Do you have a plan for your family pet in case of a flood, earthquake, fire or other disaster? Having supplies and a plan before a disaster will give you peace of mind, save precious time and maybe even your pet’s life.
Pet Emergency Kit Checklist
- Food/Water (7 day supply)
- ID tag and Collar
- Sturdy Crate and/or carrier
- Pet first-aid kit
- Leash and Harness
- Collapsible bowls
- For cats, litter box and litter
- Manual can opener
- Recent photos of your pet
- Copy of pets vaccination history
- Emergency phone numbers & addresses
Your Pets are Counting on You. Don’t expect rescue centres to have supplies for your pets – make it your responsibility. Designate someone to help you out if you are not home when a disaster strikes.
During a Disaster. Try your best to take your pet with you. If this is NOT possible when you evacuate, follow these guidelines to help ensure your pet’s safety:
- Post a highly visible sign in a window to let rescue workers know how many pets (including a description of each) were left behind.
- Leave plenty of water in a large tip-proof container inside and outside your home.
Leave dry food in timed feeders (check local pet stores) thus preventing your pet from eating a week’s worth of food in one day.
- Do not tether or cage pets as the chances for survival are greater if they can escape easily.
Finding Your Pet Following a Disaster
- Immediately check in with your local animal shelter to report your pet missing. They may have already rescued your pet.
- When it’s safe, return to your neighbourhood to search for your pet and to post and distribute “lost pet” posters.
- Ask neighbours, letter and newspaper carriers, joggers and others to look out for your pet.
- Don’t give up, sometimes lost pets turn up months after they have gone missing.
Special Considerations for Farm Animals
Commercial Livestock Owners