When thinking about how to deal with any natural disaster it is important to include pets in your disaster management plans.

Here are some tips to help you protect your furry family members in the event of an earthquake.

1. Ensure that your pets are properly identified with a collar and up-to-date tags. Also, consider having your pets microchipped. This will allow for easy identification if your pet gets lost or runs away during a quake.

2. Get to know their hiding places. Many pets, cats in particular, tend to hide when they’re scared. Being familiar with their past hideout spots can help you find your pet more easily in the event of a disaster.

3. Endeavour to keep one to three weeks supply of food for each of your pets.
Put together an emergency kit for your pet. This kit should include the following items:

• Food

• Water

• Bowls

• Cat litter/pan

• A manual can opener if packing canned food.

• A copy of veterinary history and medical records, stored in a waterproof container.

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.

4. When going through earthquake drills with your family, include your pets in evacuation drills. This way they can get used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.

5. During an earthquake, remember not to try and hold your pet. Survival mode will be in high gear and in an effort to protect themselves even the gentlest of pets can attack.

6. Keep outdoor pets indoors until the aftershocks have subsided and they have calmed down.

7. Try to stay as calm as possible. Seeing their owners showing anxiety and stress will typically increase the stress and anxiety levels of your pets as well.

Sources: Red Cross, Earth Shakes, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance