Emergency & Disaster Preparedness for Pets Handout

by Dr. Maren Bell Jones, October 2017

A search and rescue handler directs her dog during the May 2011 Joplin, MO EF-5 tornado

• Food
  • at least 3 days worth per pet in a waterproof or watertight container for “bugging out”
  • at least 7 days worth for bugging in, ideally 14 days worth
  • Don’t forget bowls, food scoop, spoon, and can openers if applicable! Pop tops are preferable
  • Avoid lots of treats, especially ones they are not familiar with to avoid stomach upset
• Water:  ½ to 1 oz per pound of body weight per day for dogs and cats (more if hot outside or eating dry food)
• Medications
  • at least 7 days worth with clear instructions
  • Don’t forget one spare dose of heartworm/flea/tick preventative!
  • Check with your vet about getting an extra pill bottle with a small supply.
  • Check expiration dates every 6 months
  • Don’t forget a pet piller and pill pockets, cheese whiz, clam juice, or some other non-perishable way to give medications
• Medical records and a pre-made lost pet flier
  • One hardcopy (laminated is preferable)
  • One copy saved to the cloud (take a photo with a smart phone and send to your email)
  • Include microchip number if pets get separated as proof of ownership
  • Good quality color photos of your pet, especially any unique markings:  from the front and the side shooting from their level
• Microchipping, ID tags, Leashes, Collars and Harnesses
  • Have your vet check your pet’s microchip every 3 years when their rabies is due to make sure it still works appropriately
  • REGISTER the microchip and change the contact info if it changes.  An unregistered microchip is nearly useless!
  • Luggage tags are great for attaching to your crates and carriers for identification and your contact info
• Hygiene and Grooming
  • Enzyme cleaner (Nature’s Miracle, etc), paper towels, and nitrile gloves for accidents
  • Puppy pads and dog poop bags
  • Cat litter and litter pans
  • Grooming tool if pet has high maintenance coat
  • Dawn dishwashing liquid for decontamination and general pet shampoo:  3 oz travel containers are great for this!
  • Belly bands for male dogs who mark, britches for intact females in heat or who have incontinence
• Housing
  • A crate or carrier for EACH PET
  • Bedding, toys, and chews are fine, but only if they will not ingest them
  • Highly recommend crate training both dogs AND cats!
  • Feliway pheromone spray or diffusers for cats
• Odds and Ends
  • Multitool
  • Pliers
  • Leather work gloves
  • Pens, Sharpie marker, notepad
  • Plastic ziplock bags and trashbags
  • Laundry soap:  keep pods away from pets, highly toxic!
• First Aid Kit Recommendations

  • Must Haves:	Nice to Have:	Ask Your Vet:
    Chlorhexidine solution (namebrand: Hibiclens)	Betadine	Extra Rx Medications & Supplements
    Vet wrap	Lubricating jelly (i.e.-KY)	Anti-diarrhea remedy
    Cotton cast padding	Paint stir sticks for splints	Pain reliever: NOT ASPIRIN
    Non-adherent wound dressing	Saline for irrigation	Probiotic
    Gauze squares	Booty (Ruffwear type or infant sock)	Anti-nausea for carsickness
    Medical tape	Tuff Foot or Musher’s Secret	Anti-anxiety medication
    Thermometer	Elastikon tape	Benedryl
    Thermometer Probe Covers	Nail Trimmers	Hydrocortisone ointment
    Vinyl or Plastic Basket Muzzle	Tick Key	Surgical glue
    Eye Wash	Forceps	Ear cleanser
    Bandaids	Nature’s Miracle Enzyme Cleaner	Activated charcoal for poisoning
    Nitrile/Latex Exam Gloves	Pet piller	Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (dogs only!)
    Kwik Stop for Nails	Sanitary pads/potty pads
    Bandage Scissors	E-collar/cone
    Hemostats	20 ml syringe for flushing
    	Rubbing alcohol
    	Stretcher
    	Moleskin
    	Battery powered hair clipper
    	Cranking/solar powered flashlight
    	Penlight
    	Duct Tape
    	Dry bag or other watertight container
    	Dawn dish soap
    	Pet shampoo
    	Deskunker shampoo
    	Slip leash

• For more information:

  CDC:  https://www.cdc.gov/features/petsanddisasters/index.html

  American Veterinary Medical Association:  https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/Supplies-Checklist.aspx

  Animal Poison Control Center:  https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

  FEMA:  https://www.ready.gov/caring-animals

For an easy to print PDF version of this checklist: /Disaster_Checklist_Final.pdf