Posts Tagged ‘ Pets ’

Emergency Preparedness Plans for Pets

Your emergency plan should include all family members, including pets. Being prepared can save their lives.

Identify, in advance, a safe place to take your pets:

• Local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets in disaster shelters. (Service animals are allowed in Red Cross shelters.)
• Contact hotels and motels outside your local area to check their policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if “no pet” policies can be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of “pet-friendly” places, including phone numbers, with your disaster supplies.
• Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals.
• Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets during a disaster.

Assemble a Pet Emergency Preparedness Kit
Keep your pet’s essential supplies in sturdy containers that can be easily accessed and carried (a duffle bag for example). Your pet emergency preparedness kit should include:

• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a First Aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can’t escape.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, drinkable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and manual can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet bed or toys (if easily transportable).

ASPCA Rescue Stickers
The ASPCA offers free rescue sticker to alert police, firemen, etc that pets are inside your home. Place it in a visible spot near your entry way and be sure to include the number and types of pets in your home, as well as your veterinarian’s phone number.

If you must evacuate with your pets (and if time allows) write “EVACUATED” across the stickers so rescue workers don’t waste time looking for them.

Download ASPCA Rescue Stickers

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