7. Plans for your Pet

Emergency Supplies for your Pet

Think about the basics for your pet’s survival, especially food and water.

• Food: at least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container
• Water: store at least three days of water for your pet
• Medicines and medical records: keep an extra supply of medicines that your pet takes on a regular basis
• First Aid Kit: talk to your veterinarian about what would be most appropriate for your pet’s medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution.
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times.  Include a back-up leash collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit.
• Important documents: place your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and add them to the kit.
• Crate or other pet carrier:  If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you if possible
• Sanitation: pet litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags
• A picture of you and your pet together: if you are 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. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
• Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Make a Plan for Emergencies

• Evacuate: Plan in advance how you will assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go.  Usually pets are not allowed in public shelters so pre-plan advance lodging for them in an emergency situation.
• Buddy System: Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure someone will evacuate your pets if you are unable to.
• Talk to your pet’s veterinarian: discuss the first aid kit. Get the names of other veterinarians in other cities where you might seek temporary shelter.  Microchip your pet, keep emergency contact information up to date and listed with a reliable recovery database.
• Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment: make a contact list of animal control agencies.  Keep a copy with you.   
• Obtain “Pet Inside” stickers and place them on your doors and windows.  
• Write “Evacuated with Pet” across the sticker when you evacuate.