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Preparing for Your Pet in an Emergency.
Assemble a Kit of pet emergency supplies. Just as you do with your
family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for
survival, particularly food and water.
- Food: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof
container.
- Water: Store at least three days of water specifically for your
pets, in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.
- Medicines and medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines
your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
- First aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate
for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include
cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment;
flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline
solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.
- Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar
with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup
leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit.
- Important documents: Place copies of your pet’s registration
information, adoption papers, 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.
- Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate,
newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine
bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can
use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part
bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water.
Use 8 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water,
stir well and let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Do not use
scented or color safe bleaches or those with added cleaners.
- A picture of you and your pet together: If you become separated
from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet
together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist
you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species,
breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
- Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit.
Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
- Consider two kits. In one, put everything your pets will need to
stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a
lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your
pets have to get away.
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Pet
Emergency Kit
