping, she advised pet owners to store medications and copies of medical records in a waterproof container.

According to The American Red Cross, your pet emergency kit should also include:

• sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape;
• food in an airtight container, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food;
• current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.

Boynton said have ready between 72 hours and up to a week worth of pet food in your emergency kit.

Eliminate scary things, sounds and smells

Make sure your pet is familiar with the pet carrier.

“So that if the pet has to be transported in that, it won’t be a new scary thing,” Boynton said. “Oftentimes after disasters, the pet goes through a period of needing to gain recovery. When you are back in that familiar place at your home or your condo where the pet has lived. you want to be sure that you’re aware of new dangers that might be at eye and nose and paw areas.”

The Red Cross also suggests that pet owners know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.

Read more about Red Cross safety tips for traveling with your pet.

For more information or tips, visit the Be Ready Utah website.

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio.