It’s imperative to include pets in your emergency plans. Visit the website for the NYC Office of Emergency Management or the American Red Cross to find resources regarding preparing for all types of emergencies.

In case of an emergency evacuation, your pet should have a designated bag (aka a “Go Bag”), ready at all times. Make sure to fill the bag with water, pet food, medications, an extra collar and/or leash, veterinary records including vaccinations, and a blanket or small bed. Having a way to transport a pet, like a carrier or crate, is also recommended. The ASPCA has more details, including a list of what to include in your pet’s Go Bag. Do not leave your pet behind.

In the event that NYC’s emergency shelters are open, pets are allowed on public transportation and at city evacuation centers. If your pet ever gets lost, visit Animal Care & Control of New York City.

In addition to natural or human-induced disasters, it is vital to have a plan for your pet in the case that you are faced with an unexpected health emergency and have to be hospitalized. To create a plan, we recommend the following steps:

• Identify a trusted caregiver for your pet. When exploring caregiving options, consider friends, family, building staff, and/or neighbors.
• Discuss with them how to care for your pet, including where you keep your pets’ Go Bag and all special instructions regarding your pets’ behavior, medical status, and more.
• Ensure that your chosen caregiver has a means of accessing your home (ie a set of keys).
• Carry a wallet card with pet caregiver’s name and contact information.

If your designated caregiver is not available and you are facing a hospitalization, PAWS NY may be able to help through our Emergency and Foster Program. If eligible, a foster volunteer through PAWS NY can help by opening their home and caring for your pet temporarily while you recover. Contact us at referrals@pawsny.org or (212) 203-4760.

Later this month, the NYC Office of Emergency Management will be hosting a Pet Preparedness Fair on Thursday, September 28, from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Union Square Park North Plaza. PAWS NY will be there, so stop by to learn more!

The post Make Pet Preparations in Honor of National Preparedness Month appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

First and foremost, make sure to have fresh, clean water available for your pet(s) at all times. Keep an eye on their water bowl and refill as needed. Consider adding multiple water bowls around the house! Also, be sure to wash their water bowl once a day to avoid any bacteria growing there.  

If your cat is a fan of running water, try letting them drink from the sink faucet for a few minutes, or consider a pet water fountain.  A cat or dog going outside in hot weather and/or exercising more, will need to increase their intake of water.  If you’re concerned about your pet getting enough water, you can try adding wet food to their diet, or soaking their dry food in a little water.

Both dogs and cats have a slightly higher internal body temperature than humans, so if you are hot, your pet certainly will be. Try air conditioning, or if that’s not possible, a cool, dark place they can rest with a fan is ideal. You can also lay down a wet, cool towel for them to rest on.

When you and your dog go out on a walk, be sure to bring water with you, or make a plan to stop at a public water fountain. Dogs with shorter snouts, like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Bull Dogs, overheat more easily. If the pavement is too hot to hold your hand on it longer than 3 seconds, it will also be hot on your dog’s paw pads. Go for walks in the early morning or evening. Try to walk in the shade or consider booties for your dog.

Know the signs of dehydration

Dehydration can happen very quickly. Know the signs to make sure you can get your pet help as soon as possible:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Loss of energy
• Excessive, ongoing panting
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken, dry eyes
• Dry, sticky gums
• Loss of skin elasticity

Hopefully this information helps our volunteers and supporters make sure that all pets stay safe, especially during Pet Hydration Month and all summer long!

The post Drink Up this Advice for Pet Hydration Month appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

First and foremost, make sure to include your pet(s) in your family’s planning. Below are some recommended steps to take.

 Have a disaster bag ready at all times for your pet(s). Include:

1. Your pet’s food
2. Fresh bottled water
3. Copies of medical records and vaccinations
4. Any medications your pet needs

Have a method of transportation ready:

1. Carrier for cats or small dogs
2. Collar, leash, and/or crate 
3. Train your pet to come when called
4. Practice this!

In the event that you must evacuate without your pet(s), make sure that authorities will know your pet(s) is inside. Many organizations offer free stickers to place on your front door or window. Affix these stickers (or make your own) to the outside of your front door, and in a window facing out, making sure to state the number of pets inside.

It is also vital to make sure your pet has up-to-date identification tags, or better yet, microchip your pet(s). Pets may hide or run away when frightened or surprised. There is a chance you could be separated during an emergency and identification or a microchip means you have a much better chance of being reunited.

And finally, take steps to keep your pet(s) from accidentally starting a fire themselves. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets. Keep pets away from open flames, such as candles, fireplaces, and stovetops.  

On National Pet Fire Safety Day, we hope that this information helps to ensure that everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike—stays safe!

The post On Pet Fire Safety Day, Take Steps to Be Prepared appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.