Prepare
your pet
for any
emergency
Whether it’s a tornado or a house fire, most pet parents don’t consider their pet’s safety until an emergency is already happening. Small preparations now can save you and your pet precious time in case disaster strikes.
Keep your home safe
Check smoke detectors
On average, it is recommended to check them every month and replace their batteries every two years.
Note your pet’s hiding spaces
Remember that pets can be harder to find in stressful situations.
Practice safe habits around the home
Never leave lit fireplaces or candles unattended.
Keep a rescue alert sticker visible
Leave one by your front door so rescue workers know what pets to look for.
In case of a natural disaster
Canadian Emergency Preparedness Week is held in May every year. It is a great reminder to make sure your pets are ready in case your family has an emergency.
| EMERGENCY RESOURCES | |
|---|---|
| Emergency management organizations | A good source of information about how to prepare for emergencies in your region |
| Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 |
This 24-hour animal poison control. Charges a per incident fee, payable by credit card. This fee covers the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls associated with the management of the case. |
| ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435 |
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. poison-related emergency consultations are available with a veterinarian or toxicologist for a fee. |
| Emergency Preparedness Week | National Awareness campaign encourages Canadians to take three simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies. |
| Follow Public Safety Canada and GetPrepared on Twitter: | Public Safety Canada: @Safety_Canada GetPrepared: @Get_Prepared |
In case your pet is lost
Contact local shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control
These are the most common places a lost pet will be returned if found. Animal shelters and clinics are also able to identify your pet’s microchip ID and, if up-to-date, will be able to contact you.
Search your
neighborhood
Circle the perimeter of your home with a familiar call or nickname that you use for your pet. With each pass, try to move farther out.
Notify the
neighborhood
Post to a local networking site, tape posters of your lost pet on trees and community commonplaces, and don’t give up hope.
| LOST PET RESOURCES | |
|---|---|
| PetFBI.org | Pets Found by Internet: The Free Information Center For Lost and Found Dogs, Cats and All Other Pets. |
| Fido Finder | Register a lost or found dog to be notified when there is a match. |
Want to help out?
There is always a need to support shelters since they may also be sheltering those that have become separated from their family.
Not sure what to donate? Here are some ideas:
- Blankets or towels
- Dog or cat food/treats
- Gently-used chew toys
- Leashes or harnesses
- Pet beds
Some of the simplest ways to help a local shelter include making donations and signing up as a shelter volunteer. If this seems like something you would be interested in, make sure to check with the shelter ahead of time so you can provide the support they need without unnecessary confusion.
Another often overlooked way you can help is by becoming a shelter advocate. Simply making a blog or social media page about your local shelters can encourage others to participate or adopt.
Interested in learning about how Hill’s helps in times of disaster?
Check out information on our Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, and how we help shelters and pets in times of need.
