Animal Food Bank Pet Emergency
Preparedness Campaign
ARE YOU READY FOR A PET EMERGENCY?
Pet Emergency Preparedness Campaign
With only moments to flee, would you be ready?
Welcome to Animal Food Bank’s Pet Emergency Preparedness Campaign! May is Emergency Preparedness Month, and there’s no better time to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry companions. Join us as we empower pet owners to take proactive steps towards preparing for emergencies and protecting their beloved pets.
For the past four years, the Animal Food Bank has been a lifeline for pets and their owners during times of crisis. Serving as a beacon of hope in the face of natural disasters, we have tirelessly provided support to pets of evacuees across Western Canada. Our unwavering dedication has seen us deliver hundreds of thousands of pounds of food when no other organization could, all powered by a passionate team of volunteers.
The frequency of natural disasters, from devastating fires to destructive floods, is on the rise. In 2023, Canada experienced a record fire season, resulting in the evacuation of 232,000 people. In these moments of chaos, pet owners often find themselves with mere minutes to flee, leaving them scrambling to ensure the safety of their beloved furry companions.
Nicole Frey, Founder of Animal Food Bank, emphasizes the critical importance of pet preparedness: “Disasters can happen at any moment, and it’s crucial for pet owners to have a plan in place to protect their furry family members.” Through initiatives like our Pet Readiness Campaign and Pet Evac Pack fundraiser, we empower pet owners to take proactive steps in safeguarding their pets during emergencies.
Evacuees are frequently caught off guard by the lack of pet food and supplies available at evacuation centers. Without crucial medical records, pets may be denied boarding or access to vital medications. Proof of ownership is essential for reuniting with lost pets, highlighting the necessity of pre-planning for emergencies.
Animal Food Bank’s proactive approach ensures that no pet is left behind during times of crisis. By providing pet food and supplies directly to evacuation centers and communities, we offer vital assistance to thousands of evacuees and their pets.
The importance of pre-planning for emergencies cannot be overstated. Having a pet pack ready to go could mean the difference between life and death for your furry companions. We urge everyone to prioritize pet preparedness and have a to-go bag ready for their pets.
Join us in our mission to ensure the safety and well-being of pets across Western Canada. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of pets and their families during times of uncertainty.
Love your pets enough to be pet prepared for any emergency.
Why pet emergency preparedness matters
Be ready before disaster strikes
Disasters can strike without warning, leaving families and pets vulnerable. Evacuation centers may not always have resources available for pets, putting them at risk. Having a pet emergency plan in place can save precious time and ensure your pet’s safety during crises.
Understanding the Hazards:
Risks vary depending on your location. Familiarize yourself with the potential hazards in your community to better equip your pets for unexpected events. Educate yourself on emergency procedures and evacuation routes in your area.
Crafting a Plan:
Establishing an emergency plan specific to your pets can alleviate stress for both you and them. Consider how you will gather and transport your pets, determine your destination and necessary provisions, and identify strategies for comforting your pets amidst chaotic circumstances.
Assembling Supplies and Kits:
Act swiftly in times of crisis by ensuring you have a well-stocked emergency kit for your pets. This should include vital items such as sustenance, medications, and medical records, as well as comforting essentials to help ease their anxiety.
Research Pet-Friendly Hotels:
Make a list of pet-friendly hotels, kennels, shelters and boarding facilities in your area, Ensure you have up-to-date vaccination records for your pets or they may be turned away
Stay Informed:
Regularly revisit and update your emergency plan to accommodate any changes in your pets’ needs or your circumstances. Monitor local conditions and pay attention to official disaster warnings and updates from your local authorities.
Have a pet evac pack ready to go. Learn more about what you should pack.
Pack a pet emergency kit
Pet Emergency/Evacuation Packs
A pet emergency pack is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your furry companion during emergencies. It contains essential supplies like food, water, medications, and comfort items, providing peace of mind and ensuring your pet’s needs are met during evacuation. Be prepared, protect your pet.
A pet emergency pack should contain the following:
- Essential Supplies: From food and water to medications and veterinary records, our pack contains all the necessities your pet needs to stay healthy and comfortable during emergencies.
- Comfort Items: We understand that emergencies can be stressful for pets too. That’s why our pack includes comforting items to help reduce stress and anxiety, ensuring your pet feels safe and secure.
- Emergency Contact Information and Pet Identification: In times of crisis, quick access to important information is vital. Our pack includes emergency contact information and pet identification to help facilitate a swift reunion if you and your pet become separated.
Being prepared for an emergency for your pet can be the difference between life and death.
Evacuation Alerts and Orders
Ensuring your pet's safety
If you are fortunate enough to be placed on evacuation alert before being evacuated, use that time to ensure you are ready. Review your emergency plan, ensure your pet emergency pack is ready to go by the door or in your car and stay informed of changing conditions. Make sure there is fresh food and water in your emergency pack.
If you are evacuated, your local government will advise where your evacuation centre or emergency services (ESS) reception centre is. It’s important you report there so that the local ESS agencies know who is safe.
Access for pets varies across the ESS centres varies. Not all reception centres accept animals, nor do all provide food and supplies for animals. This is where organizations like our Animal Food Bank step in, providing pet food and supplies to pets of evacuees, but it’s easiest for everyone, including your pet, if you evacuate with these items.
If you were fortunate enough to have evacuated with your pet, ensure you have a backup plan on where you can stay with them, or board them, in case your ESS centre does not permit pets. Ensure you have your pets vaccination records with you or you may be turned away from boarding.
Together, we can ensure that no pet goes uncared for during times of crisis.
Spread the word about pet emergency preparedness.
Support our campaign
Help our Animal Food Bank help evacuated pets in need.
✅ Purchase a Pet Evacuation Pack and contribute to our Emergency Pet Fund, providing critical assistance to pets in need during emergencies.
✅ Spread the word about pet emergency preparedness by sharing our campaign on social media and with friends and family.
✅ Volunteer with Animal Food Bank to help distribute Pet Evacuation Packs and educate pet owners in your community.
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