This Sunday, May 14th, is a very important day! Yes, it’s Mother’s Day which is of course very important without mothers, let’s face it, none of us would be here! However, we’re talking about the fact that May 14th is “Animal Disaster Preparedness Day.” It’s a cause that has been around for many years, but now in the aftermath of last year’s devastation to the animal population in the Gulf Coast, it is something that all animal lovers should get involved in and do their part. The good news is, there are so many ways you can help!
“No Pet Left Behind” is a movement to help promote the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act), which requires state and local authorities to consider the needs of individuals with pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster. Please visit this site and fill out the form and send it to your senator and/or congressperson.
Become a member of “EARS,” Emergency Animal Rescue Service. Visit the United Animal Nations’ website to learn how, and to get much more valuable information about how you can help on a local and national level.
Educate yourself about what’s going on in your community and your state to change legislation regarding pets and other animals during a disaster. Do you even know if your local shelter would allow you to bring your dog or cat with you in the event of an evacuation Or would you have to choose between their safety and yours? If so, what can you do to change it? Also, it is important to know what’s going on in Louisiana because they are still in the nation’s spotlight and nowhere else is it so painfully obvious that things have to change. The entire Gulf Coast region is serving as an example and catalyst for that change. Visit Eric’s Dog Blog for a great source of information from a non-political observer/activist/hero who has been there since shortly after Katrina, doing everything he can to rescue abandoned pets.
You can even Party With A Purpose and make it fun to bring awareness to this issue. The Humane Society is encouraging compassionate citizens to attend or even host a party on Sunday, June 11th to take action and get more people involved.
Don’t forget preparedness begins at home! You should have a disaster kit ready, not only for yourself, but for your pet. Below is a list of recommended supplies:
Dog & Cat Disaster Kit
Food – Have at least a (2) week supply at all times. Use the brand that your pet is used to eating. If they eat canned food, buy pop top cans of food small enough to be used at one feeding since you may not have a way to properly refrigerate a partially used can of food – do not feed food that has been left out. Store dry food in an airtight, water proof container. Rotate food at least once every (3) months. Include in your supplies a feeding dish, a spoon to scoop and mix the food, and a hand crank can opener in case you do not have pop top cans
Water – Have at least a (2) week supply at all times. Store water in plastic containers and keep in a cool, dark place. Rotate water at least once every (2) months.
Sanitation – Have a pooper scooper in your disaster supplies for picking up after your dog. For your cat have a small litter box and litter scoop in your supplies and enough litter to last at least (2) weeks. Have some plastic bags in your supplies for disposing of your pet’s waste.
Cleaning Supplies – Include a small container of soap for washing out your pet’s food dish, and some paper towels for drying dishes and other cleanup. If you will be housing your pet in a crate, include with your disaster supplies a disinfectant that can be used to clean the crate
Collar, Tag, Leash, Harness – An extra, proper-fitting collar with identification tag should be kept with your disaster supplies. Also a good leash and a harness – even for cats – is a must! It could be a very stressful time for your pet, they may become frightened and try to run away. It is also a good idea to have a spare identification tag with your disaster supplies that you can write on, so that if you are going to be living somewhere temporarily you can put the phone number and address of that location on the tag.
Crate – Purchase a plastic airline crate or a wire collapsible crate to transport your pet should you have to evacuate and/or to keep them in following a disaster. Many public evacuation facilities will ONLY allow pets if they are crated. Be sure the crate is large enough for your dog or cat to lie down comfortably and allow room for a food and water dish.
First Aid Kit – A good first aid kit for pets should include:
- first aid book for pets
- conforming bandage (3″ x 5″)
- absorbent gauze pads (4″ x 4″)
- absorbent gauze roll (3″ x 1 yard)
- q-tips (1 small box)
- antiseptic wipes (1 package)
- emollient cream (1 container)
- tweezers and scissors
- instant cold pack
- latex disposable gloves (several pairs)
- proper fitting muzzle for dogs
Medications – If your pet is on long term medication, always have on hand at least a two week supply, since your vet may not be able to open right away to fill a prescription. Check with your veterinarian to see if he/she has a disaster plan – if not find a veterinarian in your area who does have a plan so that you can get medical care for your pets should they be injured during the disaster. Keep your pet’s medical records, including records of vaccinations with your disaster supplies.
Pictures – You should have in your supplies some current pictures of your pets to use in case they get lost during the disaster. And be sure to include yourself in some of the pictures in case you have to show proof of guardianship.
Hopefully you will never need it, but it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! So for their benefit and your peace of mind, please Be Prepared!
