ANIMAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS...(Part 2)

PROVIDING FOR YOUR ANIMALS NEEDS DURING DISASTER TIMES

This listing could be fairly exhaustive. Remember it should be manageable. You might want to make up a kit just like the original ARK and just add your food and water. If you have a large collection or specialty than your work will be more involved. Sometimes it is a good idea to create satellite storage areas for groups (i.e.., equine) so that if one area is hit and has to be evacuated there are several alternatives. Included here are some suggested listings for dogs, cats, and horses. You'll need to customize your own, but these will get you thinking! If you have any additions please feel free to send in the suggestions so we can include them in the next revision!

ANIMAL RESCUE KIT (ARK): DOG & CAT
Contains: Water bowl, food bowl, emergency tag, rescue sticker, wallet alert card, 1 toy (dog or cat), 1 chew hoof or 1 catnip toy, treats, emergency colored leash and collar, muzzle, tie out (dogs) brush, scoop and bags or disposable litter tray/box, nutritional supplement (helps stimulate appetite and get nutrition into stressed animals), booklet, Veterinarian/Emergency release form, poster. Products are stored in a waterproof container (5 gallon) that can be easily stored and grabbed on the way out. Container can then be used to transport water. Food and water need to be included but varieties in dietary needs and water intake vary greatly. Be sure to include any special medications your pet may need and make sure your animals food items are the normal diet or you may have problems with a change.

DO IT YOURSELF KIT (DOG & CAT):

All items listed in ARK or:
food and water (minimum of 7 days, recommend 30 if you have the room)
collar with emergency tags (name, city, area code/phone, out of state contact and veterinarians phone number) Anti-collar?
Seriously consider a tattoo or microchip system.
Include 30 days of medication for either a dog or cat.
Photos (Front and side views for poster)
Copy of medical records
Premade poster for missing animal(s) to attach photos to
Container of food to last for 7 to 30 days (dry is easiest)
Nutritional paste (to stimulate appetite and compensate for stress)
Water (five year shelf life recommended)
Containers for water? Old cat litter plastic jugs or a dispenser that will fill with inverted 2 liter bottles (cola)
Favorite treats (they can be used for desensitization training)
Well fitting collar or harness and leash
Tie out and/or carrier (pre-train for good association, collapsible wire the best)
Vitamins (for stress)
Food and water bowls
Brush or comb (calms you, calms them)
Pooper scoop, baggies, and litter, litterbox (folded cardboard box lined with plastic)
Familiar toy, catnip, chews, owner scent on them is a plus (comfort is the key, under stress they won't want strange items or maybe any! It may help later however.)
Muzzle (for volunteer/veterinarian/your safety)
Deodorizer (for litter and surfaces)
First aid kit (check with your veterinarian)
Flotation device or aids.

You may include: Eye ointment (dust) eyewash, Betadine or Provodine, Hydrogen Peroxide, scissors, razor, gauze and tape, stop bleed powder, Biosol or pet pectillin (for diarrhea), no shed liquid, ear swabs, hemostats, tweezers, flea collar and aids, heartworm medication.