Outdoor Life Prepare for Anything Survival Manual (29 page)

During times of crisis, pets often become separated from their owners. Some of the most heartwarming reunion tales in post-disaster areas are the unexpected, less-than-likely ones between pets and their long-lost owners. Unfortunately, there’s a reason these are so touching—because they’re surprising. More often than not, upheaval will separate you from a furry friend for good—but here are a few ways to make sure that you can find your way back to your little survivor.

MICROCHIPPING
Microchip implants are permanent, inexpensive, and very common, so shelters and veterinarians know to check for them. You can change the associated information if you move or your phone number changes—just call up the company to make sure it’s up to date.

DIGITAL ID TAGS
Sure, Fido can have the regular kind on his collar—but a digital QR code can be updated more easily than an engraving. There are also special collars with USB clips, so your pet is always carrying around a handy emergency flash drive with your info.

DUCT TAPE
Yet another use for our favorite supply-kit item: If your pet has the old-fashioned tags, write your new information and where you are traveling on a strip of duct tape and attach it to the back of the tag.

Fire safety is important, especially for pets kept inside at all times. Place home pet alert stickers in an obvious location to help notify firefighters of the number and type of pets in the building. If a fire occurs when you and your family are not at home, the sticker will indicate that your home is not as empty as it seems. And for the love of Pete, leave it to the pros. Do not enter a burning building to rescue a pet—they are very resourceful creatures, and may have already escaped. It should go without saying that as much as we love our pets, your life and the lives of your family members are more valuable.

In case of evacuation, consider places to go that will be open to your pets, like the homes of friends, pet-friendly motels, and kennels—and keep in mind that publicly run shelters might not be equipped to accept pets (aside from service animals). Ask questions if you do find a shelter that accepts pets—they may have breed restrictions or a cap on total number. In times of emergency, some non-pet-friendly hotels will make exceptions, so be sure to ask. If you’re hunkered in a bunker, make sure you have pet supplies stored alongside your own—and remember that there’s a big difference between omnivores (dogs) and carnivores (cats). Dogs can go vegetarian if need be, but cats need meat to sustain their health.

Your pet’s BOB isn’t all that different from your own. Here are the essentials.