The likelihood that you and your pets will survive a disaster depends largely on emergency planning done today. Whether you stay put in an emergency or are ordered to evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Typically, what’s best for you is talso what’s best for your animals.

If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets.

Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your pets yourself. Develop a “buddy system” with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

Below are a few things to consider when planning for your pet:

• Food – Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.

• Water – Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.

• Medicines and medical records – Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

• First aid kit – Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency 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. Include a pet first aid reference book.

• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash – Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit. You should also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.

This information comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov Web site. If you would like more information on caring for your pets during an emergency, click here. To download the official brochure on pet emergency preperation, click here.

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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