Disaster Preparedness Tips for pet owners

Your pets are extremely vulnerable and depend on your for their safety.  Even if you live in an area that is not prone to natural disasters, tragedy can strike without warning.  In order to provide care for your pets during an emergency situation, it is important to have a disaster plan in place. 

Before disaster strikes

Remember, most shelters, including the American Red Cross, do not allow pets, due to sanitation regulations.

Contact local veterinarian, pet sitters, and kennels to see if they will admit your pet should an emergency occur.

Check local hotels and motels to see if they would allow you to stay there with a pet during an emergency.

What constitutes a disaster?

• Avalanche/Mud slide
• Blizzard
• Broken Gas Main
• Building Collapse
• Chemical Spill
• Earthquake
• Explosion
• Fire
• Flood
• Hurricane
• Lightening Strike
• Long-term Power/water loss

emergency Supplies

• A Week's Supply of Food for Each Pet
• Can Opener
• 1 Gallon of Fresh Water Per Pet
• Cleaning Supplies
• Favorite Toys or Treats
• Spare Collar with ID Tags
• Grooming Items
• Secure Chain and Leash
• Crate or Carrier
• Flashlight
• Transistor Radio
• Fresh Batteries
• Pet First Aid Kit

Other pet-saving suggestions

Keep a current photo of the pet with your emergency supplies in case the pet is lost.

Keep the pet crated or on a leash to limit exposure to danger.

Have all medical records for your pets, as you will need these to board them.

suggested items for a pet first aid kit

• Sterile Gauze Pads and Bandages
• Adhesive Tape
• Bandage Scissors and Tweezers
• Alcohol Wipes
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Sterile Saline Solution
• Cotton Swabs
• Activated Charcoal Tabs and Maalox
• Thermometer
• Plastic Gloves
• Penlight with Fresh Batteries
• Large Towel or Blanket
• Shampoo and Antibacterial Soap
• Name, Address, Phone Number and Hours of Your Veterinarian and the Nearest Emergency Veterinary Clinic