Have an Evac-Pack for Your Pet? Things to Consider Before a Natural Disaster

August has arrived. We are still in the heat of summer when storms and wildfires explode in an instant. Floods, fires, tornadoes – all can spell disaster for people and pets. During Hurricane Katrina many pet owners stayed behind because Red Cross shelters don’t allow animals, and when people stayed, both humans and animals died. Although some organizations have since helped communities more actively prepare for handling pets during a natural disaster (see the American Kennel Club Reunite Mobile Trailer Disaster Program at http://www.akcreunite.org/relief/), pet owners should also prepare by creating an Evac-Pack.
           
An Evac-Pack is like a go-bag for your pet, helping you as a pet owner be prepared to care for your pet during a natural disaster. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), here are things pet parents should include in their pet’s Evac-Pack:Pet first-aid kit (ask your vet what to include but some suggestions are: gauze pads and rolls, antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide, ice pack, petroleum jelly, scissors, and non-latex gloves)3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry foodDisposable litter trays for catsLitter or paper towelingLiquid dish soap and disinfectantDisposable garbage bags for clean-upPet feeding dishes and water bowlsExtra collar or harness and an extra leashPhotocopies and/or USB of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (food and medications should be rotated out of your emergency kit every few months otherwise they may go bad or become useless)At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)A traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each petFlashlightBlanketRecent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoop-able litterEspecially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner
The ASPCA has a mobile app that can be helpful, showing pet owners what to do in case of a natural disaster/emergency. The app also allows pet parents to store vital medical records and provides information on making life-saving decisions during natural disasters. This free app can help pet owners in several other ways such as:Accessing critical advice on what to do with a pet before, during, and after a major storm—even if there’s no data connectivity.Receiving a personalized missing pet recovery kit, including step-by-step instructions on how to search for a lost animal in a variety of circumstances.Building a lost pet digital flyer that can be shared instantly on social media channels.
Learn more about preparing for a natural disaster if you have pets, including special considerations for livestock, birds, and reptiles, at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness. Other helpful websites include: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pet_disaster_preparedness_kit.html?credit=web_id354243830, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_kit.html and http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m3640126_PetSafety.pdf.
 
Remember that Red Cross shelters don’t allow pets (they do allow service animals); therefore, plan ahead where your pet will stay if you have to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Pet-friendly hotels, boarding and veterinary clinics, and sometimes local animal shelters and pet rescue organizations can be helpful.

Plan ahead before an emergency strikes with where to go and what to take – you and your pet will ride the wave of a natural disaster better for that preparation.