You never know when the next earthquake, flood, wildfire or natural disaster may strike. Events like these are traumatic for anyone, but they can also be traumatic for our pets. That’s why it’s important to make sure you and your family are ready for a disaster and have a disaster -preparedness kit ready to go that includes supplies for your furry family members. Here are some basic items to include. A 5-gallon bin with a locking cover is sufficient to store everything but water and fresh food.
- Food and water for at least 5 days for each pet, bowls, zip-lock bags and a manual can opener for canned food.
- We suggest a gallon of water per day, per pet. While they won’t drink that much, it can be handy to clean them of ashes, mud, contaminated water, or chemicals if needed.
- Medications and medical records stored in a water-proof container like Tupperware.
- Include your vet’s name, phone # and city/state in case you are separated from your belongings.
- A pet first aid kit and pet first aid book so you know how and when to apply first aid.
- Cat litter, cat litter box, a litter scoop and small garbage bags for waste.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport your pets.
- Carriers should be large enough for your animal to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably with a small water bowl attached to the side.
- Include a piddle pad on the bottom for moisture, layered with a blanket on top for warmth and burrowing.
- Be sure every pet has a collar and I.D. tag with your current information on it.
- A microchip that has been registered and kept up-to-date is the ultimate way to be reunited with your animal. There are local shelters and rescues that offer chip clinics for $10 per animal. Keep an eye out and make the time to get it done.
- In a pinch, write your last name, cell phone # and zip code on a piece of duct tape in permanent marker and wrap it around their collar tightly. Be sure not to get their fur caught on the tape!
- A backup phone # or email is also good to have in case local communications are out for any length of time.
- Keep current photos of your pets on your cell phone. It makes identifying them easier and you can share their photos with others and prove ownership quickly.
- Write down information about your pet’s brand of food, its feeding schedule, medical conditions, treatments and special behavioral issues. When emergencies strike, some shelters don’t allow pets or they place them in brief quarantine. Caregivers will need to know this information and you might not have time or be able to provide details.
- Other useful items to include in your emergency kit can include:
- Paper towels and larger trash bags
- Newspaper for bedding and litter material
- Grooming brush/flea comb
- Toys and treats to help keep them calm
- Old towels and washrags to help stay clean
- An old piece of your clothing to leave in their carrier so they feel comforted by your scent