Pet disaster preparedness tips from Woodland West Animal Hospital in Tulsa, OKPet Disaster Preparedness for Tulsa Families

Be prepared! In Oklahoma, severe weather is a fact of life — from tornadoes and spring storms to flooding, ice storms, and extended power outages. When disaster strikes, pets depend on us to keep them safe. Woodland West Animal Hospital has put together these helpful tips, based on guidance from the ASPCA, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Department of Homeland Security, so your family and pets are ready for an emergency.

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Step 1: Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit

Your kit should be pre-packed and stored in a place everyone in the family knows. Check the contents regularly to make sure food, medications, and supplies haven’t expired.

  • Food: Pack at least 3 days’ worth of food in a sealed container or plastic bag. If your pet eats canned food, choose pop-top lids or include a can opener. Rotate food at least every 2 months to keep it fresh, and include a few plastic bowls or containers for feeding.
  • Water: Store at least 3 days’ worth of bottled water for your pet, as well as for you and your family.
  • Medications: Keep at least a week’s supply of your pet’s medications, along with flea, tick, and heartworm preventives. Refills are available from our pharmacy and drive-thru.
  • First aid kit: Bandage material, tape, scissors, saline solution, isopropyl alcohol, latex gloves, and hand sanitizer. The ASPCA offers a helpful pet first aid guide.
  • Veterinary records and ID: Copies of your pet’s vaccination records, a list of medical conditions and current medications, and a recent photo of your pet for identification.
  • Crate, carrier, collar, and leash: Containing your pet makes evacuation much easier and safer.
  • Sanitation supplies: A litter box and litter, trash bags, paper towels, gloves, and bleach for cleaning and disposing of waste.
  • Comfort items: A favorite toy or blanket can help reduce stress.

Step 2: Plan Ahead

Use common sense and remember that your own safety comes first. During emergencies, pets often escape from a house or yard before their owners can reach them, so planning ahead is essential.

  • Choose a safe room: Know where you’ll shelter during a tornado warning and plan to bring pets with you. Keep carriers and leashes nearby during storm season.
  • Establish a meeting location: Pick a place all family members know to meet if you’re separated.
  • Find pet-friendly shelter: Many hotels and evacuation centers don’t allow pets. Research pet-friendly lodging, and keep a list of nearby veterinary clinics and boarding facilities with their contact information.
  • Talk with neighbors and family: Share your plan, your pets’ information, and where your emergency kit is stored. Arrange for someone to help if you’re not home, and discuss longer-term care options with family members.
  • Microchip your pet: A microchip provides permanent, lifelong identification. Update your registration information every 6 months to a year, or anytime you move or change phone numbers. This information is essential for recovering a lost pet.

Step 3: Stay Informed and Tuned In

  • Weather radio: The National Weather Service recommends a battery-operated weather radio in every home to receive the latest alerts.
  • Emergency alert stickers: Woodland West Animal Hospital has emergency static-cling stickers available at our reception desk. Once applied to a door or window, they let firefighters and emergency responders know how many animals are inside.
  • Know your pet’s stress signs: Storms and disasters can frighten pets. If your pet suffers from storm or noise anxiety, our behavior consultation services can help.

After a Disaster

Keep pets leashed or crated until you’re sure your home and yard are safe — fences may be damaged, and debris, downed power lines, and floodwater can be dangerous. Watch for injuries, signs of stress, and changes in eating or behavior. If your pet is hurt or ill, our urgent care team is available 7 days a week. A wellness exam after a stressful event can help make sure your pet is healthy.

Disaster Preparedness FAQs

What should be in a pet emergency kit?

Include at least 3 days of food and water, medications, a first aid kit, veterinary records, a recent photo, a crate or carrier, collar and leash, and sanitation supplies.

How often should I check my pet’s emergency kit?

Check it every couple of months and rotate food, water, and medications so nothing expires.

What should I do with my pets during a tornado warning?

Bring pets into your safe room with you. Keep carriers and leashes ready during storm season so you can move quickly.

Why is microchipping important for disasters?

Pets often become separated from their families during disasters. A registered microchip provides permanent identification that helps shelters reunite you.

Where can I get an emergency pet sticker?

Woodland West Animal Hospital has emergency static-cling stickers available at our reception desk to alert responders that pets are inside your home.

What if my pet is anxious during storms?

Many pets are frightened by storms. Our veterinarians can recommend calming strategies and, when appropriate, medication or a behavior consultation.

Questions About Your Emergency Plan?

Please call Woodland West Animal Hospital at (918) 299-1208 with any questions or concerns about your disaster plan or pet emergency kit.

Jana Bone, DVM

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