As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is urging residents to make sure their pets are included in emergency planning so no member of the household is overlooked during a crisis.
Being prepared means having a plan for a variety of situations, including severe weather and possible evacuations. The organization recommends keeping essential supplies on hand, knowing how to safely remain at home if needed, and having a strategy in place to leave quickly with pets.
To support these efforts, the Ontario SPCA is offering free tools, including a downloadable Emergency Preparedness Workbook designed to help families assemble a 72-hour emergency kit and outline care plans for their animals. More information is available at ontariospca.ca/ep.
Throughout the week, free emergency door decals, key tags and wallet cards are also being distributed at local animal centres while supplies last. These items can alert first responders to the presence of pets and ensure their needs are known if an owner cannot return home.
More details on preparing pets for emergencies, along with free resources, can be found at ontariospca.ca/ep.
(Richard Evans)
