Time to Restock your Pet’s Emergency Preparedness Kit

During an emergency, whether it is localized to your family or extends to the wider community, you will want to ensure that your pets are taken care of and you’re prepared.

A basic Pet’s Emergency Preparedness kit should include:

• Food and water for at least five days – don’t forget bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food. Your pet needs approximately 1 ounce of water per pound (of pet) per day. For example if your pet is 8 pounds, you’ll need a cup a day.
• Medications and medical records  – consider storing a few days supply of medicine, but keep using and restocking the meds. Also include flea and tick medication.  Don’t let them get old, start a habit of stocking your emergency supply kit when you bring home the new medicine and replace the emergency supply. Shelters and some hotels require proof of vaccinations, make a copy of the most current one, if you don’t have it ask your veterinarian for a copy.
• Cat litter box, litter, litter scoop and garbage bags  for your cat and extra poop waste bags for your dog to collect all your pets’ waste.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and secure carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can’t escape. Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down.
• Extra collar with a pet ID  – Make sure identification that is up to date and visible at all times.
• Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated— and to prove that they are yours once you’re reunited.
• Written information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
• A favorite toy and blanket – for comfort and a familiarity to relieve their stress.
• First Aid Kit – Create a special pet first aid kit or add pet items to your main kit.

Place the emergency supplies for your pets either in one container (airtight and waterproof if you can) or at least in one location or shelf, preferable with your own emergency supplies.