Pet Emergency Kit

In some emergency situations, you might remain at home with your pet, but with limited or reduced resources such as power or transportation.  Food and water, enough to last at least three days are a must.  Keep this supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.  And store water for your pets along with the water you store for yourself and your family.

Keep an extra supply of medicines for your pet in a waterproof container.

Have a pet first aid kit on hand, including cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution.  Include the phone number for your veterinarian and your local pet emergency clinic.

Your pet should always wear a collar with ID tag and rabies tag. In the pet emergency kit, also include copies of your pet’s registration, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records.  Placing these in a clear zip type bag will keep them dry.

Having a crate or pet carrier will make evacuation much simpler as well as provide comfort and security for your pet.

For cats a litter box and litter and for all pets plastic bags and paper towels to assist in sanitation.

Include a picture of you with your pet, to aid in identification should you become separated from your pet.

Favorite items such as toys and bedding should also be included in the pet emergency kit.

 

Pet Care Buddies

Make plans with a neighbor or relative to be sure that someone will be available to care for your pet should you be unable to.  Let your pet care buddy know of your emergency plans, evacuation routes and where you keep your pet emergency kit.  Designate specific locations, both in your neighborhood and farther away, where you can meet in an emergency.

 

In An Emergency

All emergencies are different, so listening to the radio or watching TV may help you assess the situation.  If you are told to evacuate or shelter-in-place, do so immediately.  If sheltering-in-place, gather your pet emergency kit along with your personal kit and get in your place of safety with your pet.

Create a plan to evacuate.  Plan how you will assemble your pets and where you will go.  Some hotels and motels allow pets, but most public shelters do not.  Alabama will open Disaster Animal Shelters during specified emergencies where owners can shelter with their pets.  If you anticipate going to a disaster animal shelter, visit the Disaster Animal Shelter Page for a list of items you need to bring with you.

If possible, talk with your pet buddy.  Let them know you are alright and where you are or where you will be going.  Tell them when you next expect to contact them.

If you are evacuating, take your pet emergency kit (along with your own) and your pet, and follow designated routes if indicated. 

 

After An Emergency

Stay informed.  Visit this site (www.alsart.org) or watch TV or listen to the radio to determine when it is safe to move about or return home.  Talk with your pet buddy.

 

Prepare

Being prepared makes entering into an emergency less hectic. Taking the time now to prepare will make you less likely to encounter difficulty during a disaster. 

Take the time now to get yourself and your pet ready.