Protecting Your Pet

What To Do In An Emergency

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends largely on emergency planning done today. Here are some of the things you can do to prepare your pets for an emergency:

1. Prepare
Get a pet emergency supply kit. Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Your pet kit should include:

* Food (at least three days worth).
* Water (store at least three days of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family).
* First Aid Kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency needs.
* Collar with ID tag, harness or leash. In addition, keep copies of your pet’s registration information, vaccination documents and other medical records.
* Crate or other pet carrier. If you need to evacuate in an emergency 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.
* 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.
* Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit to help reduce stress for your pet.

2. Plan what you will do in an emergency

* Create a plan to get away. Plan how you will assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go.
* Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to take care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
* Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning.
* Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment.