Storm Season Pet Safety
Storm season brings unique challenges for pet owners across all regions of North America. With the potential for hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters, tornadoes, and even wildfires, your animals’ safety requires planning and proper identification. It is also advisable to explore modern pet protection technologies, like those at SmartTag, which can help reunite you with your beloved furry friend in case you are separated during an emergency.
The Importance of Pet Identification During Weather Events
When disaster strikes, pets can easily escape or become separated from their families. The chaos of evacuation, power outages, flooding, fires, and damaged infrastructure make traditional identification methods unreliable — this is where modern pet identification microchip technology becomes invaluable.
A microchip serves as your pet’s permanent identification that can’t be lost, damaged, or removed like traditional collars and ID tags. During Hurricane Katrina, thousands of pets were reunited with their families thanks to RFID microchipping technology. Small but mighty, animal microchips offer 24/7 identification that remains effective even when all else fails.
How Pet Microchipping Aids Storm Preparedness
Microchipping involves inserting a rice-sized identification device under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. These RFID, ISO, and ICAR-certified microchips contain a unique identification number that links to your pet’s information in a pet chip registry. When a lost pet is found, veterinarians and animal shelters use a scanner to read the chip. They can then access owner information via an international pet chip lookup tool run by AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association).
Leading animal microchip companies like SmartTag provide comprehensive services that go beyond basic identification and offer award-winning animal recovery services. With over 1 million animal owners served since 2009, SmartTag offers the best technology in ISO and ICAR-certified microchips, providing lifetime animal recovery services with 365-day-a-year, 24/7 US-based call center support.
How Pet ID Chips Work During Emergencies
When someone finds your pet, they can take them to any veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or animal rescue group for scanning/reading. The microchip ID scanner/reader will reveal your pet’s unique ID number (similar to a social security number), which will then be used to conduct a pet chip search in the database. This animal chip registration information can help reunite you with your pet quickly, even if you’ve been displaced by an unexpected disaster.
Storm Season Pet Safety Checklist
- Verify your pet has a current microchip ID that’s properly registered at IDTag.com
- Update your pet’s registration on your account to confirm your information is current
- Attach personalized pet ID tags to your pet’s collar or harness with current contact information
- Include both primary and secondary contact numbers on ID tags and in your online profile on IDTag.com
- Log in to your SmartTag account before the next natural disaster strikes
- Update all contact information, including mobile phone numbers and emergency contacts
- Add temporary contact information if you plan to evacuate or travel
- Ensure your information includes medical needs or medications required
- Gather at least 7 days’ worth of food and water
- Pack any necessary medications and medical records
- Carry a copy of a note including your pet’s microchip ID number
- Include comfort items like your pet’s favorite toys or blankets
- Prepare a portable carrier or crate for each pet
- Keep recent photos of your pets with you, in case separated
During A Storm: Keeping Pets Safe
Evacuation Planning
If authorities recommend you evacuate, never leave your pets behind! Many emergency shelters don’t accept pets, so you will need to research pet-friendly accommodations in advance. However, hotels outside the evacuation zone often waive no-pet policies during emergencies.
Safe Room Preparation
If you decide to stay home, prepare a safe interior room away from windows for your pet to stay in. Ensure your pet’s ID tag remains secure, as stress can cause pets to slip out of loose-fitting collars. Putting together a pet first-aid kit may also be helpful.
Microchip Backup Plan
Even with your pet’s microchip/ID chip implanted, it is always wise to maintain backup identification. For example, write down all necessary information in a notes app or store an image of it on your phone.
Related Articles
What To Do If Your Animal Goes Missing
01
Contact Us for an Immediate “Amber” Alert
If your pet goes missing, the first step is to contact SmartTag to send out an instant “Amber” alert. This alert will be sent out to shelters and facilities within a 25 to 50-mile radius of your pet’s last known location, increasing the chances of your pet being found. Otherwise, reach out to your microchip company’s 24/7 hotline.
02
Search Local Facilities
Begin your search by visiting local animal shelters and veterinary clinics. These facilities often receive lost pets brought in by concerned citizens. Ensure you leave your contact information and a detailed description of your pet, so staff can notify you if they receive any leads.
03
Print and Post Lost Pet Posters
Create lost pet posters that are clear and eye-catching. Distribute these posters within a 5-mile radius of where your pet was last seen. Make sure to include a recent photo, a detailed description, and your contact information. If your pet’s microchip is registered with SmartTag, we will automatically generate a lost pet poster for you to print and share online. Posting in local shops, community centers, and on bulletin boards can significantly enhance visibility.
04
Utilize Social Media for Outreach
Share your missing pet’s information on social media platforms. Use clear and recent photos along with a detailed description. Engaging your community by, for example, posting in your town Facebook group, can help your efforts.
05
Check with Neighbors and Rescue Groups
Reach out to your neighbors and local rescue groups. They can be invaluable allies in your search efforts. Distributing flyers within your neighborhood and participating in community groups focused on lost pets can help raise awareness and support.
06
Update Your Information
Don’t forget to log in to your microchip account to ensure your contact information is accurate and accessible, including your phone number, address, and any crucial information about your pet, including whether they need medication, etc. This will help anyone who finds your pet reach you quickly.
By following these essential steps, you can significantly enhance your chances of reuniting with your beloved pet quickly and safely, especially during stormy weather or challenging situations.
Working with Animal Microchip Companies
Animal chip companies like SmartTag provide crucial support during disasters. Our 24/7 call center serves as a lifeline, connecting pet finders with pet owners and providing “Amber” alert-style notifications to help locate missing pets quickly by sending out a detailed profile of your pet, including photos.
Free Resources and Community Support
Many communities offer free microchipping for pets before storm season. Check with:
- Local animal shelters
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet stores
- Community emergency preparedness events
These events often offer pet microchips at no cost and provide valuable emergency preparedness education.
Preparing for Next Season
After experiencing a hurricane, tropical storm, nor’easter, earthquake, or wildfire, evaluate your pet’s preparedness:
- Review what identification methods worked best
- Update your pet’s microchip registration with all necessary information
- Consider additional identification methods like GPS collars, flashing ID tags, and more for future emergencies
- Maintain current personalized ID tags year-round
- Keep emergency contact information updated
The SmartTag Advantage
With trusted service to over 1 million pet owners, SmartTag provides comprehensive pet protection that goes beyond basic microchipping. Our ISO-certified chips include:
- Lifetime animal recovery services
- 24/7 US call center support
- Free registration and updates
- Instant lost animal “Amber” alerts sent out within a 25-mile radius of your pet’s last known location
- Programmable microchips that allow you to store your contact information
- Integration with veterinary and shelter networks, PetcoLoveLost, and the AAHA international microchip lookup tool
During emergencies, having reliable pet microchip technology and professional support can be the difference between a happy reunion and permanent separation.
Biggest Takeaways
Don’t wait until severe weather threatens your area to prepare. Ensure your pet has proper identification through trusted animal microchip companies, keep your and your animals’ information current on your registered microchip account, and prepare an emergency kit today. Your pet’s safety depends on the preparations you make today, before the next storm season arrives.
Remember, a microchip is only effective if your registration information remains current. Take a few minutes today to verify your information and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your furry friend has a high chance of coming home safely, no matter the weather. Be safe and be sure not to leave any animals behind!