Make pets part of your emergency plan during Emergency Preparedness Week 

When an emergency happens, there’s often little time to think. In those moments, having a plan already in place can make all the difference. And for pet families, that plan should always include every member of the household, including the ones with paws. 

Emergency Preparedness Week is the perfect time to pause and ask yourself if something unexpected happened today, would you be ready to protect your pets? 

The reality is that emergencies can take many forms, like severe weather, power outages, or fires. While these situations can feel overwhelming, a bit of preparation can help bring a sense of calm and control when it matters most. 

Planning ahead for the entire family 

Pets depend on us entirely for their safety. That’s why building an emergency plan that includes them is so important. This includes having supplies ready, knowing how to safely shelter in place, factoring your pets into your fire escape plans, and identifying where you would go if you needed to evacuate. 

Think about what your pet would need to stay safe and comfortable for at least 72 hours if you had to shelter in place. Food, water, medications, bowls, leashes/collars, and a way to transport them quickly are all essential. Familiar items like toys or blankets can also help reduce stress during an unfamiliar situation. 

Not all evacuation centres accept pets, so having a list of pet-friendly hotels, or friends and family who could help, can save valuable time. Planning these details in advance means you won’t be scrambling to make decisions during a crisis. 

Free resources to help you prepare 

 The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society offers free tools to help you build a plan that includes your pets.Our Emergency Preparedness Workbook walks you through everything you need to create a plan and build a 72-hour emergency kit for your pets. It’s a simple, practical way to make sure you’re not missing anything important and to give yourself peace of mind knowing you’re ready. 

Small tools that can make a big difference 

Until May 10, visit your local Ontario SPCA animal centre for a free emergency door decal, key tag, and wallet card while supplies last. If you are not near an animal centre, items are also available for purchase at Paws&Give™. These tools are designed to communicate critical information when you can’t. 

A door decal can alert first responders that there are pets inside your home, which can be lifesaving in an emergency like a fire. Wallet cards and key tags let others know that you have pets at home who may need care if you’re ill or injured and unable to return home or make arrangements for your pets.It’s also a good idea to set up a “buddy system” with a trusted neighbour or nearby friend who can step in to check on or care for your pets if you’re not home when something happens. 

Being prepared, together 

No one likes to think about worst case scenarios, but planning for them is one of the most caring things you can do for your pets. Including them in your emergency plan helps ensure that, even in uncertain moments, they’re not left behind. 

Emergency Preparedness Week is a reminder that a little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow. By taking a few simple steps now, you’re helping to keep every member of your family safe no matter what comes your way. 

To explore our free resources and begin building your plan today, visit ontariospca.ca/ep