You hope to never have to deal with a disaster in your home, but they happen. Tropical storms, house fires, flooding, and other disasters can affect pet owners in Keaau. Preparing your pets for emergencies can involve putting together a to-go kit for quick necessities, but veterinary care plays a role, too, in keeping pets safe before, during, and after a disaster. At Big Island Pet Care Center, we partner with families to make sure pets are protected no matter what challenges nature brings.
Preventive Veterinary Care Before Disasters
Disasters often limit access to veterinary services. Roads may close, veterinary clinics may lose power, or evacuations may make routine care impossible. By having your pet’s preventive care and medical needs addressed ahead of time, you have one less thing to worry about.
Wellness Exams
Annual wellness visits are the chance for your pet’s doctor to make sure they’re healthy. During exams, veterinarians can identify health issues that might complicate evacuation or the stress of natural disasters, such as mobility problems or chronic conditions.
Vaccinations and Parasite Prevention
Up-to-date vaccines protect your pet from disease, especially if they are lost and interact with infected animals. If you are displaced from your home, those vaccines may be necessary for boarding or traveling with your pet. Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention matter in Hawaii’s tropical climate, where standing water and storm damage increase parasite risks.
Microchipping
Disasters can separate families from pets. Collars and tags are great identifiers, but they can be damaged or may not be on at the time of a house fire. Microchipping provides permanent identification and significantly improves the chances of reuniting with your pet if you’re separated.
Medication and Special Needs Planning
If your pet takes daily medication for conditions like heart disease or diabetes, don’t wait until the last minute to resupply when your pet’s meds are almost out. Call your vet to ask about a refill. Sometimes, pets will need another exam before your veterinarian will refill a prescription, and you don’t want to risk them running out.
Guidance on To-Go Emergency Kits
Veterinarians can advise on species-specific needs for your pet’s emergency kit, which you’ll want to have on hand in the event that you need to leave your home quickly or cannot leave due to a weather event. This kit should generally have items like pet food, bottled water, medication, sanitation supplies, and a first aid kit.
After the Disaster: Veterinary Support Matters, Too
Once the immediate danger has passed, pets may still face health risks. Respiratory issues, wounds, stress-related behaviors, and parasite exposure are common after disasters. Having veterinary care available allows pets to recover safely and return to normal routines.
Schedule Preventive Veterinary Care in Keaau, HI
Disaster preparedness for pets starts with veterinary care. Wellness exams, vaccines, parasite prevention, microchipping, and medication planning all play their part in keeping pets safe during Hawaii’s emergencies. Big Island Pet Care Center has excellent veterinary care for pets in Keaau and Hawaiian Paradise Park. We’re proud to be your partner in preparing your pet for anything. Schedule an appointment with us before disaster strikes.