In addition to sorely needed disaster preparedness for ourselves in our earthquake-prone area, we must be prepared for the needs of our pets. Far too many pets are lost and never found again during a major disaster.
- If you have a disaster or evacuation plan for your family, make sure that your pets’ needs are included. Familiarize them with any carrier you might use for evacuation or transportation. Bring your pet with you during evacuation practice.
- Identify what shelters, kennels, friends, hotels outside your immediate area or boarding facilities will accept pets during a disaster.
- All pets should be clearly identified with a collar with a name tag. Even better is a microchip (we use HomeAgain). Keep pictures of your pet readily available to post. Include an e-mail address to help find it.
- Have their vaccination and medical records easily accessible. This includes medications, special foods, and the name and number of your veterinarian.
All pets should be microchipped. Dr. P is chipping the hound dogs used to find mountain lions on a research project in Utah.
He even microchipped the mountain lions, and confirms the chip is working before releasing the mountain lion.
A basic pet emergency kit should contain the following, depending on the species of your pet:
- Food and water bowls.
- Disposable litter tray (aluminum pans work well).
- Litter, paper towels and garbage bags.
- Blanket.
- Gauze muzzle for an injured pet that might bite.
- Toys.
- Blanket for warmth and to pick up an injured pet.
- Leashes and collars.
- Water in a nonbreakable container.
- Food.
- Medications.
- Bandage kit.
- Medical records.
- Timed feeders in case you have to leave for a period of time, and especially for birds that must eat daily.
After a disaster, do not let your pets roam outside until everything is under control. There will be debris, contaminated water, other animals and even people that present a danger to your pet. Pets can easily become disoriented and lost in now-unfamiliar terrain.
The ASPCA has Rescue Alert stickers to put on your house to let rescue workers know pets live there. They can be ordered here. Donations are requested but are not mandatory.