| Natural disasters can strike at any time; when | | | | - Sterile Gauze Bandage (wrap wounds) |
| they do is not the time to try to prepare. Having | | | | - Eye & Skin Wash (flush wounds) |
| your family and pets prepared for such | | | | - Triple Antibiotic Ointment (wound) |
| catastrophes as earthquakes, hurricanes, | | | | - Hydrocortisone Cream (rashes, itching) |
| tornadoes, and floods will save you time to | | | | - Iodine Antiseptic wipes (sterilization) |
| respond and evacuate, if necessary, and could | | | | - Insect sting wipes (apply to insect bites/stings) |
| very possibly save your or your pet's life. The | | | | - Adhesive Tape (secure bandage) |
| images of last year's hurricanes along the Gulf | | | | - Gauze Pad (apply to wounds) |
| Coast told it all. Thousand of pets became | | | | - Scissors (trim hair and cut bandage or tape) |
| separated from their owners and were left | | | | - Hand Wipes (personal cleanup) |
| behind. Some survived but, like their owners, | | | | - Antiseptic Towelettes (clean wound or hands) |
| found themselves homeless. Others found new | | | | - Cotton Swabs (apply ointments or creams) |
| homes, and a few were miraculously reunited with | | | | - Pet Care Card (detailed first aid instructions) |
| their owners. | | | | - Pet Emergency Card (record your vet's |
| Plan now by ID'ing your pet. | | | | emergency #'s) |
| Wouldn't you want to be able to find your pet in | | | | - Plastic Forceps (splinters/tick removal) |
| case of such an emergency? Start now by | | | | Familiarize your pet with riding in a travel crate or |
| checking with your vet or shelter about a | | | | carrier ahead of time. |
| microchip that can easily be implanted under your | | | | Getting your pet used to a travel crate or carrier |
| pet's skin. They're about the size of a grain of rice | | | | on short trips around town will help ease their |
| and can be read by a handheld scanner. If | | | | hesitation to get in one in a frantic time of |
| microchips aren't for you, by all means have an | | | | emergency or evacuation. Find one they'll be |
| ID tag on your pet's collar that includes a cell | | | | comfortable riding in for extended periods with |
| phone number or a number where you can be | | | | plenty of room and ventilation. |
| easily reached. Keep in mind that home phone | | | | If you can't take them with you. |
| numbers in disaster areas could potentially be out | | | | - If your pet must be left behind, leave them |
| of service. | | | | inside with plenty of food and water. Food could |
| Have an emergency travel kit ready to go. | | | | be placed in more than one area in case an |
| Items that are essential to have with you before | | | | obstruction or flood prevents access to it (and to |
| you leave home include: | | | | keep your pet from eating the supply all at once). |
| - Photos of your pet and proof of vaccinations | | | | - If there's time, fill a bathtub to provide enough |
| - A list of any medications your pet takes | | | | drinking water in case a return to your home is |
| - A week's supply of fresh food and water | | | | delayed by days or weeks. |
| - Emergency numbers of veterinarians, shelters | | | | - Have pre-made notices ready to affix to |
| and pet-friendly accommodations | | | | windows or doors that tell rescuers of pets inside |
| - Items that are familiar to your pet (favorite | | | | and how many. Free pet rescue stickers are |
| toy, blanket, etc.) | | | | available through the ASPCA under Disaster |
| - A first-aid kit that includes items such as: | | | | Preparedness. Taking these few simple |
| - Powder Styptic (toenail bleeding) | | | | precautions can make the difference in saving |
| - Latex Gloves (personal protection from blood) | | | | your pet's life or being reunited with him. |