Doomsday Proofing Your Pet

Our pets are like our family. We often refer to them as our best friends, with some even looking at them like fur babies. 67% or 85 million households have at least one pet living there. 53% or 63.4 million homes own dogs, making them America’s favorite pet, with cats coming in second with 35.7 million homes. Pets these days are not just limited to dogs and cats. They come in an array of creatures, from bugs to miniature horses. During and after disasters, pets rely on us more than ever to take care of them. These can be very stressful times that require extra care and attention. Making a Pet Care kit is a great way to do just that.

The Bag

You should handle your Pet Care Kit the same way you would a Bug-Out Bag (BOB). Make one for each pet in your home. Hysteria and loud noises easily startled pets, so they’ll likely need you to carry them to safety. Try to get a bag with long straps to sling over your shoulder or a backpack so that your hands are free for this reason. Pet supplies can get heavy, so make sure it is a bag with a sturdy design. Make sure that everything in it is clearly labeled with your pet’s name and your contact number to prevent theft. The bag should include the basic supplies your pet needs, such as:

• Seven days’ worth of food and water (one gallon a day for each one, more if needed)
• Serving dishes
• Can opener (if the cans do not have pull-tabs on top)
• Plastic spoons
• Flashlight
• Something they love (grab it as you leave, or get a duplicate)
• Favorite treats
• Pet first aid kit
• Anything pet-specific (tank supplies for fish, an extra heat lamp for snakes, etc.)

Transportation

Because of Hurricane Katrina, many disaster shelters have waved the pets ban, but within reason. This is because if it’s too dangerous for you to stay, it’s also too dangerous for them. Contact your community board officials for their public shelter rules and plan according to their guidelines. Many of them require that your pet should be under your control the enter time you are there. Have a properly fitted harness or collar with current tags on them along with a leash in each bag for this reason. If they bite or are legally required to have one on, make sure that the pet has a properly fitted muzzle in their bag. If the shelter insists that all pets are to be in a cage or crate the whole time, make sure you have one in your preps, or in the car ready to go. Make sure it is big enough for them to stand up straight, do a complete spin, and stretch out while laying down. If they can’t perform such tasks, the cage or crate is too small. For birds and reptiles, transport them in a pillowcase and set up a cage when you arrive. For fish, a gallon baggie with a spare tank and supplies for it works for these creatures.

Hygiene

The best way to keep your pet stress-free would be to keep their living area as clean as possible. Clean the cage or crate out three to four times a day, so include basic cleaning products like an all-purpose cleaner, trash bags, and a roll or two of paper towels in one of your pet’s kits. For dogs and birds, bring along some extra newspaper or pee pads to line the bottom with. For cats, include a small bag of litter they are familiar with, a litter box (or disposable baking pan), and a litter scoop. Reptiles and rodents require extra bedding in their kit. If you can take the pet outside, keep them leashed and to your side at all times. Don’t forget to carry waste bags on you to clean up after your pet. When bringing them back inside, wipe their paws with a travel pack of wet wipes to keep things clean. Pack an extra brush and a deodorizing spray to keep the pet’s fur clean.

Vet Records

All shelters do require a copy of your pets’ vet records upon entry to make sure your pet is safe around both humans and other animals. Make sure their vaccines are up-to-date as best as you can. Start them on heartworm medication as soon as you can before entering the shelter. Once you arrive, put on a flea collar to prevent them from catching anything during your stay at the shelter. If your pet is on medication, make sure you have an extra month or two on hand in their kit. Have a clear photo of you with just the pet in the bag so nobody can claim ownership of your pet. As soon as you can, get the pet spayed/neutered and microchipped. Microchipping is a permanent way of identifying your pet in case you are separated or ownership is disputed. You’ll also want to make sure the information on it is accurate at their annual check-up. Most people often forget to do this, resulting in pets being displaced or adopted out, as you become unreachable by the person who found the pet.

Don’t Forget Your Livestock

To some people, they may be pets, but to state officials, they don’t count. You’ll want to safeguard them the best you can by forming a safety plan for their well-being like you would any other pet. Contact your State’s Department of Agriculture to discuss evacuation plans or to provide on-farm help during these types of situations. Have a way for them to seek higher ground in the event of flooding. Make sure they always have access to safe food and clean water. Have a way to get alternative power to keep your farm equipment running. Reinforce their living structures to withstand Mother Nature’s punch. Secure and label any hazardous chemicals that could harm you or the animals. Keep the property clutter-free by strapping down large items that can’t be brought in, trimming the trees and brush, and discarding all junk and trash.