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Disaster Preparedness Checklist for Pet Owners
by: Deborah Stanley
When a disaster strikes, are you prepared? Disasters can happen anywhere at any time. The public doesn't usually get a lot of notice before a disaster strikes, so you must be prepared in advance and know what to do quickly if there is an emergency.
Here`s a handy Disaster Preparedness Checklist and a List of Most Important Pet Care Numbers. A cat owner or a dog owner, one pet or multiple pets, this list should help you get an idea of how prepared you are and point you in the right direction. Get Prepared NOW so you don`t have to worry later!
N.B.: A printer-friendly version of this article is also available on our Website.
- Make sure your pets I.D. tags are current.
- Update your pets immunization cards.
- Make a list of your pets medications.
- Have your pets first aid kit ready.
- Stack up on emergency food and water supplies.
- Pack at least two travel bowls.
- Get a flashing collar/ID tag to find your pet quickly.
- Pack a picture of your pets in case you get separated.
- Get a safety harness and leash.
- Know your pets hiding places in and out of the house.
- Develop a pet buddy system. Pets, unlike service animals, may not be allowed in emergency shelters. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors. Plan how you will help each other in an emergency.
- Designate an out-of-state and a local friend or relative as contacts. A contact can be used by family members or others to call if you are separated from each other. Identify a location where you can reunite.
- Place Rescue Pet Decals on your windows and doors to alert rescue teams to save your pets inside the house.
Important Pet Care Numbers
National Animal Poison Control Center Hotline: (888) 426-4435 (24/7/365)
American Animal Hospital Associations (AAHA): (800) 883-6301
American Humane Association (AHA): (800) 227-4645
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): (212) 876-7700
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): (847) 925-8070
Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS): (800) 440-EARS
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): (202) 452-1100
Help Me Find My Pet: (866) 699-FIND (3463)
Pet Finders (PetFinder.com): (800) 666-5678
Other Important Numbers to Write Down Local Pet Clinic/Emergency Room:
Your Veterinarian:
Emergency Contact:
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