Your Pet Emergency Supply Kit
Just as you do with your family's emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Consider two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay where you are- the items below will tell you what you need. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Plus, be sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
Items for Your Pet Emergency Supply Kit
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 along with a copy of your pet's medical records.
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. OneStorm offers suggestions for a sample small pet first aid kit, but note that you should ask your veterinarian what will be in a complete first aid kit for your pet.
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. In addition, gather copies of your pet's important records and place them in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container in your kit. These records should include: your pet's registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents, and medical records. You should also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
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. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down.
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 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. 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.
Additional Resources
- While putting together your emergency supply kit, don't forget to put together items for your evacuation kit as well. This kit will be a smaller, but still adequate, version of your pet's disaster supply kit. For further instructions on what to include in your small pet evacuation kit, click here.