83% of Illinois Pet Owners at Risk and Don’t Even Know It

Illinois and Wisconsin are getting into the peak of Tornado season. According to the  National Weather Service, June is when the risk is highest for dangerous tornadoes.

Many Pet Owners Unprepared for Emergencies

A major part of disaster planning is being overlooked by Illinois residents. What are you doing with your animals when there's an active disaster?

According to a national survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), while 83 percent of pet owners live in areas affected by natural disasters, less than half have a plan for their pets.

ASPCA warns that beloved animals are at serious risk in the event of a flood, tornado, or other emergency.

State Officials Urge Pet Planning Now

Some essentials like having a recent photo of your pet, up-to-date ID tags, and coordinating with a trusted friend or neighbor are a few recommendations to be ready for an emergency.

Just like for humans, we need to be prepared for disasters on behalf of our pets. Not only do we need to think through all the items necessary to care for pets when we are at home, we need a plan in case we are not home and need care arrangements. -IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger

More pet preparedness tips courtesy of the IEMA:

• Create a pet preparedness kit with medications, non-perishable food and treats, water, bowls, cat litter and pan, waste bags, blanket, bedding for pocket/exotic pets (and perhaps a heat source), toys, first aid kit, and copies of medical records
• Have up-to-date identification on your pet
• Identify a safe area of your home where all can stay together during a shelter-in-place recommendation, and keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers
• Coordinate with a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor to take care of pets and their disaster kits if you’re not home, then meet you a specific location
• Don’t allow pets to roam loose in a damaged home or neighborhood.