DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR YOUR PET

Each year devastating disasters occur in our nation, which affect both humans and animals.

These include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, fires, hazardous blizzards, chemical spills, and terrorist attacks. Even disasters such as gas leaks and minor flooding can keep you from tending to your animals for extended periods of time. Being prepared for any type of disaster can help save the life of your pet.

The American Veterinary Medical Association ( AVMA ) has developed these suggestions : 

• Talk to your veterinarian. Set up an appointment to talk to your veterinarian about planning for your animals during disasters.
• Assemble an animal evacuation kit and first aid kit.
• Check all pet carriers or transport cages to make sure they are in good condition, have no sharp edges, and have the following information indelibly printed on them: your name; phone number; address; a description of your pet ( distinguishing marks, age, sex, spayed, neutered, etc ); the name of your pet; microchip ID or tattoo ID, if any; pet insurance policy number; and the address and phone number where you or a contact person can be reached if you are not at home.
• Have identification tags ( and license and rabies tags, if appropriate ) for your animals. Identification should provide your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and an out-of-area phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster/evacuation. If possible, include your veterinarian's name, location, and phone number. Some of this information could be printed in indelible ink onto tape and attached to the back of the tag.
• Assemble veterinary records. Make photocopies of important veterinary documents to store in your animals evacuation kit including vaccination records, medical history, important test results ( FeLV, FIV, heartworm, Coggins, TB, other infectious diseases ), medical conditions, and medications.
• Assemble proof of ownership information. Make copies of registration information, adoption papers, proofs of purchase, and microchip/tattoo or other identification information to store in the evacuation kit. List each of your animals and their species/breed, age, sex, color, and other distinguishing characteristics. Keep current photographs of your animals in the evacuation kit for identification purposes. Include yourself in some of the photos to help you reclaim your lost animals.
• Develop an evacuation plan for all of your animals.
• Make a list of motels in your area that will accept pets.
• Make a list of boarding facilities, veterinary clinics, animals shelters, or other establishments that would accept pets in an emergency.

Posted in: pet,veterinary