(NAPS)—The best way to
protect your family during an
emergency situation is to have
a disaster plan in place. If you
are a pet owner, that plan must
include your pets. A little preparation
can save their lives.
Nonprofit PetSmart Charities,
the leader in pet adoptions
and largest funder of animal
welfare efforts in North America,
urges people to create an
emergency preparedness plan
specifically for their pets.
Start by assembling a pet
supply kit. It will take just a few
minutes to pull items together
now that will make a big difference
when disaster strikes.
PetSmart Charities suggests
including the following items
in an easy-to-carry, waterproof
container:
• Your pet’s food, water
and medications. Remember
to look at expiration dates
and replace these as often as
needed to maintain freshness.
• Contact information of
your veterinarian in the event
you have to foster or board
your pet.
• Information on feeding
schedules, medical conditions
and any behavioral problems in
case your pet has to temporarily
stay somewhere away from
you.
• Current photos of your
pet with your contact information
in case he or she gets lost.
• Easily transportable
pet beds, a portable water bowl
and a favorite toy to reduce
your pet’s stress.
Some other helpful guidelines
include:*
• Keep dogs and puppies
securely
leashed outside your
home and when traveling in the
car.
• Always transport cats
and kittens in carriers.
• Don’t leave pets unattended
anywhere they might
run off.
• Contact hotels and
motels outside of your area
about their pet policies and
any restrictions on number,
size and species. Ask if a “no
pet” policy can be waived in an
emergency situation. Keep this
list handy in your supply kit.
Even the calmest pets may
panic during an emergency and
hide or try to bite, scratch or
escape, so you might consider
having your pets microchipped,
to more easily locate them if
they are lost.
PetSmart Charities also
helps pet parents stay informed
during emergency situations.
Stay connected by signing
up for e-mail alerts at
www.petsmartcharities. org/
emergency-relief.
Preparing before disaster
strikes will help you evacuate
with your pets quickly and
safely. By following these simple
steps, you may just save a
life.
*Sources: PetSmart Charities,
American Red Cross and
American Veterinary Medical
Association
