If you are like most people, you have been taught to be prepared in the event of an emergency. You have an escape plan in place for your family in case of fire and a safe room in the house for everyone to go to in case of tornado warnings. But does your plan include your pets? In case of fire, who is in charge of helping your pets escape? What if you are not home? In case of a tornado, do you have supplies available for your pets in a safe room? These are things that should be considered when owning pets. In an effort to help you and your pet be better prepared for an emergency, we have compiled the following information and advice.

Food: Store at least one week’s worth of food that your dog is used to eating. If canned, be sure to include a can opener, a doggie dish, and spoon to scoop out food.

Water: You should have at least a week’s worth of water for you and your pets. Be sure to periodically refresh the water supply.

Sanitation: Paper towels, plastic baggies, a pooper scooper, and a water container will be very handy tools to have when you are confined in a small room with your pets over a period of time. If you have cats, you might want to have a litter box and fresh cat litter available.

Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels, dish washing detergent, bleach, and a bucket are handy tools for cleaning your pet’s food dish and after a bathroom visit.

Blankets, Towels, and Toys: These are items that will help make your pet feel comfortable and safe.

Leash and Harness: In times of emergency, your pet can feel stress. You should have a leash and harness on hand at such times in the event you need to restrain your pet. Even the best-behaved pet can panic during emergency situations.

Medications: Have at least a one-week supply of any medications that your pet is taking. It is important to rotate the medications to ensure freshness. You can accomplish this by replacing the old medication each time you get the prescription refilled.

First Aid Kit: See First Aid Kit on the page 29 for a list of basic first aid items you should keep in your kit. This is a good place to keep your pet’s medications. Be sure to ask your vet the correct dosage of Pepto-Bismol® (for gastrointestinal upset) and Kaopectate® (for diarrhea). Check on antihistamines and the proper dosage for your pet’s size. Enclose a copy of your pet’s vaccination record, a current photograph of your pet with its name written on it, information about tattoo or microchip number, what to do with your pet in case you are not available, and the name, address, and phone number of your pet’s healthcare professional.

Paralyzed Pets: Special needs pets require additional supplies. Be sure to list all of the items you use on a daily basis to care for your pet and include these items in your first aid kit.

Identification Tags: Always make sure your pet is wearing updated identification tags.

Crate: You should train your pet to enter its crate upon command. The best place to store your pet’s crate is by an exit door. In the event of an emergency, should you have to evacuate your home, the crate is immediately accessible to you and your pet. Each crate should be tagged with your pet’s identification, including the pet’s name and emergency contact information.

Never leave your pet in the event of fire or gas pipe leaks: If at all possible, take your pets with you in these emergencies. If it is not possible to evacuate your pets, make sure they have the supplies necessary to survive on their own for a minimum of one week.

Never tie or crate your pet: If left on its own during an emergency, the chances of survival are greater if the pet can escape.

Loss of pet during a disaster: Immediately following the disaster, contact your nearest animal shelter and report the loss of your pet. As soon as it is deemed safe, return to your neighborhood and post signs identifying your pet with a photo, name, any special markings, etc. Place an ad in your local newspaper. Ask bus drivers, postal workers, UPS drivers, FedEx drivers, and anyone else who might frequent your neighborhood, to keep an eye out for your pet. Be sure to hand everyone a flyer with photo, name and other information about your pet, including your contact information.

Emergency Pet Signs: A sign identifying the number of pets, their names, your name and number, and emergency contacts should be posted by your door or in a window, where emergency crews can see it clearly. The sign should read: In case of an emergency please save my pets. It should include the location of your pets, their names, your name and phone number, and an emergency contact such as your neighbor, veterinarian, or local animal shelter.

A sign such as this, placed in a conspicuous place, can save your pet’s life.