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May 19, 2008
Emergency preparedness for pets
Are Fido and Fluffy ready for a disaster?
By Janice Frazier
Special to the Times
Disasters happen without warning—earthquakes, fires, floods, bio-hazards—any catastrophe that causes evacuation. Just as you should be prepared for your human family members, don’t forget to be ready to evacuate your companion animals.
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| Is your pet prepared for an emergency? Photo by Mary Chiao |
Emergency preparedness is common knowledge but the focus is mostly on people. Pets are part of your family and rely on you for their safety; as with your human family, preparation in advance is key.
Keep a collar and ID tag on your pets. Have your animals’ microchipped. There is no better way to identify your pet if they are separated from you. Your vet can do this, as can one of the low-cost mobile vets or other vaccine clinics. The Pet Awareness and Welfare Society is holding a clinic on Saturday May 10 in Campbell with microchipping for $25. Call (408) 377-2900 for a reservation or more information.
Have photographs of your pets. Keep them on your cell phone or a flash card, e-mail them to a friend out of the area; and have copies in a plastic bag with the emergency kit. Keep copies of animal’s vaccination records in your emergency kit and also saved electronically.
In case of emergency—do not leave your pets behind. Learn in advance the places that will accept animals i.e. a friend’s home out of area, motels that allow pets, kennels or vet offices. Have a buddy system where a neighbor or friend will evacuate your animals if you are away from home when an emergency arises. Stay informed during emergencies. If you must leave, take your pets you may not get to come back.
Have a disaster supply kit for your pets, just like you do for your human family. See below for a list of contents.
“In the end, it is the animals that count on us to take care of them—they put their trust in their guardians,” said Marie Sequeira, a United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Rescue Service volunteer who also donates her time with many local animal welfare groups and is trained in pet first aid as well as disaster training.
Sequeria adds these recommendations to the lists below: make sure your pets are easy to load into carriers and your vehicles, and it will help in case of a disaster.
For more information regarding Pet Emergency Preparedness visit the following Web sites: United Animal Nations at www.uan.org or call (916) 429-2457, Homeland Security at www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY. The Humane Society of the United States has information covering disaster preparedness for large animals as well as small animals. Visit www.hsus.org or call (202) 452-1100.
Pet Emergency Supply Kit
- Pet Carrier—Have a pet carrier for each animal for transport for them to stay inside until you relocate. The pet carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
In a pinch, you can quickly transport cats or small animals in a cotton pillow case. Keep plenty on hand, something to tie the top of the case and an ID tag is a good idea. Write your name, phone, address and animal info with a permanent marker on the bag.
- Medications—keep a minimum of one week worth of medications in a water tight container along with directions and medical records. Tape onto the collar a tag indicating if the pet takes a certain medication and how frequently.
- Sturdy leashes, harness, tie down cork-screw with leash.
- Food—have enough dry and wet food supply for each animal to last a minimum of one week (two weeks is better). Include a can opener.
- Water—have a minimum of one week supply of clean water, one gallon per animal, per day. Water is critical.
- Cat litter and puppy pads—have enough cat litter and puppy pads for a minimum of one week. Have several litter pans for multiple cats.
- Cat scoop and plastic bags to pick up after your pet. Several large plastic bags to place refuse.
- Pet bed, towels and blankets and include their favorite chew toy. Items should fit inside the pet carrier to make your pet comfortable and reduce stress.
- Emergency pet first aid kit
- Another tip: A small camping tent (5x7 or 6x8) is also a good idea!
Emergency Pet First Aid Kit
Prepare a basic pet first aid kit kept in a nylon bag or large plastic zip lock bag. Keep the first aid kit along with disaster supplies inside your emergency kennel carrier.
- Flexi conforming tape—athletic wrap, leg wraps
- Gauze pads 4 x4 (several)
- Gauze rolls 3” x 1 yard (several rolls)
- Antiseptic wipes/Betadine (providone – iodine)
- Neosporin
- Tweezers
- Eye dropper(s)
- Syringe(s)
- Small pet baby bottles – feeding if injured
- Anti-diarrhea
- Scissors-blunt point
- Instant cold packs
- Latex gloves
- Styptic powder (clotting agent)
- Small dish pan or hand towel/s for cleaning
- Small child or baby socks—used to protect foot injuries
- Large towel—use to wrap stomach injury
- Safety pins—assorted sizes
- Saran wraps—to secure bandages around stomach onto fur
- Nylon Knee Hi’s—can be used as a muzzle
- Panty Hose—cut sections and use to secure bandages
- Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
- Splints—ruler, thin board
- Pocket knife or utility tool
- Pet first aid book
- Paper and pen—to document symptoms and treatments
- Maps—keep local maps in case normal routes are closed
Please remember that being prepared is likely to help save your pets’ lives in a disaster, and be sure to take them with you if you evacuate. |
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