July 2009 Preparedness Tip of the Month

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Preparing your Pets for Emergencies

If you are like millions of pet owners nationwide, your pets are significant members of your family and should be included in your emergency planning.

Preparation:

Locate pet-friendly hotels or shelters for use in an emergency.

Make a pet emergency supply kit. Include food, water, medications, leash, carrier, toy, veterinary and insurance documents and a photograph of your pet.

Make sure your pet’s identification tags are up to date and secured to their collars.

Consider microchipping your pets.

Ask a neighbor to evacuate or care for your pets in case you are not at home.

During an Emergency:

Pets may become frightened, Allow extra time to secure your pets.

If you’re told to evacuate and you can bring your pets:

Make sure each carrier is secure and tagged with your pet’s name, description and contact details.

If told to evacuate and are ordered not to bring your pets:

Bring your pets inside and place them in an interior room. Never leave your pets outside during an emergency.

Leave plenty of food and water.

Place a notice on your door that your pets are inside. List the type and number of animals on your property, your name, phone number and the name and phone number of your veterinarian.

Make arrangements for someone to visit your pets until you can return.

During and following any type of emergency/disaster, your pets may have some behavioral changes because of the trauma of such an event. Close contact with you will make them feel safer.

Some helpful links:

www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm
www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/resources/
www.petshotel.petsmart.com

Monthly shopping list:

Pet essentials

Leash, pet carrier, extra set of I.D. tags, food, water

Litter and box

Extra gallon of water for pets