Emergency Preparedness for Pets 72 Hour Emergency Kit Ideas for Pets-- (See list after Tips) Planning ahead BEFORE a disaster can ease your fears and worries and mean the difference between life and death for your pet in a real emergency. Think it can't happen to you? Between 1988 and 1996, only two of Indiana's 92 counties did NOT experience a declared state of disaster. The state of Indiana is home to approx. 31 million animals, from household pets to livestock to wild animals. There are approx. 15,000 pets living in homes in Jackson County alone. The American Red Cross is not allowed to handle, rescue or care for displaced pets during large scale emergencies. Many emergency shelters are NOT set up to accept animals other than service animals (such as dogs for the blind). It is the responsibility of the pet owner to provide safety and shelter for their pets, even in times of flood, fire, tornado, earthquake or man-made emergencies. Before During After Tips: BEFORE an emergency happens: - Keep your pet's vaccinations current. - Take individual photos of each animal including any distinguishing markings. -Take a family group photo of everyone in your family - humans & non-humans. You may at some time have to prove ownership or relationship. Have several copies available- including one in each car. - Store photos & medical records in resealable plastic bags with other important papers. - Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit for each pet. - Periodically review the contents of each kit (two times/year) and replace any outdated food, medications, etc. Have the check coincide with a holiday or time you won't forget. -Keep a properly fitted collar on pet with some type of identification, i.e. Rabies, name tags, etc. even pets who do not go outside. Consider leg bands for birds. -Consider starting a pet "buddy system" in your neighborhood for emergencies. Consider exchanging veterinary info and filing an emergency permission slip with your vet for emergency treatment if you cannot be located. -Determine a plan of action in case of a disaster or evacuation emergency. In a disaster situation (natural or man-made), pets are not allowed inside most emergency shelters that house groups of people. If each family is not allowed their own room in a shelter (which is commonly the case), cages near the shelter may be a possibility. However, no accommodations whatsoever may be made for animals. Plan and make at least one back-up plan. -Ask local elected and emergency officials to plan and WIDELY PUBLICIZE accommodations that would allow for pets to remain with or very near their families during an emergency. Past emergency funds, efforts and facilities that required separating pets from their families have been 100% unused during emergencies because people in need refused to be separated from any family members- including pets. Pets and humans provide each other with a valuable social support network during emergencies. If you believe plans should be made to keep families together, consider voicing your opinion to your local emergency office and local elected officials. DURING an emergency: -Take your pets with you. Do not leave them thinking you will come back later. Even if you must later leave them at a disaster shelter, take them with you and away from the danger, disaster or emergency situation. -Keep bird cages covered and away from windows. -Keep your pet Disaster Preparedness Kit with your pets. AFTER an emergency: -Monitor your pet's behavior closely. It may change after an emergency. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, causing confusion and abnormal behavior. -If your pet is lost, contact everyone who could possibly help. Animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels and any other place that may be able to help- like petglutton.com! Time is of the essence! Also let neighbors know so they can be on the look-out. -If you find a lost pet, contact animal control or any other emergency phone numbers set up for disasters. Don't forget to contact petglutton.com! LOST & FOUND pets receive top priority at petglutton.com. -Evaluate your experiences and make better plans for the future. Some of the above information provided by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, Merck Ag Vet and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association 72 Hour Emergency Kit Ideas for Pets The following are some ideas to consider for your pet in case of emergency. Each pet should have their own emergency kit and each kit should be prepared specifically for the needs of the individual pet. The following ideas are for dog and cat kits but emergency kits should also be made for all pets, regardless of the species. Consult your veterinarian for your pet's specific needs. 72 Hour Kit -Pet carrier or cage for each pet. Collapsible ones can be bought. -Pet cage/carrier cover or cloth to provide sleep or calmness during emergencies. -Leash/harness, etc. for each pet -Food & Water - 3 days to two weeks -Food & water bowls (collapsible ones can per purchased) -Plastic ziplock or sandwich bags for poop -Tie-out stake for dogs -Toys and treats -Current photos of each pet and family group photo. -Home address and family member contact info. along with emergency contact info. -Any medications and dosing instructions -Vaccination and medical records -Cat-litter and small litter pan for cats. -First Aid Kit (see below) First Aid Kit -Liquid hurt-free (non-sting) antiseptic wash -Pair of angled or non-sharp scissors -Tweezers -Roll of gauze or gauze sponges -No-sting spray liquid bandage -Polysporin or other antibiotic ointment -Hand or foot warmers -Towel or blanket |
petglutton Emergencies
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