| Are you and your pets ready for an emergency | | | | should also be either tattooed or microchipped and |
| of a catastrophic nature? Lately we've all been | | | | registered in case he becomes lost during the |
| hearing about worldwide disasters such as | | | | ordeal. You will have a much greater chance of |
| earthquakes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, | | | | getting him back if he has proper identification. |
| volcanoes, and all manner of calamities, and now | | | | Even if there is no disaster it is always a good |
| soon to start is hurricane season. Disaster | | | | idea to have your pet properly tattooed or |
| preparation is stressful at best and when you | | | | microchipped in case of loss. |
| have pets it becomes even more important to | | | | Make sure you have a carrier for your pet with |
| plan ahead. Preparation and wise planning is key to | | | | name, address, and phone number. Take along all |
| surviving emergencies. | | | | vaccination records and all medications your pet is |
| There are many publications telling us how to | | | | on including flea and heartworm preventative. |
| prepare for various emergencies but I just want | | | | The following is a list of some things you will likely |
| to address the matter of planning for your pets. | | | | need. This is assuming your pet is a dog or cat. |
| As we learned from hurricane Katrina, some | | | | - Food in a sturdy, waterproof container, enough |
| people apparently give little or no thought to the | | | | for 3 weeks |
| well- being of their animals when a disaster is | | | | - Water in gallon plastic jugs, enough for 3 weeks |
| expected. This article will give some guidelines | | | | - Pet's medical/vaccine records, including microchip |
| regarding preparing for your pet's survival in the | | | | registration |
| event of a storm or whatever disaster you are | | | | - Food and water dishes |
| anticipating. | | | | - Litter pan, plastic bags, rubber gloves |
| If you will be staying home make sure you take | | | | - Special toys and blankets |
| your pet into your "safe room" with you. If you | | | | - First aid supplies in case of injury or illness (this |
| will get your pet used to this room before it's | | | | can include liquid activated charcoal, anti-diarrhea |
| needed he will be much more comfortable and | | | | medicine,antibiotic ointment, antibiotic eye |
| secure when he has to go in for the duration of | | | | ointment, hydrogen peroxide, styptic powder |
| the storm, or whatever disaster is expected to | | | | clotting agent, tweezers and anything else you |
| take place. | | | | can fit into your kit that may be useful in sickness |
| If you must evacuate, even more planning is | | | | or injury.) |
| involved. Ideally your pet should stay with you. | | | | - Liquid dish detergent for cleaning wounds |
| Long before a disaster is expected you should | | | | - Treats |
| have a list of pet-friendly shelters, hotels, boarding | | | | - Manual can opener |
| pet-sitting services so that you can make the | | | | - Leash, collar, harness, muzzle |
| proper arrangements. Above everything you don't | | | | - Paper towels |
| want to leave your pet alone. If he can't be with | | | | - Spoons and other utensils for dipping up food |
| you make sure he is with someone who is in a | | | | - Trash bags |
| safe and secure place and is accustomed to | | | | This is just a general checklist for dogs and cats, |
| caring for your type of pet. | | | | you will of course revise this according to what |
| Whether you keep your pet with you or board | | | | you anticipate your own pet's needs to be. |
| him someplace it is very important that you keep | | | | Remember, your pet is part of your family. |
| identification on him. His collar should have a tag | | | | Planning ahead is the key to his survival as well as |
| with name, phone number, vet's name, etc. He | | | | your own. |