Planning for Your Pets in an Emergency

Keeping your pets safe during floods, storms and other emergencies is important, and it's advisable to take steps now to insure their safety. Here are a few things you can do to prepare in advance:

• Secure a pet carrier that allows your pet to stand up and turn around inside. Train your pet NOW to become comfortable with the carrier.
• If your pet is on medication or a special diet, find out from your veterinarian what you should do in case you have to leave your pet alone for several days. Secure an extra supply of medications.
• Make sure your pet has a properly fitted collar that includes current license and rabies tags, including an identification tag that has your name, address, and phone number. Micro-chip your pet.
• If your dog normally wears a chain link "choker" collar, purchase a leather or nylon collar with identification tags in case you have to leave him alone for several days.
• Keep your pet's shots current and keep the records in a quickly retrievable place; keep a copy in your family’s Disaster Go Box.  (Most kennels require proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations before accepting a pet)
• Contact motels outside of your area ahead of time to find out if they will accept pets in an emergency.
• When assembling emergency supplies for the household, include items for pets:
  • Extra food (The food should be dry and relatively unappealing to prevent overeating. Store the food in sturdy container
  • Kitty litter
  • Large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser
  • Extra medications
    
    (Adapted from the Federal Emergency Management Agency website)

For Further Information visit, http://www.72hours.org/pets.html