Prepare For Emergencies Now:
Information For Pet Owners
1. Get a Kit of pet emergency supplies.
Just
as
you
do
with
your
family’s
emergency
supply
kit,
think
first
about
the
basics
for
survival,
particularly
food
and water.
Food: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Water: Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets, in addition to water you
need for yourself and your family.
Medicines and medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a
regular basis in a waterproof container.
First aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s
emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape
and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol
and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.
Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag
and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s
emergency supply kit.
Important documents: Place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption
papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof
container and also add them to your kit.
Crate or other pet carrier: If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets
and animals with you, provided that it is practical to do so.
Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic
trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can
use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency
you can also use it to purify water. Use 8 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon
of water, stir well and let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Do not use scented or color safe
bleaches or those with added cleaners.
A picture of you and your pet together: If you become separated from your pet during an
emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and
allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species,
breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce
stress for your pet.
Consider
two
kits.
In
one,
put
everything
your
pets
will
need
to
stay
where
you
are
and
make
it
on
your
own.
The
other
should
be
a
lightweight,
smaller
version
you
can
take
with
you
if
you
and
your
pets
have
to
get
away.
2.
Make
a
Plan
for
what
you
will
do
in
an
emergency.
Plan
in
advance
what
you
will
do
in
an
emergency.
Be
prepared
to
assess
the
situation.
Use
common
sense
and
whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet’s safety during an emergency.
For more information, visit ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY