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Pet
Disaster Preparedness Kits
Other
Pets (Birds, Reptiles and Small
Animals) | Web
Links | Printable
Article (PDF) |
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Many
of us have dogs, cats and other pets that
we care for along with our other family
responsibilities. We keep up with their
vaccinations, registration/tags, vet appointments,
play/exercise time and of course, feeding
them. Am I missing anything? Oh yes, a
pet emergency/travel kit! How could I forget?
I
like to think of the “emergency
kit” as a “care kit”. Even
though, as I am often told, in Kings County
we really do not have any major disasters
to warrant stocking emergency supplies, I
like to focus on the simple times while on
travel with your pets. Maybe you are just
going to take the dog to the park to play
and get some exercise, or to work in a country
field for a few hours. In addition, let’s
just say that for whatever reason, your little
outing goes a little longer than expected
or maybe you have car trouble on the drive
home. Your dog is hungry, thirsty, and dog-tired.
Now what? Of course, you are all set with
your car kit since it is stocked with water
and snacks and such, but what about the dog?
Do you have a pet emergency/travel kit?
Whether on travel or during an emergency,
our pets are often at an even greater risk
of danger than we are. If you are in a situation
where you will be away from your home for
an extended or even permanent amount of time,
be sure you have the proper kits and supplies
needed to care for your family and your pets.
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12
Basic Items for Your Pet Emergency/Travel
Kit
The
following is a basic emergency/travel
kit for your pets. Start by using
a backpack, old gym/duffle bag or
even 5-gallon buckets for the contents
of your kit. (Make a separate bag/container
for each pet) Place the following
items in the bag to begin assembling
your kit:
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1
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On top of the bag, boldly print your name, phone numbers
and your pet’s name (or attach a card). |
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2
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Water and food, enough for 3-7 days. |
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3
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Food and water dishes. |
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4
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Blanket or towel for a bed. |
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5
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Medicine, with instructions for use. |
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6
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A note listing your Veterinarian and phone number, the pets
name and your first and last name. |
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7
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The name address and phone number of a friend or relative,
where the pet might stay. |
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8
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A favorite toy and some treats. |
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9
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For a dog, a leash and collar. |
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10
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For a cat, a collapsible cat carrier, litter and litter box. |
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11
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Small plastic bags for pet messes. |
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12
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Picture of your pet, information on feeding-amounts-times,
any behavioral or other issues that someone might need
to be aware of. Place all pets’ information, lists,
and notes in a waterproof container or zip-lock bag. |
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All
done? Congratulations! If you
have checked all 12 items on the list,
you have completed your basic pet emergency/travel
kit!
There are online companies that will gladly sell you emergency pet
kits if you don’t have the time. However, I think preparing
your own kit will not only save you money, but you will have a more
personal kit to fit the individual needs of your pets.
For this and more on your pets’ emergency needs click on: http://www.kingscountyoem.com/CountyKings/Preparedness_FOW_03292010_Pets.htm |
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Other
Pets:
For those of you who have
other pets besides dogs and cats you may
want to heed these points: |
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Special
Considerations for Birds
- Birds
should be transported in a secure travel
cage or carrier.
- In
cold weather, make certain you have a
blanket over your pet’s cage.
This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.
- In
warm weather, carry a spray bottle to
periodically moisten your bird's feathers.
- Have
recent photos available, and keep your
bird’s leg bands on for identification.
- If
the carrier does not have a perch, line
it with paper towels
that you can change frequently.
- Keep
the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.
- It
is particularly imperative that birds
eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed
feeder. If you need to leave your bird
unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure
his daily feeding schedule.
- Items
to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel,
blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage
liner.
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Special
Considerations for Reptiles
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A
snake may be transported
in a pillowcase, but you
should have permanent and
secure housing for him when
you reach a safe place.
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Take
a sturdy bowl that is large
for your pet to soak in.
It’s also a good idea
to bring along a heating
pad or other warming device,
such as a hot water bottle.
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Lizards
can be transported like birds
(see above).
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Special
Considerations for Small Animals - Small
animals, such as hamsters, gerbils,
mice and guinea pigs, should
be transported in secure carriers
with bedding materials, food
and food bowls.
- Items
to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra
water bottle, small hide box
or tube, a week's worth of bedding.
If you have any other pets not
listed in this article, please
consult your veterinarian for
instructions or any
other questions you may have.
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| Other
items you may want to add to your kit to
make it an all hazards emergency supply kit
for any situation: |
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Pet
first-aid kit and guide book *(see
below for standard items) |
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Aluminum
roasting pans or the like as disposable
litter trays. |
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Liquid
dish soap and disinfectant. |
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Extra
disposable bags for clean-ups |
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Flashlight |
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Manual
can opener and paper plates to put
the food on |
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Pet
hygiene items (brush, shampoo) |
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| *First
aid kit for your pet should contain the
following items: |
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Three-day
supply of any medications or vitamins
your pet normally takes. |
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Pet
first aid manual |
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Names,
addresses, telephone numbers of local
vet offices, including 24-hour clinics. |
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Tape |
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Scissors |
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Antibacterial
soap |
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Hydrogen
Peroxide |
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If
you have any other pets not listed
in this article, please consult your
veterinarian for instructions or any
other questions you may have. |
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