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Disasters can occur no matter where you live, and while it’s important to take care of yourself and your family, you also need to prepare your pet. According to the veterinarians at Ohana Veterinary Hospital in Honolulu, HI, disasters can cause chaos, but there are ways to prepare that will keep your pet safe. Regardless of where you live, use the tips below to make sure your pet is ready for whatever nature delivers.

3 Disaster Preparedness Tips for Your Pets

1. Find Pet-Friendly Facilities

If you and your family have to evacuate, you need to make sure your pets will be welcome where you’re going. Most cities—especially in disaster-prone areas—have designated year-round shelters and emergency facilities. Contact the one you’re zoned for and ask if pets are allowed during emergencies. If they aren’t, you can look into pet-friendly hotels, shelters, and other places that have pet-friendly accommodations. Local veterinarians may also have preferred facilities, so speak with them.

2. Get Your Pet Microchipped

veterinary hospitalIn the worst circumstances, you may become separated from your pet during a disaster. If there’s extensive wreckage in your area, it may be difficult to find them in the aftermath, and people won’t know to return it to you. Getting your pet microchipped now will ensure they can be identified. Microchipping is more effective than basic tagging, as these can come off. If your pet is already chipped, make sure their information is updated so that you can find each other.

3. Create a Disaster Kit

In the same way that you have an emergency kit for your family, you should also have one for your pet. It should include all the staples, including a supply of food to last several days. If your pet takes medication, ask your veterinarian for a spare bottle you can pack away. It’s also important to make sure they’re comfortable, so pack some toys for them, as well as any blankets or materials they like to sleep on.

Preparing now will ensure you and your pet make it safely through any disaster. If you need assistance, turn to the staff at Ohana Veterinary Hospital. Their veterinarians provide a variety of services and are dedicated to keeping pets healthy. Call (808) 845-1762 today to schedule a pet health exam and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their veterinary clinic.

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