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“Pets Are Part of Our Family”: Red Cross Urges Pet Owners to Plan Ahead During Pet Preparedness Month
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<p data-start="105" data-end="433">GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – As wildfires and extreme weather continue to affect communities across Colorado, the American Red Cross of Western Colorado is sounding the alarm: don’t forget about your pets when disaster strikes.</p>
<p data-start="435" data-end="561">June is Pet Preparedness Month, and officials are urging families to include their furry companions in emergency planning.</p>
<h2 data-start="568" data-end="599">The Forgotten Family Members</h2>
<p data-start="601" data-end="838">“Pets rely on us in an emergency,” said <em data-start="645" data-end="662">Christie Caster</em>, Executive Director of the Red Cross’s Western Colorado chapter. “When you pack a go-bag for your family, include things for your pet—water, food, bowls, and a first aid kit.”</p>
<p data-start="840" data-end="1021">With the summer months often bringing increased wildfire risk, sudden evacuations are a real possibility. And for families with animals, being unprepared can mean difficult choices.</p>
<p data-start="840" data-end="1021"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13177" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Pet-Preparedness-Month-Red-Cross-pet-safety-pet-go-bag.jpg" alt="Pet Preparedness Month, Red Cross pet safety, pet go bag" width="566" height="384" /></p>
<h2 data-start="1028" data-end="1059">What to Pack in a Pet Go-Bag</h2>
<p data-start="1061" data-end="1136">Caster recommends assembling a kit specifically for your pet that includes:</p>
<ul data-start="1138" data-end="1409">
<li data-start="1138" data-end="1177">
<p data-start="1140" data-end="1177">Food and water for several days</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1178" data-end="1200">
<p data-start="1180" data-end="1200">Portable bowls</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1201" data-end="1224">
<p data-start="1203" data-end="1224">Pet medications</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1225" data-end="1262">
<p data-start="1227" data-end="1262">Copies of vaccination records</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1263" data-end="1301">
<p data-start="1265" data-end="1301">Leashes, harnesses, and crates</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1302" data-end="1330">
<p data-start="1304" data-end="1330">Waste bags or litter</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1331" data-end="1385">
<p data-start="1333" data-end="1385">A comfort item, like a favorite toy or blanket</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1386" data-end="1409">
<p data-start="1388" data-end="1409">Pet first aid kit</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="1411" data-end="1597">She also emphasized that keeping a collar and ID tag on your pet at all times is essential, especially during emergencies when animals may flee or become separated from their owners.</p>
<h2 data-start="1604" data-end="1636">High-Tech Help for Pet Owners</h2>
<p data-start="1638" data-end="1901">To make planning easier, the Red Cross offers a Pet First Aid app, available for download on both iOS and Android. The app provides step-by-step emergency care instructions for dogs and cats and offers tips on preparing evacuation plans that include pets.</p>
<p data-start="1903" data-end="2078">An online course in cat and dog first aid is also available through the Red Cross, offering training in everything from treating wounds to recognizing signs of heatstroke.</p>
<h2 data-start="2085" data-end="2112">The Takeaway: Plan Ahead</h2>
<p data-start="2114" data-end="2355">In past Colorado emergencies—wildfires, flash floods, and winter storms—many pet owners found themselves scrambling. With a little foresight, the Red Cross hopes fewer families will be forced to choose between their safety and their animals.</p>
<blockquote data-start="2357" data-end="2464">
<p data-start="2359" data-end="2464">“Pets are part of our family,” Caster said. “They deserve to be protected just like any other loved one.”</p>
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