Well in finishing my first Clayton College of Natural Health Companion Animal Study class, I thought I’d share this info on what to put in a diaster kit for your pets. Enjoy!
In case of a disaster, everyone should not only have a plan for themselves and their family, but for their pets too. To start, think of where you could take or leave your pet in a disaster. Is there a friend, relative, pet-friendly motel, or boarding facility, that would take them in. Most times in an evacuation, pets are not able to go to the emergency centers, so you’ll have to have an alternate place to take them.
Does your pet have the correct identification? Do they have I.D. tags on their collar, or are they microchipped or tattooed. These are things you can do in the event your dog becomes a stray or separated from you so that you can be reunited.
Do you have a carrier, kennel or cage to transport them in? A sturdy plastic or wire, luggage style carrier should be something you purchase in advance of a disaster situation. You must take the time to make your pet familiar and comfortable in a carrier so when the time comes, your pet will quickly, easily and calmly be able to get in their carrier and taken to safety.
Of course any disaster plan should have a first aid kit. And keep it stocked and in a suitcase or tote bag for easy access. Make sure the kit is up to date, so check it periodically for any missing or expired items.
You should also have a week’s supply of water for your pet. As well as a week’s supply of food, be it natural or an alternative that your pet is used to and will keep without refrigeration. Keep any medications, vitamins or supplements in this kit as well. Keep some homeopathy’s in your kit too. Dr. Bach’s emergency formula is a good one to keep in your kit as well as others to calm and relax and help them sleep, such as: valerian, skullcap, chamomile…
Be sure to have lightweight, unbreakable dishes for food and water. Plastic isn’t always the safest, but in an emergency is probably the easiest to tote around.
Make sure you have clean up supplies. For cats, kitty liter, and for dogs, clean up bags. Keep a roll of paper towel, and pet stain remover as well as wet wipes and plastic garbage bags.
Keep copies of important paperwork, like dog licenses, rabies vaccinations, health records, and emergency phone numbers in a water tight bag.
Extra collars, leashes and ID tags are good to have in your kit too. A favorite toy or blanket, and a lightweight Mylar thermal blanket to protect against the cold, shock and hypothermia.