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March 15, 2025 9 mins
It's no secret that humans love our pets and the multi-billion dollar pet industry is a testament to that. For many single women who don't have children, like me, our pets are our babies. But did you know that over 70% of pet owners are unprepared for emergencies? Let's explore how to change that. 

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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:03):
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Puppies and kittens, we sure love our pets,
and they're part of the family.
But did you know that over 70%
of pet owners are unprepared for emergencies?
Let's explore how to change that.
Hi, it's the Urban Lady Prepper.
I help single moms and solo women with
practical emergency preparedness.

(00:24):
But of course, all are welcome to be
better prepared for whatever happens next.
When discussing emergency preparedness in my blogs, I
mention the ladies and kids, but I also
mention considering your pets' needs.
It's no secret that humans love their companion
animals.
In the U.S., nearly 45% of

(00:46):
all households have a dog, and cats are
in 25%.
We clearly love our pets, and the multi
-billion dollar pet industry is a testament to
that.
For many single women who don't have children,
like me, our pets are our babies.
For us dog-loving ladies, a 2018 study
showed that women sleep better with a dog

(01:07):
by their side, getting more quality sleep than
those who slept with another human or a
cat.
As single moms and women, daily responsibilities can
already feel like a constant juggling act, and
when emergencies strike, the stakes only get higher,
especially if you have fur babies.
You may have recently begun paying more attention

(01:28):
to prepping, but it might not have been
on the top of your to-do list.
Adding pets to that may not have been
something you thought about at all.
However, since many of us see our pets
as family, ensuring their safety in any crisis
is important.
Remember the heartbreaking tales from disaster, like the

(01:48):
recent wildfires and hurricanes, where many pets were
abandoned?
Many pet owners were forced to leave their
pets behind mainly due to lack of preparation.
A 2021 ASPCA survey indicated that 91%
of pet parents plan to evacuate with their
pets, but 47% of previously evacuated pet

(02:09):
parents admitted to leaving at least one behind.
Another survey showed that over 70% of
pet owners are unprepared for emergencies.
That should serve as a wake-up call
for many pet owners.
Remember that pet ownership includes ensuring their safety
in a crisis.
If we're unprepared, we risk endangering or abandoning

(02:32):
them.
This episode will offer essential pet safety tips
to help you create a plan that includes
your four-legged family members.
Being proactive with pet emergency prepping means taking
steps before a crisis occurs.
This ensures you're not scrambling to make last
-minute decisions when disaster strikes.

(02:52):
Preparedness reduces stress and ensures you and your
pets are ready for anything.
Key proactive steps include building a pet emergency
kit with the essentials, identifying boarding facilities or
pet-friendly shelters, and staying informed about local
emergency plans.
First, if you need to shelter in place,

(03:15):
create a safe haven for your pets within
your home.
This could be a designated area or cubby
with familiar items or a bed for them
to curl up in, which may help them
calm down if stressed.
Remember, if it's dangerous for you to be
outside, it's dangerous for them too.
If you have outdoor dogs, at least bring
them into your garage and prepare a spot

(03:36):
for them to ride it out, or buy
a collapsible crate or carrier to bring them
inside until the event is over.
Second, it's also essential to create a dedicated
emergency kit for your pet.
This kit should include all necessary supplies and
comfort items to help them stay safe and
calm.
It should be sufficient for sheltering in place

(03:58):
and if you need to leave your home.
Some folks, like me, have a bucket bag
for their dogs.
What should go into a pet emergency kit?
It should mirror a human one and contain
everything needed for survival.
Food and water are vital, but other essentials,
such as medications and medical records, are also
necessary.

(04:19):
By the way, if you're unsure whether you
have the human essentials, click the link in
the podcast description to get your free essential
prepper checklist.
I'll also have additional resources for pet safety
in there too.
Now to build your kit, pack several days
worth of food and water supplies.
Use the regular food.
A crisis is not the time to give

(04:41):
them different pet food or think human food
will tie them over.
The last thing you want is for Fido
to have a case of the trots while
evacuating.
If you're stressed, they're stressed too, so don't
add new food to that mix.
And I always suggest water packets as they're
lighter and save space.

(05:01):
Medications.
Include a supply of any necessary meds.
While pets can use human meds like Benadryl
and aspirin, if they're on special medications like
Apoquil, make sure you have extra.
Don't forget the heartworm meds and definitely don't
forget flea and tick treatments, as you don't
know where you'll end up or what will
be there.
If you have an anxious dog or the

(05:22):
event is extreme, get a sedative or a
prescription for their nerves.
A first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic
wipes, and other basics, such as a styptic
stick or powder for minor nicks and cuts
or if the nails get quicked.
Yes, dog-specific first aid kits are available
if you'd like to check those out.

(05:44):
Be sure to include comfort items like a
favorite toy or blanket to soothe anxiety.
If you have one of those thunder jackets,
keep it near the kit or have an
extra.
A bone to chew on may be helpful
too.
Have their identification, such as updated ID tags,
their rabies tags, and microchip information.
Do microchip them if you can.

(06:06):
You should also have an up-to-date
copy of your vet's records, as you'll need
them to access boarding or a shelter.
Poop bags.
Maintain proper sanitation even during emergencies with waste
disposal bags or save some plastic bags from
the store.
Just remember to check for those little holes
in the bottom.

(06:26):
Have an extra collar and leash.
You can get these at the dollar store.
And a muzzle.
I realize this may be controversial, but it
can ease the discomfort of others and may
give you access you would not have otherwise.
Third tip is understanding evacuation options is key
for pet owners.
Planning ahead ensures you have multiple strategies in

(06:49):
place, whether staying with friends or finding a
shelter.
Finding a pet-friendly shelter can be vital
in an emergency.
While many shelters don't accept pets, knowing which
ones do can prevent tough choices.
Researching options ahead of time will save stress.
Identify shelters on your evacuation route.

(07:09):
Research pet-friendly boarding facilities near potential evacuation
routes or where you might stay with family
or friends.
If you have a friend or family member
who can house your pet during an emergency,
discuss this plan beforehand.
Make sure they're comfortable with your animal, understand
any specific needs, and have the needed information,

(07:29):
such as a nearby vet and their regular
vet's information.
If they'll look after them but won't allow
them in the house, make sure you bring
their crate or have a collapsible one for
them.
While rare, some emergency shelters may accept pets.
If the shelter in your area only allows
people, it's crucial to research its limitations and
have a backup plan.

(07:51):
This is where having a muzzle may get
you some grace.
Fourth tip, learning basic pet CPR can be
life-saving in an emergency.
So consider taking a pet CPR class or
watch instructional videos online.
For example, do you know how to treat
your pet for shock or what to do
if they're bleeding?
These are crucial skills to have in an

(08:12):
emergency.
Having at least a basic understanding of pet
first aid can keep your pet safe and
comfortable until vet care is available.
Fifth, if you're working with your community's food
bank, or if your town has a pantry
set up in case of emergencies, ask them
to include some pet food too, or bring
some to them so it'll be there for
you and anyone else who may need some.

(08:34):
And my last tip is to not hesitate
in reaching out to online communities, animal shelters,
and local vet clinics, which can offer guidance
and support.
Build a network that can assist you during
emergencies.
A small amount of preparation can significantly impact
your pet's safety and well-being during a
crisis.

(08:54):
By taking a little time to create an
emergency plan, you can give your pet the
best possible chance of survival.
It's not about being paranoid, it's about being
proactive and a responsible pet owner.
Preparing for the unexpected for your whole crew,
including the pets, eases stress, gives peace of
mind, and prevents heartbreak and difficult choices.

(09:17):
Thanks for listening, and pet your dog for
me.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
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