Food: Keep at least 3 days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.

 

Water: Store at least 3 days of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.

 

Medicines & Medical Records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

 

First Aid Kit: Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape, scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves; isopropyl alcohol; pet first aid reference book.

 

Collar with ID Tag, Harness or Leash: Include a back up leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit; vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag.

 

Crate Or Other Pet Carrier: The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down. 

 

Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (DILUTE 9 PARTS WATER TO 1 PART BLEACH).

A Picture of You & Your Pet Together: If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.

 

Familiar Items:  Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

 

Be prepared to assess the situation. Use whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet’s safety during an emergency.

 

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. 

 In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for instructions. If you’re specifically told to evacuate, shelter-in-place or seek medical treatment, do so immediately.

 

Create A Plan To Get Away: Plan how you will assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if practical. If you go to a public shelter, keep in mind your animals may not be allowed inside. Other options may include: a hotel or motel that takes pets or a boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting place.

 Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.

 

Develop A Buddy System: Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where your pet’s emergency kit is kept. Designate specific locations, one in your immediate neighborhood and another farther away, where you will meet in an emergency.

 

Get Contact Information For Emergency Animal Treatment: Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society or SPCA and emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy with you and one in your pet emergency kit.

 

Obtain “Pet’s Inside” stickers and place them on your doors and windows to alert firefighters and rescue workers. Consider putting a phone number on the sticker where you could be reached in an emergency. And, if time permits, remember to write the words “Evacuated With Pets” across the sticker, should you flee with your pets.