Disaster Preparedness and Caring For Your Pets

Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 8:51 pm

The Emergency provision Guide is meant to offer you advice on how to prepare for and survive a plethora of potential emergencies with which you might be presented with at home, in your office and while away from home.

While there are numerous clear similarities among different kinds of calamity, each kind of emergency brings with it certain individual needs.

Family Animalsï»¿

In the USA, our family pets outnumber humans by about sixty million. Nearly 65% of all households own a pet, Almost 50% own two or more. We own an estimated 75 million dogs, 95 million cats. We spend roughly $2000 per year on a dog, over $900 on a cat, which includes the vet, food, boarding, grooming, vitamins, snacks and pet toys. As for emergency preparedness supplies, there are no estimates.

Hurricane Katrina was a wake-up call for emergency preparedness, not only for ourselves but also for our beloved pets.

Of an approximated 1/4 million pets left behind in New Orleans, only about 15,000 were ultimately saved. These suffered from heartworm disease, parasites, severe lack of water, trauma, wounds from debris and standing water, malnutrition, lethargy and exhaustion, according to the AMVA.

Don’t leave your family pets behind if you have any say in the matter.

What you need to do:

Don't forget your pets in an emergency plan. We talked repeatedly in the past about the importance of having a plan, having it in written form, making sure everyone in the household comprehends it, and actually practicing it. It should include your pets.
Keep pet permit and shots up to date. Make sure that a collar ID and rabies tags are worn by the pet at all times. The ID must include mobile telephone number, in addition to any temporary shelter address you might have. You may apply tape to back of the Identification tag and write with permanent sharpie or marker. Have a list handy of all boarding possibilities (including friends/relatives) out of the direct peril area. Most emergency shelters won't allow pets other than service animals that aid people with disabilities.

Bring pets inside well ahead of a natural disaster.
Prepare an indoor area in which pets can stay. Should be an area easy to clean; away from breaking glass, wind, noise; and have ample food and water. If danger of flooding, area should be as high as possible and/or allow access to a high place.
Keep a sturdy leash available for each pet.
If possible, keep cats and dogs apart. They may get along with each other in typical times, but emergencies are not normal times.
Keep pets steadfastly leashed when outdoors. Emergencies are very stressful, and frightened pets may panic and make an attempt to escape.
Have pet emergency products readily available to take along on limited notice.

What you require:

Food. Dry, preferably vacuum packed. If wet food, be sure to have a can opener. Enough for at least 72 hours.
Water. In sealed pouches or sealed gallon jugs. Enough for 72 hours.
Food/water dish(es).
Medications. If your pet is on medication, have a two week supply.
Toys. One or two favorites.
Crate(s). A sturdy pet carrier.
Plastic bags for waste. Litter box and litter for cat(s).
Photo for identification if pet is lost.
Pet First Aid Kit.
Backpack or Five Gallon covered bucket to hold the above.

In Summary

The key to surviving any emergency is being prepared. If you have to be merely another statistic, be one of the good ones…survivors. Remember...have a plan and rehearse it. No Plan will include every possible contingency. Good luck, and remain safe.

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