K-State veterinarian shares tips for pet emergency plans

Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center , shares pet disaster advice in recognition of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day.

Disasters can strike without warning, and being prepared can mean the difference between chaos and calm for both you and your pets. In recognition of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, Kansas State University veterinarian Susan Nelson encourages pet owners to take time now to ensure their animals are protected in an emergency.

Pet owners may be caught off guard and unsure about how to care for their pets when a crisis hits. Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center, recommends making a plan ahead of time. A few proactive steps now can protect both people and pets when disaster strikes.

"There are four main categories to consider when preparing your pet for a possible disaster," Nelson said. "These include medical information and pet ID, transportation and restraint, sheltering, and supplies."

Medical information and pet ID

Nelson suggests keeping updated photos of you and your pets on hand and easily accessible to make it easier to reclaim your pet if you become separated.

"Pet owners should keep important documents in a waterproof bag that can be easily located," Nelson said. "These include copies of current vaccines, registration papers, adoption forms, names and doses of medications, and the name and contact information for your veterinarian."

Pets should also wear a collar with an ID tag, and owners should make sure there are extras in an emergency kit. Nelson said pets should be microchipped for permanent identification, and the chip should be registered and updated with new information as needed. She said there are also organizations that can create "Pet Passports" for a nominal fee that contain a photo of your pet along with pertinent information.

Transportation and restraint

"Knowing how you are going to transport your pet is very important for their safety," Nelson said. "Crates and cages should have your name and address on them. Crates and carriers work well for smaller animals. Birds, reptiles and pocket pets should have smaller cages available for transportation purposes if they normally are in larger cages."

Nelson said pet owners should consider having several practice sessions so cats and dogs become familiar with their crates. This can include having them eat or sleep in it so they don't run in fear from the crate.

A crate should have enough space for your pet to stand up and turn around easily. It should also be able to hold a small litter box for cats and two non-spill bowls.

Nelson suggests lining the bottom of the crate with an absorbent material like newspaper to soak up any "accidents." When not in a carrier, all dogs should be on a leash for their own safety and the safety of others. Cats can also be trained to accept a harness. Nelson said dogs and cats should be trained to come when called for an easy roundup.

Sheltering

“It is important to know what your options are for shelter before a disaster happens," Nelson said. "Depending on the type of disaster, you could be at home sheltering or forced to evacuate."

If forced to evacuate, know which family members or friends can shelter you and your pet. Look and see what local hotels there are and find out which ones allow pets, but be aware that hotels could be full in the event of a major disaster and that family and friends could be in the same situation as you.

Nelson suggests looking into boarding facilities and veterinary hospitals that offer boarding. In the event of a major disaster, emergency shelters may be the only option. Not all are able to accommodate pets, so proper ID is vital if you and your pet should have to stay in separate shelters.

Supplies

"In general, you should have at least a three-day supply of food and water," Nelson said. "Pack daily portions of food in individual bags and store all supplies in waterproof containers. For water, bottled is best."

Nelson said to make sure to have one-to-two weeks' worth of medication, with instructions, in a waterproof bag.

She also recommends a slip leash, a scoop, a few favorite toys and blankets, a can opener, muzzles, trash bags, an emergency contact list, treats and a first aid kit.

For more information on disaster preparation, Nelson recommends visiting Ready's pet disaster preparation website and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' disaster preparedness website.

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