Did you know that September is Disaster Preparedness
Month? Most of us may have prepared for
our own needs but does it also include our pet’s needs? Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing
your own emergency plans:
1)
Identification: Your pet should always be wearing an I.D tag
or I.D. collar. Micro-chipping is also
essential as shelters and most veterinary clinics are equipped with scanners
and collars can break or come off.
Recently a cat showed up in my neighborhood and through her microchip we
found her owner who lived over 5 miles away and was searching for her cat for over a month!
2)
Water: Make sure that you have enough water for
each of your pets. Most agencies recommend 7 days’ worth of
water and allocate a gallon/pet especially if your pet is large.
3)
Food and
supplies: Make sure that you have
enough food and other supplies (litter, poop bags, clean up supplies, blankets,
bedding) to last 7 days. If your pet is
on medication, make sure that you have enough current medication and that
it is easily accessible. Rotate food and water so that it is always fresh.
4)
Hang
Leashes Near the Door: I keep my
leashes hanging near the door so that I can easily find them and secure my dogs
quickly in case of an emergency.
5)
Important
Documentation and information: just as you should keep copies of your
important records, you should also keep copies of your pet’s documents sealed
in a Ziploc bag. Examples include: veterinarian’s contact information, shot
records, dog license information, prescription records, phone numbers and
addresses of nearby shelters, boarding facilities and rescues.
6)
First Aid
Kit: Make sure your first aid kit
includes enough items for your pet. A blanket is helpful as well to wrap your
pet. Make sure this kit and your pet’s
emergency kit are in easily accessible locations. Below is a link to purchase the Red Cross’
Pet First Aid kit. In addition, many
agencies offer pet first aid classes (see below).
7)
Crates
and carriers: should be easily accessible.
I like collapsible crates that are easily stored and transportable.
8)
Window or
Door Sticker: Posting a sticker on
your door indicating the number and types of pets residing in your home will be
helpful to rescue workers. Frees
stickers are provided by the ASPCA (see link below) and many pet stores sell
these stickers as well.
RESOURCES
More Tips and
Brochures
Window Stickers and
First Aid Kits
ASPCA
Pet Emergency Window Sticker
Pet First Aid
Classes:
Petco Online Classes