Emergency Essentials for Pets

Emergency preparedness is important for pets, as well as for people, for a number of reasons. Pandemics are unpredictable, and we don't really know what to expect in the future.

Photo courtesy of Johnny Jet

If you live near the coastline and a hurricane warning for your area is issued, you may have to evacuate. Most evacuation shelters will not accept pets.

If you are live in an area that is quarantined because of disease, you will be confined to your home for some time, if government officials deem that to be necessary.

If you are quarantined to your home, you won't be able to go to the store for supplies. You will need to have an emergency food supply on hand for your pets.

Make an Emergency Pet Supplies Kit

Just like your emergency preparedness kit, your pet needs one too. Put everything together, so, if needed, you can just hand the pet supply kit to your dog or cat's caretaker.

Here are some pet emergency essentials that should be included:

• Emergency food storage supply - 1-2 weeks of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Use a clean garbage can to store more, if you are preparing for a longer time (quarantine). Include any other pet emergency essentials to keep your dog or cat healthy. For example, if they take supplements or vitamins, include those.
  

• Emergency water storage- You should have a water storage supply for your family, in case water supplies are off, temporarily. Store emergency water for your pets, as well.

• Travel crate - This can be used to transport your pet, and it can also serve as a bed if your dog or cat will be spending time in someone elses home. It's a familiar and comfortable place for your pet.

• Collar with tags - This should be on your pet. The rabies tag and ID will be important, so make sure they are on the collar.

• Leash - Even if your dog is used to going outside without a leash, you should include one, as your pet may not listen to someone who is not his owner. A leash simplifies going outside, for the caretaker.

• Medicines and medical records - If your pet takes medicine, make sure you have good instructions and a supply of medicine for your cat or dog. Include the name and phone number of his veterinarian.

• Toys - favorite toys can be comforting, and your pet will behave better if she has toys to occupy her time.

• Treats - include some of your dog or cat's favorite treats. Pack them in an airtight, waterproof container to keep them fresh. You can find a number of good homemade dog treat recipes at this site. Your dog considers treats to be emergency essentials.

• Kitty litter and box - have plenty of kitty litter on hand, so that this does not become an issue for the caretaker.

• Documents - copies of medical and vaccination records, adoption papers, and a photo of you with your pet—just in case you are separated, or the caretaker has to ask another person to watch your pet. You want to be able to prove that you are the owner.

Arrange for a caretaker now. If you know who will be taking care of your pet during an emergency, it will give you peace of mind. Don't overlook this detail, or you may spend a lot of time worrying about it.

Prepare now for any possible situations. No one knows when a natural disaster or emergency could occur.

Taking a few minutes now to make sure that your pet will have everything that she will need—and that your pet's caretaker will have the things they will need to make their job easy—is the best insurance that you can provide.

Then, no matter what happens—you will know that your pet will be cared for, in comfort. And that he will have all the emergency essentials that he will need.



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