Sunday, June 1, 2014

Preparing Your Pets for a Disaster

You and your pets’ survival during a disaster depends on how well you start preparing today. Start by making a plan, then gathering supplies and staying informed. The information below can help you plan ahead for your pets in case of a disaster.

A great place to start preparing your pets for the unexpected would be to develop a pet care buddy system. Work with your neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. One example would be; “What if you had to go to a public shelter that did not allow animals, where would you send your pet?” Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets, or consider family and friends outside of the impacted area who would be willing to care for your pets’ during/after a disaster. If you need to evacuate your home never leave your pets behind, since your pets are unlikely to survive on their own. That is why it is so important to plan ahead of time.
Creating an animal emergency supply kit is just as important as the one you created for you and your family. Make sure the supply kit for your pets is in an easy to get to place and everyone in the house knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
  Pet first-aid kit and guide book - ask your vet what to include
  3-7 days' worth of canned or dry food
  Disposable litter trays - aluminum roasting pans work well
  Litter or paper toweling
  Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
  Disposable garbage bags for waste
  Pet feeding dishes
  Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
  Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires
  Bottled water, at least three days worth for each person and pet
  A crate or sturdy carrier
  Flashlight
  Blanket
  Recent photos of your pets - in case you need to make "Lost" posters


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