We continue the series of how to prepare for an emergency by adding some valuable information on how to include pets in the family emergency kit.  Over 60 percent of families like ours have animals who they consider members of the family so what is the best way to make sure the furry ones in your life get through an emergency?

There are a few things to consider that have specific implications for pets:

• Evacuation – should the pets be taken with you or left in the comfort of your home?
• Temporary housing – who else could care for your pet? do shelters allow pets? are there animal shelters in an emergency?
• Food and supplies – how much do I need? what should I pack?
• Injuries – what should I bring for pet first aid?

This short video below by FEMA has some great tips and ideas for pet owners and it answers many of the questions above. Most surprising was the recommendation to always take your pet with you in a disaster since many time you won’t be able to, and in some cases won’t be allowed to, return to your home to get them after disaster strikes.

FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) has a set of emergency planning lists for pet owners to prepare in the case of an emergency.  When creating the family kit include the following for your pets:

• Food for 7 days including a can opener and a water dish
• Photocopies of veterinarian papers including shots
• Phone numbers of animal shelters that offer disaster shelter
• Phone numbers of hotels in the area that allow pets
• Extra collar and leash
• Kitty litter / pan
• items specific to the care of other pets (gerbils, snakes, iguana, etc.)
• Pet carrier / cage for smaller pets
• Pet First Aid Kit/ medicine your pet may take / Pet First Aid Book: Cats & Dogs
• Photo of your pet
• Toys
• Blanket
• Consider getting a microchip for your pet before an emergency
• Consider getting a “pet inside” sticker from the ASPCA

Further reading:
Plan ahead: Complete list of FEMA items to include in an Emergency Pet Kit
For an in depth look at planning, stats for pet ownership referenced from this book: 21st Century FEMA Study Course: Animals in Disasters, Awareness and Preparedness

Products available for pets in an emergency:

If you missed out on the earlier post on emergency planning series you can find the articles here:

Part 1 – How to create a basic family emergency kit

Part 2 – How to create a family plan