|
Disaster Preparedness for Your Family Pet
This article is posted with the permission of the American Kennel Club.
© 2006 The American Kennel Club, Inc.
When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck in late 2005, thousands were separated from their beloved pets as they escaped the region. Sadly, many animals where not reunited with their owners of faced a worse fate, despite the heroic efforts of their owners and rescue organizations to save them.
Proper emergency planning can help save the life of your pet and as hurricane season approaches, many families should begin considering how they would handle a disaster in their area. The American Kennel Club has prepared the following checklists to help pet owners pack a portable pet first-aid kit and prepare for an emergency evacuation. Preparedness is important in any disaster situation and these checklists can be applied to any emergency that calls for evacuation from your home.
Evacuation Checklist for Pets
- Dog medicine(s), i.e. heart worm, flea, ear mite medicine, etc.
- Dog Bowls
- Dog Food (1-week minimum, 2-week suggested), dog treats, etc.
- Leashes: walking leash, short leash
- Harness (to attach to seat belt)
- Extra dog tag, (masking tape, laundry pen) Cell #, Hotel # and Room #
- Pet records stored in waterproof container or plastic sealable bag
- Crate
- Dog bed/blanket/toys
- Supplies/paper towels, rug cleaner, toilettes, towels, flash light
- Current dog photograph(s) with your notification information: useful for fliers should your dog go missing or must be left at shelter
- Dog friendly hotel listings/ telephone lists
- Shampoo
- Litter/portable litter pan
- Duct tape
- Bottled water
- Pet First Aid Kit
Portable First Aid Kit for Pets
- Water-proof storage container for kit
- Antiseptic/anti-bacterial cleansing wipes/Alcohol prep pads
- Eye wash
- Eye and skin wash in one
- A sock (foot wrapper)
- Latex surgical gloves
- Electrolyte powder (add to water on hot days)
- Emergency space blanket
- Small flashlight
- Bottled water
- Medicated balm
- Leash and collar
- Soft muzzle
- Speak to your vet about what to pack in case your dog has a sudden allergic reaction
- Flexible bandage used to wrap and injuries)
- Gauze roll
- Bandage scissors- to cut gauze and to clip hair around wounds
- Wood splint
- Paper towels
- Plastic baggies
- Small cold pack and hot pack(self activating)
- Cotton swabs
- Antibiotic ointment/packets
- Tweezers
- Space for copy of dog’s papers & vet records (sealed in plastic bag)
Last Updated: 02/08/2007, 2:55 pm
|
