Pet Safety
Your guide to keeping your pet safe in an emergency
1
CREATE A GO KIT
Just as we should have one, so should our pets. If you're faced with evacuating for a hurricane, wildfire, flooding, earthquake or even a power outage, being prepared can make a big difference in quickly getting your animals to safety, says Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. In addition to enough food and water for at least five days and supplies your pet uses daily (medicines, a leash or harness, carrier, litter box, blanket), include current photos and descriptions of your pets in case they go missing. Write down your pets' feeding schedules, vet contact info, and any behavioral or medical issues. Record the info on a sheet of paper that you laminate or write it in a notebook that has a copy of your pets' vaccination records stapled into it. Remember to update it once a year.
Article from: BH&G: May 2019
2
MAP OUT A SAFE HAVEN
The key is to know your options should you need to evacuate. Start by making a list of hotels that allow pets (Try the free BringFido app or petswelcome.com to pet-friendly hotels.)
Contact your city or state office or emergency management to find out where pet-friendly shelters will be located. Also check with animal shelters or kennels within driving distance to see of they can take animals during crises. Block says, Another strategy: "Have a pet buddy," advises Nicole Forsyth, president and CEO of RedRover in Sacramento. Ask a friend or family member who lives with driving distance if they could help your pet in an emergency; give them what they need to access your pet in your absence.
the american red cross pet first aid app (free) supplies more info on how to prep for various emergencies.
3
THINK ABOUT A MICROCHIP
It's an added layer of insurance (in addition to a collar tag) in case you're separated. In fact, one study of pets in shelters showed that ones with microchips had higher rate of return to their families. All it takes is a quick shot to insert the microchip under your pet's skin. You then register the chip online for about $20; if your pet is ever lost and ends up at a shelter or vet, they can scan the chip to contact you.
FIRST AID KIT FOR PETS
A fully equipped household first aid kit contains almost all of the supplies you may need for your pets.
A simple first aid kit for your pets should include these additional items in a waterproof container:
• Latex (or hypoallergenic material) gloves
• Gauze sponges ( a variety of sizes)
• Gauze roll, 2-inch width
• Elastic cling bandage
• Material to make a splint
• Adhesive tape, hypoallergenic
• Non-adherent sterile pads
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Magnifying glass
• Grooming clippers or safety razor
• Nylon leash
• Towel
• Muzzle
• Compact emergency “blanket” (available in the camping department of many stores)
• Water-based sterile lubricant
• Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)
• Rubbing alcohol;
• Topical antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic towelettes
• Insect sting stop pads
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Instant cold pack
• Epsom salts
• Baby-dose syringe or eye dropper
• Sterile eye lubricant
• Sterile saline wash
• Safety pins (medium size 4)
• Tongue depressors
• Diphenhydramine, if approved by your veterinarian
• Glucose paste or syrup
• Styptic powder or pencil
• Plastic card (such as old credit card) to scrape away stingers
• List of emergency phone numbers including those for your pet’s veterinarian, an after hours emergency veterinary hospital, and the National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) and money to make a phone call.
• Petroleum jelly
• Penlight with batteries (AA)
• Clean cloth
• Needle-nose pliers
For a complete list of items for your pet first aid kit and detailed information on how to provide first aid for your pets, consult Pet First Aid by Barbara Mammato, DVM, MPH, a handbook sponsored by the American Red Cross and The Humane Society of the United States.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
(888)426-4435