Disasters, whether it be natural or man-made, humans do
their best to prepare for what is to come however unlike us, cats and dogs
can’t pack their bags or store water and food that is why it is the task of the
responsible pet owner to take the necessary steps to ensure that their pets are
ready for disasters.
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| Photo: Pexel.com |
IDENTIFICATION PLEASE
Much like humans’ need for an ID, pets must have some form
of identification as well. Collars with an updated identification tag will
suffice; the tag should include the pet’s name, owner’s name, address and phone
number. Some owners opt to have their pets implanted with a microchip and this
had been proven successful.
LUCK FAVORS THE PREPARED
A responsible pet owner
should remember that much like them, their pets need emergency supplies in
times of crisis. Evacuation and disasters are awfully stressful to one’s pets,
their owners must ensure that they have everything they need including:
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Blanket
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Disposable garbage bags
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First Aid Kit
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Liquid soap or disinfectant
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Pet bowls
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Pet food – three to seven days’ worth of it
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Travel crate
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Water – seven days’ worth of it
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
It’s true that there is no place like home. However, pet
owners should consider a safe place for their pets while the disaster takes its
course. Some pet owners reject the idea of being separated from their furry
friends however some evacuation sites do not allow pets hence they should
consider the possibility of a safe haven. A safe haven is a place where owners
can bring their pets in order to protect them from the life-threatening hazards
brought on by the natural disaster; pet owners no longer have to worry about
their pets because these havens have their pets’ wellbeing and safety as their
top most priority. Pet owners should contact their local veterinarians to find
out more about these places.
THE AFTERMATH
Disasters are stressful to animals as well; having to leave
their home and placed in a circumstance that is anything but normal from their
life. A pet owner should be cautious of several hazards that could have been
left behind in the backyard when they return home. They must also try to get
their pets back to the routine they had prior the disaster.
Pet Food Institute (PFI) is committed in educating pet
owners about proper pet nutrition to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, Well-Fed,
Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners
Association of the Philippines (VPAP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet
ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.
