"The chase" Photo by: Padraicyclops
The Boxer Health
The White Boxer
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Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies
Makes Sense. Get Ready Now. |
Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival,
particularly food and water.
Food: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Water: Store at least three days of water specifically
for your pets.
Medicines and medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your
Pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof
container.
First aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves,
isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.
Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should
wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency
supply kit.
Important documents: Place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents
and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit.
Crate or other pet carrier:If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you, provided that it is practical to do so.
Sanitation:Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide
for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergencyyou can also use it to purify water. Use 8 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water, stir well and let it stand
for 30 minutes before use. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches or those with added cleaners.
A picture of you and your pet together:If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership
and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing
characteristics. Familiar items such as favorite toys, treats or bedding in your it can also help reduce stress for your pet.
Make
a plan for what you will do in an emergency. Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the
situation. Use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet's safety during this
time.
Get a kit of pet emergency supplies
Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from
authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected. Those who take the time to prepare
themselves and their pets will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry. Take the time now to get yourself and your pet
ready.
Evacuate. Plan how you will assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go. If you must evacuate, take your pets
with you, if practical. If you go to a public shelter, keep in mind your pets may not be allowed inside. Secure appropriate lodging
in advance depending on the number and type of animals in your care. Consider family or friends outside your immediate area who would
be willing to take in you and your pets in an emergency. Other options may include: a hotel or motel that takes pets or some sort
of boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting place.
Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.
Develop
a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets
if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pet’s emergency
supply kit. Also designate specific locations, one in your immediate neighborhood and other farther away, where you will meet in an
emergency.
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning. Discuss the types of things you should include in your pet’s
emergency first aid kit. Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might need to seek temporary shelter.
Also talk with your veterinarian about micro chipping. If you and your pet are separated, this permanent implant for your pet and
corresponding enrollment in a recovery database can help a veterinarian or shelter identify your animal. If your pet is micro chipped,
keeping your emergency contact information up to date and listed with a reliable recovery database is essential to you and your
pet being reunited.
Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment. Make a list of contact information and ad-dresses
of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society or ASPCA and emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of these phone
numbers with you, and one in your pet’s emergency supply kit. Obtain “Pets Inside” stickers and place them on your doors or windows,
including information on the number and types of pets in your home to alert firefighters and rescue workers. Consider putting a phone
number on the sticker where you could be reached in an emergency. And, if time permits, remember to write the words “Evacuated with
Pets” across the stickers, should you evacuate your home with your pets.
For more information, visit ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY
"The Chase" Photography by:
Patrick McArdle
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