Disaster Planning: Save Your Pet in an Emergency

Think a disaster could not happen to you and your cats and dogs? Ask yourself WHAT IF…there were a chemical spill? Or fire? Or a freak tornado? Or a monsoon type storm bringing weeks of flooding like Texas had in 2007? Or a 9/11 tragedy happened in your neighborhood instead of a business building? What if you were not at home? Could you be ready in a few minutes? Would you know what to do or take?

As you can see even if you do not live where there have been disasters, you and your pets could still be at risk. Here are some simple guidelines from the Humane Society and the ASPCA to get you started to keep you and your cat or dog safe should any disaster happen.

1) Prepare: Gather supplies

Food & Water

Make sure you have at least 3 days (or more) of water and food in a air-tight, waterproof container. Be sure to rotate these with regular water and foods to keep them fresh. Remember your pet dishes.

Medicines & Medical Records

Order an extra supply of medicines you take on a regular basis as well as those your pets need. Add them to your waterproof container. Make copies of medical records and vaccinations for you and your pet and put them in zip lock bags in your container.

First Aid Kit

Get a first aid kit for your family. For pets, most veterinarians recommend cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; an antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a flashlight and pet first aid reference book, too.

Collars, ID Tags, Harness & Leash

Even indoor pets should always have on a collar with an ID tag preferably with your cell phone number on it as well as a rabies tag. Include a backup collar and ID tag in your emergency kit, just in case. Make sure their harness and leash are comfortable and secure for exercise in close quarters. (Since recent studies show that microchips can cause cancer in pets, avoid those.)

Pet Crates or Carriers

Have your pet's carrier handy and put together so you can move quickly. Test it for safety, sturdiness and comfort (can your pet turn around in it and stand up easily?). If you have more than one animal crate, get a collapsible luggage dolly and use bungee cords to secure them to it. Do NOT let your pets out unless on a leash or confined!

Sanitation

Have extra litter and a disposable litter box for your cat. For dogs pack newspapers and paper towels as well as disposable wipes and plastic trash bags. Include a small container of bleach or other disinfectant. Hint: bleach can also be helpful for purifying water--16 drops of regular household bleach per gallon of water and let set for 30 minutes before drinking.

A Picture of You and Your Pet

With the confusion disaster brings, have a photo of you and your pet together in case of separation. This documents your ownership and helps assist in identifying your pet. Also make a list of your pet's colors, any distinguishing markings, its breed, age and sex.

Familiar Pet Items

Since pets are all territorial and feel safer with things that look and smell familiar, make sure you put in some favorite toys, treats, blankets or towels for bedding.

2) Plan Ahead: Know what to do

Make a get-away plan. Always remember, if the situation is not safe for you, it's NOT safe for your pet. TAKE THEM WITH YOU. Often evacuation centers do not accept pets, unless they are service animals. Do your research ahead of time. Put your research lists (see below) in a zip-open plastic bag taped to your pet carrier and be sure to include your contact info in it.

* Make a list of pet-friendly hotels and motels with addresses and phone numbers outside your area and make notes about their pet policies.

* Check with friends or relatives outside your area to see if they might shelter your pets temporarily, if necessary. Write down their phone numbers.

* Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarian offices outside your area with addresses and 24-hour phone numbers.

* If you are not at home when disaster strikes, find a trusted neighbor, friend or pet sitter who knows your pet and where your disaster supplies are. Make sure you know how to get in touch quickly.

* Find out if your local area animal shelters provide foster care for pets in an emergency...but make this your LAST resort!

3) Practice: Rehearse different emergencies

In general, most disasters can be prepared for as stated above. But depending on where you live, you might have to find out what emergencies are unique and learn what more you can do.

1. Check the Red Cross website for more specific tips(redcross.org)

2. Visit the Ready Gov website (ready.gov) or call 1-800 BE-READY.

Then rehearse the scenarios in your mind and with your family and friends. The more you do this ahead of time, the calmer you and your pet will be when a disaster hits.

Prepare for After the Disaster

Going back home may mean finding something totally unexpected. If your home or apartment has been damaged or destroyed, make sure you:

* Keep your pet is on a leash or in a carrier. Do NOT let them roam because they can become disoriented without familiar landmarks and smells.

* Bring some familiar pet items along to keep them calm.

SOURCES: ASPCA (aspca.org) and Humane Society (hsus.org)