Disaster Plan for Your Pets
Do you have a disaster plan? Disasters can strike anywhere, anytime. When they do, you won't have much time. Having a disaster plan now, will help make sure your whole family is safe, including your fur babies. Following are just a few disasters that could require immediate evacuation: - Explosions
- House Fires
- Forest Fires
- Terrorist Acts
- Snowstorms & Blizzards
- Earthquakes
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Straight Winds
- Chemical Spills
- Floods
- Bridges Out
Pet Disaster Kit
Having a disaster plan ahead of time, will make it much easier to get your family and your pets to safety during an emergency. We have all been told the importance of having an emergency kit ready in case of a disaster. It’s also important to have a pet disaster kit ready for your pets. Below are some of the items to include in your disaster plan kit to insure the health and safety of your pets if you ever have to evacuate quickly. - Food & Water – enough for each pet for at least 1-2 weeks.
Food & Water Dishes
Leashes for each dog. (all cats and dogs should be wearing a collar with updated identification. Once you get to your new location, it's also a good idea to add a tag with your new contact information on it )
Medications – it’s important to have an extra supply of all medications your pets require. You should also consider packing heartworms pills, flea treatments or collars, tranquilizers to calm your pets and motion sickness medicine if one of your pets gets car sick easily. PLEASE NOTE: You should always talk to your veterinarian before giving any medications to your pet.
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Carriers for small dogs, cats and small animals. You should put a very visible tag on each carrier with your name and contact information.
Kitty litter and small litter pans - square aluminum cake pans work well for small areas and your cats may need to stay in their crates for several days or even weeks.
Shredded newspaper or bedding for your small pets, like guinea pigs, gerbils, or rabbits.
Veterinary records for each pet along with photo’s of each pet. Keep these items in a waterproof container or a plastic baggy.
Pet first aid kit. Click here for tips on making a
Dog First Aid Kit.
Blankets or towels.
Paper towels and scoop bags to clean up after your pets.
Other comfort items that may come in handy: Brushes, Shampoo, Favorite Pet Toys, and Treats
Place all items in a plastic container, such as a cooler or tote with a secure lid. Clearly mark the container as a Pet Disaster Kit and place it in an easily accessible (and visible) place so that you or someone else can find it quickly.Remember to change the food, water and medicines on a regular basis (usually every 2-3 months), as they can spoil or lose their effectiveness.
Have A Back-up Plan
You should also have a back-up disaster plan in case you aren't able to make it home. Give your key to a friend, neighbor, family member or your pet sitter, so that they can care for your pets during your absence, or evacuate them if necessary.
Taking the time now to build your kit and plan ahead, could be the difference between life and death should disaster strike. BE PREPARED!
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