Are you and your pets ready for an emergency of a catastrophic nature? Lately we've all been hearing about worldwide disasters such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, volcanoes, and all manner of calamities, and now soon to start is hurricane season. Disaster preparation is stressful at best and when you have pets it becomes even more important to plan ahead. Preparation and wise planning is key to surviving emergencies.
There are many publications telling us how to prepare for various emergencies but I just want to address the matter of planning for your pets. As we learned from hurricane Katrina, some people apparently give little or no thought to the well- being of their animals when a disaster is expected. This article will give some guidelines regarding preparing for your pet's survival in the event of a storm or whatever disaster you are anticipating.
If you will be staying home make sure you take your pet into your "safe room" with you. If you will get your pet used to this room before it's needed he will be much more comfortable and secure when he has to go in for the duration of the storm, or whatever disaster is expected to take place.
If you must evacuate, even more planning is involved. Ideally your pet should stay with you. Long before a disaster is expected you should have a list of pet-friendly shelters, hotels, boarding/pet-sitting services so that you can make the proper arrangements. Above everything you don't want to leave your pet alone. If he can't be with you make sure he is with someone who is in a safe and secure place and is accustomed to caring for your type of pet.
Whether you keep your pet with you or board him someplace it is very important that you keep identification on him. His collar should have a tag with name, phone number, vet's name, etc. He should also be either tattooed or microchipped and registered in case he becomes lost during the ordeal. You will have a much greater chance of getting him back if he has proper identification. Even if there is no disaster it is always a good idea to have your pet properly tattooed or microchipped in case of loss.
Make sure you have a carrier for your pet with name, address, and phone number. Take along all vaccination records and all medications your pet is on including flea and heartworm preventative.
The following is a list of some things you will likely need. This is assuming your pet is a dog or cat.
- Food in a sturdy, waterproof container, enough for 3 weeks
- Water in gallon plastic jugs, enough for 3 weeks
- Pet's medical/vaccine records, including microchip registration
- Food and water dishes
- Litter pan, plastic bags, rubber gloves
- Special toys and blankets
- First aid supplies in case of injury or illness (this can include liquid activated charcoal, anti-diarrhea medicine,antibiotic ointment, antibiotic eye ointment, hydrogen peroxide, styptic powder clotting agent, tweezers and anything else you can fit into your kit that may be useful in sickness or injury.)
- Liquid dish detergent for cleaning wounds
- Treats
- Manual can opener
- Leash, collar, harness, muzzle
- Paper towels
- Spoons and other utensils for dipping up food
- Trash bags
This is just a general checklist for dogs and cats, you will of course revise this according to what you anticipate your own pet's needs to be. Remember, your pet is part of your family. Planning ahead is the key to his survival as well as your own.
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