When planning for a disaster don’t forget your pet. Now is the time to prepare a disaster plan not only for yourself and your loved ones but also for the family pet.

Here are a few things you need to do now. Build a disaster kit for your pets, and in the kit should be the following:

1. A week’s supply of food per pet, stored in an airtight container, rotate food out every three months, also include a can opener, spoon and extra bowl.

2. A two-week supply of water per pet, stored in air tight containers, rotate water out every two months, also include an extra bowl.

3. Make sure your animal has a collar and tag, or microchip your pet for permanent identification. Keep current photos of your pets, make sure you are in the photos with your pets, you may need these as proof of ownership.

4. Purchase or put together a first aid kit for each of your pets. Some items to include: conforming bandage, absorbent gauze pads, absorbent gauze roll, tweezers, scissors, instant cold pack, zinc oxide tape, latex gloves, emollient wipes, cotton tipped applicators, slip lead, muzzle, hand towel, first-aid guide for companion animals (this book can be purchased at your local book store) and non-adherent absorbent dressing.

Include at least one week’s supply of any long-term medications, and create a collar tag indicating any medical needs.

5. Have several rolls of paper towels in plastic bags and prepare a small container of dish soap and disinfectant.

Some additional items for different animals:

 

Dogs:

Pooper scooper, small plastic bags, harness, leash, collapsible crate or kennel.

 

Cats:

Extra litter box and scooper, one week’s supply of cat litter, collapsible crate or kennel, harness or leash, in case you need to exercise your cat in an open area.

 

Horses, swine and cattle:

Halter and lead rope for each animal, extra feeding bucket, water trough, salt lick and tie out rope, two week’s supply of bedding materials, manure fork, clean garbage cans for large quantities of water, fence panels to create smaller enclosures.

 

Birds, reptiles and rabbits:

At least one week’s supply of cage liners, evacuation cage or carrier, extra water bowls or bottles, long handled net, heavy towel and blanket, flashlight and extra batteries to regulate the birds daily schedule.

Plan your disaster escape route now and practice it often, practice loading you horses in the trailer, putting your dogs and cats in carriers and loading in the car.

If you are away from home make sure a neighbor, friend or relative can evacuate your pets for you. Practice your disaster plan with them so they know what to do in your absence. Make sure they know where your disaster kits are, and where the safe spot for your animals is located. Make sure all family members practice the disaster plan.

The most important things to remember are:

1. Do not under any circumstance leave your pet behind. They cannot survive on their own.

2. You cannot take your pet to the shelter with you. They are for humans only, and you will need an alternate plan like a friend or relative who can take the pet.

3. If you are evacuated by emergency responders, by boat for example, they will not take your animals.

Please make your disaster plans now and practice your escape route. The lives of your companion animals are depending on you. Please don’t let them down.

 

Dee Amberg is the vice president of the Freeborn County Humane Society.