Emergency Planning for Your Pet

When disaster strikes you will need to be able to get your pets quickly evacuated along with you. Minutes count and you want to avoid scurrying around your home trying to think of what your pet's needs might be.

Your pet evacuation plan should include:

• how you would handle the different natural disasters in your region

• your local evacuation routes

• nearby pet-friendly evacuation shelters

• local animal shelters that may take pets in an emergency

• a list of pet-friendly hotels

• boarding facilities

• a trusted friend or relative's house

• keep your pet's updated medical records and vaccinations on hand

• what to do if you cannot take your pets with you, how to make them safe

• have an Emergency Kit ready for all your pets with supplies they may need. If you have kitties, add a pet carrier, trash bags, a kitty pan, a scoop, and scoopy litter.

Dog Emergency Kit:

Our dogs both have their own bags. We take these bags every time they go out with us.

Inside each bag is:

- Dog backpack

- be sure to get your dog used to wearing it and not overload it.

- two collapsible bowls

- a fresh full dog water bottle and extra water containers

- their own water purification system

- dry dog food in ziplocks (3 days to 2 weeks worth), wet food in pouches, and treats

- an extra leash, collar, harness, and a strong tie out line

- doggie first aid kit including tick tweezers, paw balm, kwik stop styptic powder, something for anxiety, medications + one month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm preventative, mylar emergency blanket, and first aid book

- dog toys

- safety clip-on light - headlamp with extra batteries - paw protectors - small dog blanket or bed - manual can opener

- poop bags - cleaning supplies for accidents (cage liners, garbage bags, paper towels, dish soap, disinfectant cleaner)

- copies of proof of ownership, doggie license, rabies certificate, heartworm test results, vaccinations, medications list and instructions, feeding instructions, pet history, and vet contact info, family contact info, microchip info, and a photo and description of your dog (in case of separation) in a gallon ziplock to keep them dry or on a jump drive to save room.

Remember:

• replace the food every six months

• keep the information in the bag up to date

• be sure to have your pets up to date ID tags on their collar or in with their paperwork.

• store your bag next to a door for easy evac

If you are away from home:

There will be times when a disaster strikes and you are not at home. You must plan to have a neighbor or nearby friend check on them. You can agree to do the same for their pets if they are away. Make sure that they are aware of where you store your pet emergency kit.

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