As unpleasant as the prospect may seem, planning for emergencies may mean the difference between life and death for the canine member(s) of your human family.

Simply put: if a situation is dire for you, it’s equally dire for your dog.

If you live in an area prone to such natural disasters as hurricanes or floods, plan accordingly. Determine in advance which rooms are “safe” rooms -- easily cleaned areas like utility rooms, bathrooms and basements. Because access to fresh water is critical, fill bathtubs and sinks ahead of time in case of power outages or other crises. In the event of flooding, take shelter in the highest part of your home, preferably in a room with high counters or shelves for your dog to lie on.

When first alerted to the approach of severe weather -- and the possibility of eventual evacuation -- ensure that your car’s tank is full, all essential fluids are topped off, and a high power flashlight (with fresh batteries) is in the glove compartment. If you must evacuate, prepare for the worst-case scenario: think weeks, not days.

And being prepared includes a canine emergency evacuation kit equipped with a first aid kit; two weeks worth of dry dog food; bottles of water; food and water bowls; disposable cage liners and/or paper toweling; plastic poop bags; brush, hand sanitizer, liquid dish soap and disinfectant; treats, toys and chew toys, towels and blankets.

Place photocopied veterinary records or USB in waterproof container

• Your contact information, phone numbers, and addresses for your family and friends or relatives you may be staying with.

• Pet description(s) such as name, breed, sex, color, weight

• Recent photographs of each of your pets

• Rabies certificate

• Updated medical records with vaccinations, prescriptions, and heartworm test

• Up to 2 weeks prescriptions for medications for your pets

• Microchip information (ex: microchip number, name and number of the microchip company)

• Photocopied of registration information or adoption papers

• Printed “Lost” posters with all your pet(s) information

• An extra collar with updated ID tags, leash and harness

• And of course, a traveling crate r carrier (if more than one dog - ideally one for each) with a complete copy of contact information attached.

While ensuring your dog’s safety, ensure your safety and that of your family’s as well by putting your own emergency plan in place. Tailor your emergency “kit” to meet your own specific needs, but ensure that your car is equipped with: a first aid kit; several gallons of water; non perishable foods, protein bars, etc.; a cell phone with chargers; a battery operated radio; flashlights and batteries; a multi-purpose tool, duct tape, scissors and whistle; sanitation and personal hygiene items; hand sanitizers and baby wipes; protective clothing, footwear and emergency blankets; maps(s) of the area; extra money and medications; copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance
policies); extra house and car keys, and family and emergency contact information.

Forewarned, as they say, is forearmed. And planning ahead helps dog owners keep cool heads while keeping their dearest dogs safe at the same time.