Emergency Preparedness

Don't wait until the last minute! Plan ahead to ensure your pet's safety!

  The following are lists on proper animal identification and an animal evacuation kit. Do not wait until it is too late to put your evacuation kit together. The time to prepare is on a beautiful, sunny day!

When evacuating, always remember - TAKE YOUR PET WITH YOU!

  

  The following is an excerpt from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

The following lists will help you prepare for your animal(s) in the event of a disaster. The evacuation kit should be assembled in easy-to-carry, waterproof containers. It should be stored in an easily accessible location away from areas with temperature extremes. Replace the food, water and medication as often as needed to maintain their quality and freshness and in accordance with the expiration dates. Indicate, if applicable, medications that are stored elsewhere due to temperature requirements such as refrigeration.

Consult your veterinarian for advice on making an animal evacuation kit and first aid kit that is appropriate for your individual animals. It is important that your become familiar with the items in your kit and their uses. Your veterinarian may recommend an animal first aid book to include in your kit. Consult your veterinarian regarding emergency first air procedures and administration of any medications.
  • 2-week supply of food (dry and canned)
  • 2 -week supply of water in plastic gallon jugs with secure lids
  • Batteries (flashlight, radio)
  • Cage/carrier (one for each animal, labeled with your contact information)
  • Can opener (manual)
  • Cat/wildlife gloves
  • Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
  • Emergency contact list
  • Familiar items to make pets feel comfortable (favorite toys, treats, blankets)
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Instructions:
    Diet: record the diet for each individual animal, including what not to feed in case of allergies.
    Medications: list each animal separately, including dose and frequency for each medication. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills.
  • Leash and collar or harness (for each animal)
  • Litter, litter pan, litter scoop
  • Maps of local area and alternate evacuation routes (in case of road closures)
  • Muzzles (dog or cat)
  • Newspaper (bedding, litter)
  • No-spill food and water dishes
  • Paper towels
  • Radio (solar and battery operated)
  • Spoon (for canned food)
  • Stakes and tie-outs
  • Trash bags
  

  Having identification on your animals, including rabies and license tags, if applicable, may help reunite you with your animal(s) in the event that you are separated. Identification should provide your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and an out-of-state phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster/evacuation. If possible, include your veterinarian’s name, location, and phone number.

Examples of some forms of identification are listed below.

Small Animal Identification:
  • collar tag ( a piece of tape applied to the back of the collar tag can provide evacuation site information - use waterproof ink)
  • microchip
  • tattoo
  • temporary neckband
  • waterproof pouch attached to collar with identification inside
  • many reptiles may be marked with a permanent felt-tipped marker (ask your vet)
  • Clear identification on cage/housing for confined animals

Equine Identification:

  • microchip
  • tattoo
  • halter tag
  • neck collars
  • leg band
  • brand
  • mane clip
  • luggage tag braided into tail or mane
  • clipper-shaved information in the animals’ hair
  • livestock marking crayon, non-toxic, non-water-soluble spray paint, or non-water-soluble markers to write on the animals’ side
  • permanent marker to mark hooves

For information on equine, livestock and other animal evacuation kits and first aid kits click on www.avma.org/disaster.

  

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