Most of Texas is experiencing insane storms, flooding and weather damage of historical proportions. Area’s that have never flooded are having to quickly scramble to get in front of flash floods to safety. This effects not only residents and ranchers but also some shelters have sustained damage or emergency evacuation orders. Area Shelters are getting slammed with animals who were lost during the storm, those left behind in evacuation and sheltering those who have lost homes… Keep your pet safe and take some steps to be quickly reunited if you are separated.
I don’t care where you live, what you live in or how “safe” you think you are… if you are in Texas you need an Emergency Evacuation Plan for you AND YOUR PET. Take some time today to make your Emergency Plan…
Emergency Planning for your Pet
First if you have outside pets…. PLEASE BRING THEM INSIDE a safe, dry structure…..
- Your pet should ALWAYS have CURRENT tags secured to their collar.. oh and they should be wearing said collar…..
- Is your microchip info up to date? If you have a GDRNT dog or if we chipped your dog at one of our clinics and you have moved please email [email protected] with the new info and chip number.
- If necessary take a sharpie and write your cell number on your dog.. seriously… if your dog is fluffy or dark colored write it on the inside of the ear. This may help first responders find you faster.
- Get a vaccination record, rabies certificate and health records for your pet. I have a copy on my phone and paper copy in our emergency bag.
- Where you gonna go? You may not know what direction you need to head but having a list of family, friends or pet friendly hotels isn’t a bad idea.
- Make sure your pet is comfortable in their carrier or crate that they will evacuate in.
Emergency Evacuation Kit
I have a small duffle bag packed with this stuff… you can go online to buy pre made kits… but this is easy… I keep it in my truck.
- Copy of vaccinations, medical records, pictures, microchip info, owner contact info and city dog license, If we go to a shelter that allows pets we will need this. it also acts as proof of ownership. I have copies on my phone and paper copies in a zip lock in the bag.
- Food, Water and non spillbowls, Treats too.
- Your pets medication if necessary.
- Leash, colloar and or harness and a spare.
- Carrier or crate… yes even for the danes if possible.
- Towels, bedding and toys.
- Cleaning supplies in case of an opps
- If you use canned food.. a canopener.
- First Aid supplies for pets.
- For cats you will need to take litter and litter pan.
- A flash light.
- I also have some chew toys, and kong to provide a distraction.
Pet First Aid Kit
You should adjust your kit as your pet needs but this is a good list.
- Phone number for Animal Poison Control and Directions to Emergency clinics for after hours emergencies.
- Nylon leash
- Self-cling bandage (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur—available at pet stores and from pet-supply catalogs)
- Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (don’t use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing or otherwise having difficulty breathing)
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
- Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Gauze rolls
- Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert)
- Ice pack
- Non-latex disposable gloves
-
Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
Rectal thermometer (your pet’s temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F) - Scissors (with blunt ends)
- Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
- Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
- Tweezers
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. A veterinarian must tell you the correct dosage for your pet’s size.
- Ear-cleaning solution
- Nail clippers
- Non-prescription antibiotic ointment
- Penlight or flashlight
- Plastic eyedropper or syringe
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean the thermometer
- Splints and tongue depressors
- Styptic powder or pencil (sold at veterinary hospitals, pet-supply stores, and your local pharmacy)