National Animal Disaster Preparedness
With all the natural and man-made disasters happening all around us, it is a good time to take stock of how prepared you are should you need to evacuate.
The most common disaster is a house fire, something very personal and unexpected for anyone.
Here are some reminders with regard to your pets.
Take your pets with you. If you have to evacuate it is not safe to leave your dog, cat, rabbit, rodent, bird, etc. behind.
Have a plan in case you can't get back to you home. Enlist a trusted neighbor to help remove your pets and their emergency kits to safety. This should be someone your pets know. Discuss where your pets' kits are, where your pets are likely to be if stressed (such as under the bed), and how to contact you or another family member so you can be reunited.
Create a kit that contains at least seven days worth of supplies. This should include the basics (food, water, medication, treats, litter, a litter box) as well as a way to contain your cat such as a large carrier - one that is bigger than what you may use to transport your cat to the vet. This can used as your cat's home away from home and a place to store your cat's emergency kit. Include a photo of you and your pet and an out of state emergency contact (such as your sister who lives in Denver, for example).
Put this kit in a convenient location and remember to keep the perishable supplies fresh.
