Disaster Preparedness & Your Pet

Print out this information sheet and keep it handy with other emergency supplies.

Pet owners should plan ahead on how to best provide for themselves and their pets should a disaster, such as a fire, flood or even earthquake, occur.

EMERGENCY PREPARATION:

• Food & Water
  
  • Along with the family's emergency supplies, store at least a two week supply of canned and dry pet food for each pet (be sure to check dated shelf life). Remember that under normal conditions, a 40-pound dog needs a minimum of a gallon of water a day, larger dogs need more, and cats require about a quart. Of course, for other types of pets, follow the same logic in meeting their basic food and water needs.


• Pet Supplies
  
  • Can opener
  • A twin size heavy blanket
  • A set of water/feed bowls
  • An extra collar and leash(10 ft.)
  • A grooming brush
  • A pooper scooper
  
  For a cat, have a carry-cage in storage. It is best to have two different sizes of collapsible wire cages complete with folding covers.


• Documents
  
  • Copies of dog license
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Other pet records
  • Photos taken within the past year
    


• Medical
  
  • For pets that are on special medication, keep an extra two week supply in storage. Follow the vet's instruction regarding storing medicine.
  • If your pet is exceptionally high-strung, ask your veterinarian about keeping a small supply of tranquilizers on hand.
  • Keep your pet's vaccinations up to date. During a disaster, pets may stray and become exposed to infectious diseases
    


• First Aid for Pets
  
  • Use caution when handling injured pets. All animals may bite when in pain or afraid.
  • Rolled gauze bandage can be used for an emergency muzzle. Cut off a lengthy strip. Wrap it around the pet's muzzle several times, then tie it behind the ears.
  • Treat minor cuts or abrasions as you would your own. Flush the area with clean water or hydrogen peroxide. Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Panalog or Neosporin.
  • Use direct pressure to stop severe bleeding. If a tourniquet is needed, do not allow it to impede the normal blood flow.
  • Check your pet's temperature with a rectal thermometer. Lightly coat the thermometer with KY Jelly. Leave it inside the rectum for one to two minutes. Normal temperature for a dog is 102, and 101.5 for a cat. A slight increase may be due to excitability. A more severe increase could mean a fever.
  • A decrease in the normal body temperature usually indicates shock. In suspected shock cases, try to keep your pet calm and quiet. Wrap your pet in blankets or towels to maintain the proper body temperature.
  • Seek professional veterinary help as soon as possible for serious injuries.
  
  Put your vet's name here:
  
  ______________________________________________
  
  Put your vet's number here :
  
  ______________________________________________
  


• Three Very Important Tips
  
  • When pets are suddenly scared they often run away and become confused and lost. Make sure your pets wear a current license and personal l.D. tag that includes the pet's name, address and phone number. Cats should also wear some form of ID tag or ID ear stud.
  • Contact several relatives or close friends who will be willing to house and care for your pets in the event of an emergency.
  • Know the name, address and phone number of the local animal control agencies and humane societies.
    


• After the Emergency
  
  • Examine your pet for injuries.
  • Do not allow your pet to roam. Secure your pet in undamaged structures, rooms, cages, or on tie lines.
  • If your pet is missing, contact your local animal shelter as soon as possible.
  
  Local Animal Shelter:____________________________________________
  
  Address:______________________________________________________
  
  Address:______________________________________________________
  
  Phone Number:_________________________________________________