Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625

SALT LAKE CITY (June 18, 2023) — June is Pet Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging pet owners to include pet safety in their travel plans. Dogs and cats should be appropriately contained or harnessed during car rides, never left in a parked car, and included in family emergency planning. In addition, pet travel harness and bed company Sleepypod, has partnered with the Red Cross to create versions of its products featuring the non-profit’s logo.

“Pets are an important part of any family, and it’s vital to keep them as safe as possible while traveling,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “That includes considering their needs in your family emergency preparedness plan.

The Red Cross recommends all cats and dogs ride with a carrier or harness that attaches to the seat belt and never ride in the front. “Proper safety restraints can prevent accidents and keep your pet safe if an accident does occur,” said Ruster.

Harnesses and proper carriers are also a vital part of a pet’s emergency kit. “In the event of a disaster, you may need to evacuate your home with your pets,” Ruster explained. “Having safe and reliable restraints will make that stressful situation safer for both you and your furry loved ones.”

The Red Cross offers simple tips for preparing family pets for an emergency evacuation:

1. Include your pets in evacuation drills so they become used to entering carriers and traveling calmly.
2. Consider having your pet microchipped by your veterinarian and keep collar tag ID information up to date.
   
3. Pets should have their own emergency kit that includes a sturdy leash, harness, or carriers to transport them safely and to ensure they cannot escape. Include pet food, water, a bowl, a pet bed, and pet toys.
   

Find Red Cross branded harnesses, pet carriers, mobile beds and more on  Sleepypod website
To bring further attention to the lifesaving importance of pet car restraints, the Red Cross has partnered with Sleepypod, which does extensive testing of their pet safety products. “To give customers peace of mind when driving with pets, we put Sleepypod dog harnesses and carriers through stringent safety tests, including static material tensile testing and dynamic crash testing -- at the same standard set for child safety restraints,” said Michael Leung, Sleepypod lead product designer and cofounder.

More ways to keep your pets safe
Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for veterinary advice and to keep everyday pet emergency treatments at hand. The app features videos, quizzes, step-by-step advice on pet first aid, and emergency preparedness information. Red Cross apps can be found in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or going to  redcross.org/apps.

Take the Red Cross Cat and Dog  First Aid online course on desktop or tablet. The interactive course takes about

30 minutes to complete and includes:

• How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs to notice irregularities
• Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure
  
• Information on preventive care, health, and pet well-being
  

Learn more about pet disaster preparedness at redcross.org/pets
The Red Cross guide is primarily for dogs and cats. For tips on disaster planning for livestock, horses, birds, reptiles, or small animals, such as gerbils and hamsters, please visit  The Humane Society of the United States or Ready.gov.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at  @RedCross.