After Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, more people are taking serious measures to protect themselves from the unthinkable. These precautions should also apply to your pets. We have all seen the horrible images of dogs and cats left behind in the flood-infested waters trying to fend for themselves amid horrendous conditions with no water or food in ninety-degree heat. The fact is, with terrorism and natural disasters being a threat, disaster can strike anywhere and at anytime. In the event of an emergency, are you prepared when it comes to your pet's safety? If not, let me recommend a few suggestions.
A pet disaster plan should be put into place before something happens; not at the last minute. Preparing your pet for an emergency in advance could mean life or death for them. I recommend storing a five-day supply of food, water and necessities in a container that is easy to carry and store. Planet Dog's collapsible bowls and travel feed bags are perfect to contain all the supplies you will need. Print out this checklist and consider the items below when preparing your pet's disaster kit:
- Cat litter/ litter pan
- Doggie Baggies
- Leashes, collars or harnesses
- Current Medications
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Can opener for food
- Crate or travel carrier
- Newspapers
- Toys
- First-Aid kit
- Grooming supplies
- Photos of your pet for identification purposes
- Bedding (if needed)
The most important thing to have on your dog and cat is an identification collar. Other forms such as tattoos and microchips are very beneficial, but all contact information should be available in the event you have to hand them over to a shelter. Your contact information should list veterinary; friends and relatives phone numbers in case of emergency.
Be sure to check with your local government before an emergency or evacuation takes place because some area's now have shelters that can accommodate both you and your pet. The American Red Cross can provide a local list of registered pet shelters, but these should be used only as a last resort as they will most likely become over booked during an emergency. Finally, when making your plan, be sure you include an escape route, a list of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities outside your area, as well as, friends and family that can also accommodate you and your pet's needs in the event of an emergency.
Contact The Humane Society of the United States at: www.HSUS.org or The American Red Cross at: www.redcross.org for further information on how you can help your pets stay alive!