DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR YOUR CRITTER [Dog, Cat, Bird or other pet animal

Disasters occur all over the world. No one is immune. May it be fire, flood, landslide, earthquake, a terrorist event or just a utility failure we need to be prepared. We hope you won't be caught in a disaster but you must be prepared. With just a little advance planning, you can save your dog, cat, critter or other pet animal's life.

BEFORE A DISASTER STRIKES

Plan Ahead.

In the event of an evacuation, pets may not be allowed inside human emergency shelters. You must determine the best place to leave your pet in case of a disaster. Identify an off-site location as well as a place in your home.

Identification and Photographs.

Dogs and cats should always wear properly fitting collars, personal identification, rabies, and license tags. Make sure all the information on the tags is current. Keep a current photo of each pet. Make sure any distinguishing markings are visible. You will need proof of ownership to retrieve your pet from a shelter.

Disaster Kit.

Maintain a Disaster Preparedness Kit for each of your pets. Available from Nitro-Pak.
Paperwork and Records.
Store important animal documents in a zip-lock or waterproof plastic bag. These should include vaccination and medical records.

Vaccinations.

Your pets need to be current on vaccinations. You will be required to show proof of vaccination if you need to board your pet.

Transportation.

Each animal should have their own pet carrier. Available from tinycrittercarriers. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or cage before an emergency.

Leashes and Collars.

Keep a leash handy for each dog and cat in your home. Consider using a harness.

Buddy system.

In case you are not home when disaster strikes, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. Exchange veterinary information and file a permission slip with your veterinarian authorizing them to get emergency treatment for your pet if you can't be located.

DURING A DISASTER

If you can take your pet when you evacuate:
  • Evacuate your pet early, if posible.

  • Take your disaster preparedness kit, including the pet's vaccination and medical records, as well as identification photographs with you.

If you can't take your pet with you when you evacuate:
  • Bring your pet indoors. Do not leave pets chained outdoors.

  • Prepare a preselected site indoors for your pet. Use a room with no windows but adequate ventilation, such as a utility room, garage, bathroom, or other area that can be easily cleaned. Do not tie them up.

  • Leave only dry foods and fresh water in non-spill containers. If possible, open a faucet to let water drip into a large container or partially fill a bathtub with water.

  • Do not leave vitamin treats, which could be fatal if over-eaten. House cats, dogs, critters and other animals separately, even if they normally get along.

AFTER THE DISASTER

  • Pet behavior may change after an emergency. Monitor your pets closely and keep them leashed. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, causing confusion and abnormal behavior.

  • Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, debris, and local wildlife.

  • If you find a pet, call animal control or any emergency phone numbers set up after the disaster. Isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner, or can be examined by a veterinarian.


-If you've lost your pet:
  • Visit each shelter in your area at least once every other day. You must check the shelter in person; you are the only person who can truly identify your animal. Keep a current photo of your pet showing or describing any distinctive markings.

  • Create a flyer with your pet's photo and description, pet's name, your name and phone numbers where you can be reached.

  • When you do find your pet, immediately examine it for illness or injuries. Obtain medical attention from your veterinarian if needed. Use caution when handling animals. Panicky or injured animals may bite.

  • Do not leave vitamin treats, which could be fatal if over-eaten.House cats and dogs separately, even if they normally get along.

YOUR DISASTER PREPARDNESS KIT

  1. Pet Critter Travel Carrier for each pet animal (from tinycrittercarriers of course).

  2. Food and water for 2 weeks. Available from Nitro-Pak.
  3. Food and water dishes (non-spill).

  4. Medications and instructions. Put in a zip lock bag.

  5. Pet first aid kit.

  6. Vacination and medical records. Put in a zip lock bag.

  7. Your veterinarian's name, address and phone number. Put in a zip lock bag.

  8. Cat litter box and litter or newspapers.

  9. Plastic bags for waste disposal.

  10. Paper towels.

  11. Disinfectant.

  12. Leash and collar or harness.

  13. Blankets.

  14. Some toys and treats.

  15. Backpack or other suitable container to carry your kit and keep your kit together.


    Don't wait until it is too late to prepare your kit! Do it today.



 


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