Pet Preparedness
PREPARE
Get a pet emergency kit and be sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that the contents, especially food and medicines, are fresh.
Items to include:
Food
: three days worth kept in an airtight container
Water
: Store at least three days worth of water specifically for your pets
Medicines
: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container
First Aid
: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet's emergency medical needs. Common items include bandages, tape and scissors, antiobitoc ointment, flea and tick prevenetion, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution
Collar with ID tag, harness or leash
: Include a backup
leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet’s registration info,
vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or
waterproof container and also add them to your kit.
Crate or other pet carrier
: If you need to evacuate in an
emergency situation, take your pets and animals with you provided that it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
Sanitation
: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to
provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
PLAN
In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for
instructions. If you’re specifically told to evacuate, shelter-in-place or seek medical treatment, do so immediately.
Create a plan to get away.
Plan how you will assemble your
pets and anticipate where you will go. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if practical. Secure appropriate lodging in advance depending on the number and type of animals in your care. Consider family or friends willing to take in you and your pets in an emergency. Other options may include: a hotel or motel that takes pets or a boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting place. Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.
Develop a buddy system
. Plan with neighbors, friends or
relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or
evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet
care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you
keep your pet’s emergency supply kit.
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian
about emergency planning.
Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might need to seek temporary shelter. You should also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as
microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
Gather contact information for emergency animal
treatment
.
Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society
or SPCA and emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you and one in your pet’s emergency supply kit. Obtain “Pets Inside” stickers and place them on your doors or windows to alert firefighters and rescue workers.
