"Disaster Preparedness" Checklist


By being prepared with a well thought-out disaster plan for different types of disasters, you can potentially save your pets' lives in case of emergency. Some general tips for planning:

  • Ensure your pets wear at least two current forms of identification. You may want to consider a microchip implant combined with tags on a collar. Also keep the information current if you have registered with any lost and found databases.

  • Be sure to place permanent, waterproof "Pets Inside" stickers on your front and back house doors or windows to alert emergency workers that pets are in your home. If possible, list the number and types of animals in your household. Should you be unable to go inside to retrieve your pets during a disaster, this sticker could help rescue workers find the animals in your house. You can get a special Merial sticker from your vet.

Looking for a vet? Go to frontline.us.merial.com/LocateVet/index.asp

  • Start a buddy system with a neighbor so they can check on your pets during a disaster in case you are not home. Agree to do the same for their pets. Exchange veterinarian information.

  • Ensure your pets' vaccinations are up to date. Keep an extra copy of your pets' health information in your pet disaster/emergency first-aid kit.

  • Assemble an emergency first-aid kit (see below for what it should include.)

You should prepare for two types of scenarios: evacuating your home or riding it out at home.


Evacuating Your Home

Plan ahead for a safe place to take your pets. Doing your research in advance will save you precious time when you and your pets have to evacuate. Keep a list of:

  • Friends/relatives who would be willing to host your pets in their home. Provide them with all the necessary supplies and information on your pets' care needs and daily habits.

  • Pet-friendly hotels/motels in the areas you would most likely go. You can find lists on such websites as www.petswelcome.com, www.petscanstay.com or www.takeyourpet.com. Or, visit hotel Internet search sites like www.hotels.com or www.travelocity.com (click "pets allowed" in the search criteria). The American Automobile Association publishes Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook lists, by state and city, 13,000 locations that will accommodate pets in an emergency. The PetBook is available in many AAA club offices, at better bookstores or online at www.aaa.com/barnesandnoble.

  • Boarding, grooming and veterinary facilities that may offer boarding in emergencies. Check the yellow pages, Internet or the Better Business Bureau and ABKA (a trade association of pet care professionals) for lists of boarding facilities. Don't shop by price alone - if possible, get referrals from friends and your veterinarian. For locating a licensed veterinarian, use Merial's vet locator us.merial.com/pet_owners/vet_locator_search.asp.

  • Local animal shelters prepared to provide emergency shelter for displaced pets. Government run shelters will be listed in the blue pages of the phone book, and non-profit animal shelters in the yellow pages.

When an evacuation order has been issued, act quickly and leave as soon as possible. Bring your pets indoors and ensure they are wearing collars with identification tags. Place dogs on leashes and small pets in their carriers. Load your emergency first-aid kit and supplies into your vehicle. Call your prearranged animal evacuation site to confirm availability because if you go to a public shelter, you cannot take your pets with you.


Riding it Out at Home

If you plan to ride out the disaster at home, identify the safest place for your pets in the house during the emergency. Never leave your pets unattended.

  • Bring your pets inside immediately.

  • Place your emergency first-aid kit in a safe, accessible location.

  • Ensure startled pets cannot escape.

  • Separate dogs and cats.

  • Stay clear of windows, fireplaces and appliances.

  • Keep out of the kitchen.


Assembling an Emergency First-Aid Kit

  • Food: A 1-2 week supply of dry or canned food of the brand your pets usually eat. Be sure to replace the food according to its expiration date. Include a spoon, food dish and can opener (for canned food). Record your pets' eating habits (amount and times) as well as any allergies your pet may have together and file with the other paperwork in your kit. Store the food in a waterproof and protected bag or case.

  • Food and water bowls: Collapsible or travel bowls are easy to store.

  • Water: A 1-2 week supply in gallon-sized plastic containers. Be sure to replace water regularly to ensure freshness.

  • Cleaning supplies: To clean crates and/or litter boxes.

  • Cat litter: A 1-2 week supply, plus a small plastic litter box and litter scoop. You can opt for a disposable litter box that comes pre-made with litter.

  • Paperwork:

  • Photographs: In case you need to distribute pictures if your pets get lost.

  • Vaccine records/medical history: Copies of important veterinary documents, such as vaccination records, medical history, medical conditions, records of important test results (FeLV/FIV).

  • Veterinary information: Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your veterinarian and an alternate veterinarian. Write out a release statement authorizing medical treatments for your pets. Write down your pets insurance policy numbers if you have pet insurance.

  • Proof of ownership/animal information: Copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof-of-purchase, microchip, tattoo, or other identification information.

  • List of emergency contacts

  • Medication: List each pet separately and include the dose and frequency for each medication. Keep a 2-week reserve supply with directions on how to administer. If possible, keep the medication in the original package that it came in. Replace according to expiration date. Do not forget reserve doses of flea and tick control and heartworm prevention.

  • Spare or extra collars, harnesses or leashes

  • Bedding or pet blankets

  • Identification tags - If possible, write your temporary location or contact information on the tags.

  • Brushes/combs, grooming supplies

  • Toys

  • Animal crates or carriers: Labeled with your contact information, ensure the crates/carriers are safe for your pets (latches and bolts should be secure) and that your pets have room to move around.

  • Pet First Aid Kit: For more information, check out our "First-Aid Kit Checklist."
 


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