Ask Dr. Dave - Emergency Planning
Although we’ve touched on the subject
in the past, we felt that fire season preparedness for our pets was
something that we needed to revisit. Fire season seems to be all year
long these days however, October seems to be prime for us of late.
Having a kit ready for your pets and livestock will make evacuating them
quicker and easier should the need arise. If a fire is nearby, remember
that smoke can be harmful to many animals. Bring them into a house or
garage where there is ventilation that can be controlled so as not to
draw smoke in. Use fans as needed for cooling and air circulation.
If you choose to have a kit standing by in case of evacuation, here are
some tips to help with assembly:
1) Have current pictures of your pets
in a folder in case evacuation takes place while you are not home.
Medical files should be in a folder too.
2) Have current and proper
identification on your pets. Even if they should run off, this will help
to get them back to you. Microchips are required in this area. Be sure
to send in the registration so that your contact information can be
used.
3) Keep a small supply of your pet’s
medications in the kit. Be sure to rotate periodically so that they
don’t expire.
4) Be sure to have a halter, leash
,cage, crate ( w/ litter box for cats), box or bag for every critter.
Boxes and bags work great for reptiles and are easy to keep together. Be
sure that halters, lead ropes and leashes are accessible. I.D. tags can
easily be made from luggage tags and attached to halters. Otherwise, a
permanent marker can be used to write your name and phone number on
halters and collars.
5) Have a plan. If you know that you
are heading to your parent’s house, take your pets there for visits
beforehand so they have a familiarity with the location and it is
comforting to them. It is hard on pets to be displaced.
6) Have containers with food, water
and supplies for every pet for a few days. Changing food when a
pet is stressed can create other issues. Remember to rotate food out of
your kit periodically. Supplies can and should include cat litter, trash
bags, newspaper, paper towels, toys, towels, blankets and bowls.
Many evacuation shelters do not allow pets. Have a plan B if you should
need it.
7) Even well trained pets can become stressed when a disaster is taking
place. Keep them confined at home in a room or a crate until the
danger is well past. If you must take them out, do so on a leash.
Dr.Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
661 273-1234
Need assistance?