Join us every Monday for the 2014 Be Prepared Summer Challenge
Our pets are our friends, what would we do without them? They entertain us, protect us, and help us stay calm when we’re stressed. Animals can pick up our signals, good and bad. In an emergency we want them to be safe so it’s important to make a plan for them ahead of time. Plus, having a pet survival kit – in place – will reduce the panic and anxiety your pet (and you!) might face.
Grab at least five items that you should have for your pets in a disaster. Do it today. Of course, there are more than 5 things, but this will get you started. Make a Bug Out Kit for your pets today.
Consider these items when putting your kit together:
- Pet carrier for each pet, with enough room to move around.
- Two week supply of food (that they currently eat) and water.
- Non-spill food and water bowls. You’ll thank yourself later!
- Pet first-aid kit.
- Medications and dosing instructions.
- Cat litter box and litter.
- Plastic bags for waste disposal.
- Paper towels or rags and a bag to put them in.
- Disinfectants.
- Leashes/collars & ID tags/harnesses.
- Blankets.
- Toys and treats.
- Newspaper for lining cages or tearing into strips.
- Photo of your pet/ID and a photo of you with your pet.
- Immunization/vet records (keep both updated).
- Contact list of pet-friendly hotels, veterinarians, American Red Cross, American Humane Association and out-of-town friends/family.
Many emergency shelters cannot accept animals. Find out which hotels and shelters in your area allow pets if you have to evacuate. It’s best to know this before disaster strikes. My friend Melisa, went on a road trip with her cat Travis, for a month last year. You can find her preparations and recommendations on this post.
Consider downloading the FEMA brochure, Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Makes Sense for more information.
Other websites to help you get prepared with your pets in disasters:
American Humane Society – June is Pet Preparedness Month
Center for Disease Control – Disaster Preparedness for Pets
Petfinder – Does Your Pet Have a Disaster Kit?
Thanks for joining us for the Be Prepared Summer Challenge – Every week do one more thing to be prepared.
Other Weekly Challenges:
Week 1 – Fire Escape Plan
Week 2 – Power Outage
Week 3 – Shelter in Place
Week 4 – Evacuate Your Home
Week 5 – Situational Awareness
Week 6 – Neighborhood Ready
Week 7 – Pets in Disasters
Week 8 – Vital Documents
Week 9 – Utility Shut-off
Week 10 – Top 5 Disaster Supplies
Week 11 – Emergency Alerts
Week 12 – First Aid
Week 13 – Day of Service
[…] Week 4 – Evacuate Your Home Week 5 – Situational Awareness Week 6 – Neighborhood Ready Week 7 – Pets in Disasters Week 8 – Vital […]