Pet emergency/disaster kit - go bag

[Texas SpeedDiva]

After hearing a story this morning about pets having to be evacuated from shelters yesterday and reminders about what happened to pets during Katrina and Rita, I thought with our most recent drill this would be a good time to post my list for my dog's disaster kit. I've got a go bag for her that I use for travel and emergencies. I got a vinyl lunch bag from the dollar store and this it what I have in it. I had a similar one for my cat with her own stuff in it. Hope it helps someone else with their 4-legged family members

Pet disaster kit –
• Extra Collar or harness or choke collar for each pet
• Extra Leash
• Medication (heartworm, flea & tick meds)
• Pet waste bags (to pick up waste)
• Travel water & food dish
• Toys (including chew toys)
• Treats
• Vaccination/medical records
• Non-spill food and water dishes
• 14-day supply of food, water in non-breakable containers
• Water

Additional suggested Pet disaster kit items
• Put medications and medical records in a waterproof container
• A manual can opener
• Grooming supplies
• Your pet's blanket and a favorite toy
• Cleanser and disinfectant to handle wastes
• Newspapers or litter, paper towels and plastic bags
• Glow stick necklaces or ones that connect in a circle for potty breaks when it's dark out
to keep track of your pet

Other tips
Vaccinate your pet. If you haven't already done so, get those shots now. Infectious diseases can become a big threat after a disaster. Remember some vaccines take up to 30 days to become effective

Get your pet an ID tag. If a pet becomes lost or escapes during the confusion of an evacuation, proper identification will increase the chances of a safe return home. Consider having your pet tattooed or "microchipped."

Get a pet carrier. You will need a pet carrier or cage for each dog, cat, bird or small animal. Make sure it is large enough for each pet to stand up and turn around comfortably inside. Make sure an evacuation isn’t the first time you attempt to introduce your pet to the carrier.

Take clear, color photos (frontal, left and right sides) of your pet, and store these with your pet's license, medical records and ownership papers in a waterproof carrier to take with you.

Pet emergency first aid kit
• Tweezers for removing thorns, ticks, anything caught in pet's mouth or skin
• Scissors
• Tape, gauze pads, roll of gauze to clean, cover and cushion injuries
• Iodine prep solution
• Antiseptic solution for cleansing wounds, burns
• Alcohol pads to clean scissors, tweezers
• Antibiotic ointment
• Styptic powder to stop bleeding
• Buffered aspirin for pain and inflammation
• Benedryl to reduce allergic reactions to insect bites; check with your vet for the correct dosages (note: Tylenol is poisonous to cats)
• Thermometer (normal temperature in dogs and cats: between 101 to 102 degrees)
• Blanket or towels for warmth; animals often go into shock when injured

[ticka1]

My DD13 went to the HGX Hurricane Workshop with me and she talk to the folks in the booth about evacuating for storms. That is her chore during the storms. She has his medical records in a ziploc bag. She made him a backpack with his name on it and she made a list of everything she is to pack in it.

I agree Stevie is part of our family and if and when we evacuate he will go righ with us - my DH said he will sleep with the dog!!!!

Thanks for posting!

[Texas SpeedDiva]

forgot to put I printed small versions of Abby's picture on the color printer along with a description and then laminated it. One is in her bag and I keep one in my wallet. That way I should have one available if needed plus with it laminated, I don't have to worry about it getting wet or dirty and messed up.

[BaytownWeatherWatcher]

My dogs evacuated with me for Rita. I have 3 dogs and 1 elderly inside cat. They all are part of my evacuation plan. I have a bag with all their things. Also bought harnesses for each one of them. Collars are too easy to get out of. I used the harnesses when we left for Rita. I was glad I had gotten them because each time we had a pit stop, my dogs were so excited that they could have easily slipped out of a collar. I did leave their collars on with their tags along with the harness. Most of my suv had dog and cat stuff in it....lol.... I barely had any room for my things, but that was ok with me :)

Good idea about a picture. I hadn't thought of that.

[Texas SpeedDiva]

Did a test run last night with one of the glow stick necklaces on Abby. Black lab in a very dark back yard. I could follow her movements very well.

[Texas SpeedDiva]

May 12 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day and the Houston SPCA and the Harris County Disaster Animal Management Task Force urge you to prepare today!

While our pets hold a special place in our hearts, they often don't hold a place in our disaster preparedness plans. Hurricane season is quickly approaching and the best way to protect your family is to have a plan in place before disaster strikes.

Photograph each animal and store these pictures with other important documents in sealed/waterproof plastic bags. Make sure that all animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations. All dogs and cats should wear collars and identification tags with current information and be microchipped. Houston SPCA Vice President of Animal Welfare, Dr. Teri Schweiss says, "It's also a good idea to include the name and phone number of a friend OUTSIDE your area in case local phone service is not functioning immediately following a disaster." Dogs should only wear nylon or leather collars. Never place tags on training collars or choke chains. Cats should wear a break-a-way/safety collar.

Pack a portable pet disaster kit which includes food, water, medication, vaccination records and cleaning supplies. Make sure your pet has a safe traveling carrier that has been labeled with your emergency contact information. You should plan on enough supplies for at least one week. Take your pet's favorite toy or blanket with you to help minimize their stress.
If you must evacuate, take your pet with you! If conditions are unsafe for people, they are unsafe for pets. Identify an evacuation route and make temporary housing arrangements before a storm hits. The Harris County Disaster Animal Management Task Force has the brochure, How to Prepare Your Pets in Case of Disaster " with more information available for download.

It is particularly important to plan for horses and other farm animals. Their size, shelter and transportation needs make planning crucial. Visit the Texas State Animal Resource Team's website at www.txsart.org for more information on disaster planning for farm animals.

The pdf of the brochure can be downloaded via the KHOU link
http://www.beloblog.com/KHOU_Animal_Attraction/2009/05/national-animal.html