Be Prepared and Avoid Disaster

Are You Prepared?

Now is the time to get prepared.  Now is the time to review what it takes to be prepared for disaster.  May 11^th was National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day.  Even though the day has passed, we want to help you prepare in the event that you and your pets are ever involved in an evacuation or disaster.  Remember, the key to staying safe is to plan ahead.  DO NOT wait until the disaster is upon you.

 How Can You Be Prepared?

Think about what your pet needs on a daily basis and get those things together in a bag prior to the time you will need them.  That way if there is an emergency, you can grab the bag and go.  We don’t get many disasters in our area but being prepared is the best plan

Items to have in your disaster kit include:

•                 Pet first aid kit
•                 Food for at least 5-7 days
•                 Medications for at least 5-7 days
•                 Your pet’s vaccination history    You can always access your pets’ vaccination history through our                                                                        Pet Portal or via our app

•                 Bedding and toys for pets
•                 Blankets (use as a stretcher in an emergency)
•                 Your pet’s medical records if he or she has any ongoing illnesses
•                 Bottled water in case you do not have access to potable drinking water
•                 Microchip your pet in advance
•                 Have a leash, collar/harness with identification tags attached
•                 A photo of you and your pet together
•                 A crate for your pet(s) if you have to shelter somewhere with other people and pets
•                 Use pillow cases to transport cats in a pinch.  Do not use pillow cases to house or shelter pets.
•                 Sanitation for your pet (litter box with litter, household bleach, plastic bags, scoopers, and paper towels)
•                 Flashlight

Preparedness Means Planning

Plan for the unexpected in advance.  Visit Ready.gov a division of Homeland Security for more detailed information.  Find pet friendly hotels where you can stay during an evacuation. Also have a backup plan if it the hotel falls through.  Do not leave your pets behind.  Remember, if a situation is unsafe for you, it is also unsafe for your pet.  Also, locate a veterinary hospital where you can seek medical care if necessary.

Stock up on Supplies

Some of the supplies mentioned above would also come in handy if you have to shelter in place during a flood (which is what we get the most of here in our area.)  If you find yourself in this situation, fill your bathtub with water in case you need to use it to flush toilets or to drink.  As a result of flooding water becomes contaminated and unsafe to drink.

Think Safety

Prepare for power outages with flashlights, batteries and a weather radio.  Use caution with candles and consider using portable, battery operated lanterns.  We have these for our hospital in the event of a power outage and they work great!

Lend a Helping Hand

If we have fellow Texans (or others) who evacuate to our area with their pets, keep in mind that the organizations that help shelter these pets will need volunteers to care for the pets.  They can use donations of supplies as well.

Above all, keep in mind that the time to plan is before disaster strikes.  Success in these situations depends on planning ahead of time.  Don’t wait, plan now.  It only takes a few minutes to get a kit together.  Use one of the million free tote bags that you have in your closet and put the kit together.  You will be thankful you did if you ever have to use it.  If you have questions, call us.