Yolanda Berkowitz, founder of FoMA and board member of the Humane Society of the United States provides some essential steps and items to include in your emergency kit.
Disaster Preparedness:
- Collar, Tags, and Leash: Ensure your pet wears a collar with updated tags containing your contact information. Keep a sturdy leash and some extras in your emergency kit.
- Microchip ID and Registration: Microchip your pet and update the information. Register the microchip with your contact details to reunite with your pet if separated.
- Pet Medications: Consult your veterinarian about keeping extra supplies of your pet’s medications in the emergency kit. Include a copy of prescriptions for refills.
- Medical Records and Vaccinations: Keep copies of your pet’s medical and vaccination records in a waterproof bag for identification and ownership proof.
- Current Photo of Each Pet: Carry a recent photo of each pet to help identify them and prove ownership, if required.
- Manual Can Opener and Pet Food: Pack a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food. Ensure you have enough canned or dried pet food for at least five days.
- Water Supply: Store enough water for your pet to last five days. Consider individual water bottles or portable containers specifically for your pet.
- Cat Litter and Pan: For cats, include litter, liners, and pans in the emergency kit for hygiene maintenance.
- Waste Cleanup Supplies: Pack plastic trash bags, newspapers, paper towels, and disinfectants for waste cleanup to maintain cleanliness and prevent disease spread.
- Comfort Items: Include toys and special comfort items for stress relief during challenging times.
- Pet’s Crate(s) with Bedding: If crate-trained, pack their crate(s) with intact bedding for comfort.
What To Remember:
Most important, never leave your pet alone in your home or tied up outside in a natural disaster. Keep your pet with you at all times and keep them safe.
Remember, being prepared can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of your pet during a disaster. Stay informed about emergency protocols in your area and follow instructions from local authorities. By taking these steps and having a well-equipped emergency pet kit, you can help protect your furry friends in times of crisis. FoMA is committed to promoting the well-being of pets in Miami Dade, Florida, and encourages all pet owners to be prepared for emergencies.