ALL HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST: SMALL ANIMALS
Click here for a copy of the ALL HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST for Cats & Dogs.
“FAILING TO PREPARE IS PREPARING TO FAIL”
WHAT
YOU SHOULD INCLUDE IN YOUR ALL-HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
FOR
BIRDS, REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, FERRETS. HAMSTERS. GERBILS. RATS.
MICE. GUINEA PIGS, ETC
Identification, medical records, pictures and proof of ownership
are equally as important for other kinds of pets as for cats and
dogs. Transportation of these species may require additional
attention and care in order to decrease chances of
stress-induced illness and death. It is important to keep pets
from different sources as separate as possible and maintain the
best possible hygiene in order to decrease disease transmission.
Click HERE to download the FREE Evacuation Notice - No Pets
Left Behind Evacuation Card.
Click HERE to download the FREE Evacuation Notice - Live
Animals Left Behind Evacuation Card.
(Cats & Dogs template...)
The following checklist will help you prepare a Wag’N
Grab’N Go evacuation pack for each animal in your
household. The evacuation kit should be assembled in
easy-to-carry, waterproof containers.
Duffle bags and backpacks are generally easier to
carry than heavy buckets or boxes. Waterproof
backpacks are even better and can be found online by
searching “waterproof backpack” on Amazon.com.
It is important that you become familiar with the
items in your kit and their various uses. It is also
important to keep a special calendar for perishable
items such as food and medication.
Once your first version of the Wag’N Grab’N Go Bag is
completed, go out in the backyard, and practice
scenarios such as “Oh Oh Paw bleed” (did you
store that pet first aid kit all the way down at the
bottom…); DogOn Dinner Time (access water,
kibble, dishes, purify water if necessary, etc); Wag time (did you bring any toys or things to
keep your dog busy…does he/she like it, etc); Getting Wet (pretend to have to cross body of
water, what do you need, how do you access it, and
how do you keep things dry; On The Road Wag (make sure everything fits in the car -crates, pets,
supplies, family members- and still allows for the
safe transportation of people and pets. Talk to your
neighbors. Figure out who can do what and when and
who has access to what); Walk About (take a
45 minute walk with your evac backpack, your pets
Wag’N Grab’N Go bag, your pets and members of the
family. That time frame sets will outline basic
weight and accessibility issues along the walk).
These are just examples. Don’t limit yourself to
them. Your imagination is your only limit. As you
practice you will reassess accessibility, priority
and quantity of many of the components. Repack.
Practice again. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. A
NON REHEARSED PLAN IS A BAD PLAN!
If you haven’t already - TAKE A PET FIRST AID CLASS!
Do it preferably BEFORE an emergency strikes!
Rescue officials may not allow you to take your pets
if you need to be rescued, do not wait until the
last minute to evacuate – OBEY EVACUATION ORDERS!
Also make sure to be ready for SHELTER-IN-PLACE
ORDERS.
YOUR KIT SHOULD BE READY FOR BOTH OPTIONS.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!
WHAT I SHOULD INCLUDE IN MY PET DISASTER PACK
ESSENTIALS
- PET ID TAGS – Your pet should wear a collar
with its regular identification, county license,
microchip & rabies tag AT ALL TIMES. ALSO know where
you can go. If you plan on staying with
family/friends from out of town add a tag (no need
to replace) with their information (where you will
be).
Your Main Identification tag should include a cell
phone number you will have access to during the
event and after the event.
SUGGESTION: Include a backup leash/harness, collar
and ID tag for each pet in your pet’s emergency
supply kit. If possible, include your veterinarian’s
name, location, and phone number.
- MEDICAL ID TAG - If your pet is taking
medication regularly AND/OR has mild to severe
allergies – have that information engraved on a
separate pet tag and attach to collar(s)
- MICROCHIP YOUR PETS –There is no way to predict
in advance which animals may become separated from
their owners. Therefore, preemptive microchip
identification along with easily accessible owner
contact information is essential. Registered pet
owners have a near-certain chance for seamless
reunion in the aftermath of the emergency.
If your pet has a microchip, call the company to
register your pet’s information and make sure to
keep that information updated! Also keep that number
in your cell phone along with your membership number
in case you need to activate their lost pet program.
- LEASH - COLLAR – HARNESS: Consider Adding a
Nylon Slip Leash and a long 16ft leash (to be used
in case you MUST travel through flood waters) See
“Dog Life Preserver”
- DEDICATED CALENDAR: Include a calendar
indicating when perishable foods and medications
expirre and when they were last replaced.
- PILLOWCASE or EvackSack for Cats for restraint
and secure control
- MUZZLE or roll of gauze to make a muzzle (in
case your dog is injured).
Remember that a pet that is in pain or moved into
pain can bite and will bite!
For cats make sure to include a cat muzzle.
- THICK LEATHER GLOVES in case your dog is
injured or very afraid.
- PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE/DOG LIFE PRESERVER (if in
a flood zone).
Even if your pet is considered an excellent swimmer
you want to make sure you keep control of him/her
while travelling through flooded areas. The current
might separate you or drag the pet away. A 16ft
leash can be attached to the handle of the life
preserver to maintain control and avoid choking.
REMEMBER:
If you think you need a life preserver, so does your
pet! If you get a pet a life preserver, get yourself
one too! The laws of physics apply to all living
things!
- PET CARRIERS with the following information
indelibly printed: your name; phone number; address;
a description of your dog (distinguishing marks,
age, breed, sex, spayed, neutered, etc.); the name
of your dog; microchip ID or tattoo ID, if any; pet
insurance policy number; and the address and phone
number where you or a contact person can be reached
if you are not at home or out of town. Ideally you
should have a traveling bag, crate or sturdy
carrier, one for each pet. Dog kennels or
collapsible cages should be large enough to hold two
no-spill bowls and still allow enough room for your
dog to stand and turn around.
SUGGESTION: Familiarize your animals with evacuation
procedures and cages/carriers.
Take the cage/carrier out several times a year and
put dog or cat treats inside with blankets and toys.
Your goal is to reinforce positive feelings
associated with the animal carrier. Again, you want
to reduce stress during the event. Don’t wait for
the event to find out your pet is not crate
friendly!
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IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Place copies of your pet’s registration information,
adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical
records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof
container and also add them to your kit. If your pet
is micro chipped make sure you have that number
available along with the provider’s contact
information to activate their lost pet service
should it become necessary.
- PICTURE OF YOU WITH PET: Carry a photo of you and
your pet for identification purposes. If you become
separated from your pet during an emergency, a
picture of you and your pet together will help you
document ownership and allow others to assist you in
identifying your pet. Include detailed information
about species, breed, age, sex, color and
distinguishing characteristics.
- LOST PET POSTER: Consider preparing waterproof “Lost
Pet” signs with your animal’s photo attached, your
name, pet gender and characteristics, known
allergies & medical conditions AND room for
information to be added at the time the pet is lost
such as contact information; where pet was seen
last, time and date lost, reward information, etc.
This step is best accomplished NOW while you have
time and access to all resources (photos, power,
internet etc).
- KNOW WHERE TO GO: As you are planning your various
evacuation routes, contact hotels and animal
shelters along your route in case you need to stop,
and check various hotel/motel pet policies (during
non emergency times) and make sure to ask a manager
what their pet policy is during a disaster. You want
to know that BEFORE YOU GET THERE! Also ask manager
what regular pet policy fees are, and or if they
will waive pet exclusion restrictions during
emergencies. Get the name of the person you talk to
ensure you have a valid and detailed reference to
avoid price gauging.
- EVACUATION CARDS: Download a free copy of the Wag’N
Evacuation Cards.
Print & laminate these forms. Keep them handy near
an exit along with a permanent marker, tape or nails
and hammer. Fill out and post on outside of property
before evacuating!
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Keep multiple paper and electronic copies
- Numbers where you and your family members can be
reached (pager, cell phone, work phone)
- Your prearranged evacuation site
- Out-of-state contact person
- Your veterinarian (name, full address and phone
numbers
- List of secondary veterinarians (30-90 miles away,
provides boarding)
- Pet boarding facilities (local)
- Pet boarding facilities (30-90 miles away)- Red
Cross shelters DO NOT allow animals
NOTE: Check with these facilities if they are open
before you go. Also make sure to ask what their
evacuation plans and procedures are. Better know
what you are up against. You want to make sure the
staff is dedicated and present during and
immediately following the emergency. Staff members
have families too and are not mandated to be there
if this is a private facility.
- Local Animal Control/ County Animal Shelter
(regular & emergency hours of operation, address,
phone number and policies)
- Local Police Department (addresses and non
emergency phone number)
- Local Fire Department (address and non emergency
phone number)
- Local Public Health Department
- Local Humane Society
- Local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (SPCA)
- “Pet-friendly” motels (in your immediate area,
along your evacuation route and at the intended
destination and immediate surroundings) Search for
90 miles radius.
- Please visit these websites to find accommodations
for your pets:
- List of internet “lost and found” animal sites
- Database centers if your dog is tattooed or has a
microchip
First make sure your pet is registered and that the
registration information has been recently updated
and is still valid.
If pet gets lost call the 24-Hour Recovery Network
that corresponds to the chip number. Same applies if
you have found a pet & have scanned it successfully.
- HomeAgain - Call 1-888-466-3242. Specialists are
available 24/7.
- Avid… Call: (800) 336-2843 Ext. 4
- AKC-Trovan… Call: (800) 252-7894
- How to determine what microchip you have
First, count the digits/letters in the chip:
- 9 numbers………. Avid (800) 336-2843
- 10 numbers with the single letter A at the end….
Avid
- 10 numbers/letters and does NOT begin with a 0….HomeAgain
- 10 numbers beginning with a 000……………AKC Trovan
- 15 digits…beginning with 985…………………HomeAgain
NOTE: The alphabet letter O is not used in
microchip numbers. It is always the number, 0.
NOTE: All of the above networks offer
cross-reference services, if you have called the
wrong one.
- ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER(S)
- ASPCA 1-888-426-4435 – Open 24/7 365 days a year.
Charges $65 consultation fee.
- National Animal Poison Control Center has two
numbers:
- 1-900-680-0000. When using the 900 number the charge
is $20.00 for the first five minutes, then
$2.95/minute thereafter.
- 1-800-548-2423. When using the 800 number, the
charge is $30.00 per case (VISA, MasterCard,
Discover, or American Express only).
- HUMAN POISON CONTROL CENTER 1-800-222-1222
This toll-free number will put you in touch with the
poison control center in your state. This number is
FREE to call.
- PET INSURANCE PROVIDERS
Keep records of your Pet Insurance Policy Number,
claim forms, phone number, and claims department
address.
- PetCare Insurance –
Call 1-888-897-7387
Call center hours: Eastern Time - 8:00AM to 9:00PM
Monday through Friday and 9:00AM to 6:00PM on
Saturday. Headquarter offices located in Ontario
Canada.
- Shelter Care Insurance - Call
1-866-375-7387
Call center hours: Eastern Time - 8:00AM to 9:00PM
Monday through Friday and 9:00AM to 6:00PM on
Saturday
- ASPCA Pet Insurance –
Customer Service # Call 1-866-204-6764
Call center hours: Eastern Standard Time - 8:00AM to
9:00PM Monday through Friday and 9:00AM to 5PM on
Saturday
- Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) – Customer Care, Call
1-800-540-2016
Call Center Hours – Pacific Time – 5AM to 7PM Monday
through Friday and 7AM to 3:30PM on Saturday
- PetsBest Insurance – Customer
Care, call 1-877-738-7237 ext 1
Call Center Hours – Mountain Time – 8AM to 5PM
Monday through Friday and 10AM to 2PM on Saturday
- PetPlan – Call 1-866-467-3875
Call Center Hours – Eastern Time – 8:00AM to 10:30PM
Monday through Friday; 8:30AM to 8:30PM on Saturday
and 10AM to 6PM on Sunday
*** This information is updated as frequently as
possible however is subject to change by each
company at any time without informing us. Please
check each company’s website for accuracy.
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MEDICAL
MEDICATIONS: Keep an extra supply of medicines your
pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof
container. You may also add prescription and/or
over-the-counter anti-diarrhea & anti nausea/
vomiting medication.
- Medical conditions and medications (including drug
name, dosage, and frequency of dosing)
- Including heartworm & flea prevention medication
- If the medication needs to remain refrigerated
please make sure to have the right accommodations
for it. (Example: cooler, ice packs, etc)
Don’t forget additional prescriptions (you want to
keep a written copy of the actual prescription so
that you have it on hand if you need to acquire more
while out of town. Remember that communications
might be down and that staff at your vet clinic may
not be available to certify/resend/fax or otherwise
communicate the facts to your temporary provider or
pharmacy).
If your pet becomes fearful during storms, sudden
changes in routine, or separation from you, contact
your veterinarian regarding tranquilizers or calming
remedies that could be included in your kit.
MEDICAL RECORDS: Required by shelters! That includes
documentation on all recent
vaccinations/immunization records. Especially rabies
(certificate record is best), kennel cough, parvo
virus, distemper, Feline Leukemia/Feline
Immunodeficiency Virus (Felv/FIV), heartworm, equine
infectious anemia (Coggins test), tuberculosis, and
brucellosis.
FIRST AID KIT: Talk to your veterinarian about what
is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical
needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage
rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic
ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves,
isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet
first aid reference book. Or get a Wag’N Pet First
Aid Kit at www.WAGNPETSAFETY.com.
SUGGESTION: We recommend you keep a Pet Passport for
each pet (dog, cat, ferret) as the passport includes
all of that information along with your microchip
number, picture of you with pet, your contact
information, surgery and allergy records!
SUGGESTION: Remember that you can scan your pet’s
information and send it to yourself via email
(granted you can gain access to the internet from
where you are at the time the information is
needed).
SUGGESTION: Get your own Wag’N Rover Respond’R. This
handy toolkit lets you input your primary
veterinarian and emergency veterinarian information,
known allergies, known diet, immunization records,
upload pet pictures, update your records 24/7 on
your computer should any of the data need updating,
lost pet posters, and have the peace of mind that
your plan can be implemented by first responders,
good Samaritans, family members.
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SANITATION
- PET LITTER (if appropriate)
- LITTER TRAY Aluminum roasting pans are PURRFECT!
- NEWSPAPERS
- PAPER TOWELS
- PLASTIC TRASH BAGS (2 week supply)
- SOAP
- ANTI-BACTERIAL SOAP
- POOP BAGS - or you can reuse plastic grocery bags
- CHLORINE BLEACH - to provide for your pet’s
sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a
disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part
bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to
purify water. Use 8 drops of regular household
liquid bleach per gallon of water, stir well and let
it stand for 30 minutes before use. Do not use
scented or color safe bleaches or those with added
cleaners. KEEP AWAY FROM FOOD!
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FOOD & WATER
FOOD: Keep at least seven (7) days of food in an
airtight, waterproof container. WHY 7 DAYS? You
don’t know when you will be able to return.
Stores will run out of essential supplies very fast
as people will “raid” local shops. Given the nature
of the event access to stores may be limited. Stores
may be destroyed. It will take some time to get
additional supply routes open and functional. Your
priorities may not allow for shopping time.
CONSIDER:
CAN FOOD
- Is heavier to transport than dry kibble.
- Contains water and therefore MAY reduce your pet’s
thirst.
- Lasts longer than kibble (shelf life)
- Canned container is stronger than plastic/paper dry
kibble container.
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DEHYDRATED RAW
- Dehydrated raw food requires clean water to be
added.
- Very light transportation
- Fairly long shelf life
- Make sure to keep in water tight and airtight
container and away from moisture.
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DRY KIBBLE
- May increase your pet’s thirst.
- Make sure to keep in water tight and airtight
container.
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RAW FOOD
- Raw food requires refrigeration.
- Emergency logistical nightmare
- Healthiest option (if that is regular diet)
- Very long shelf (freezer) Life if remains frozen!
- Increased risk of bacterial growth (goes bad if not
refrigerated)
- Easy Backup plan: Freeze Dried Raw Diets – will
require more water.
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WARNING: A sudden change in diet can disrupt your
pet’s digestive system and increases likelihood of
diarrhea and stomach upsets. This in turn increases
its chances of dehydration. Disrupt your pet’s
feeding habits the least amount possible. Make sure
your pet gets accustomed to whatever
backup/emergency food you are planning to include in
your kit.
WATER
Store at least seven (7) days of water specifically
for your pets, in addition to water you need for
yourself and your family. Bottled Water can be used
for drinking, cleaning, cooking, Medical (treating
heat related injuries, hydration, etc), cooling down
engine, sanitation, etc. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE YOUR
NEED FOR CLEAN WATER!
A conservative estimate would recommend preparing
for 2 quarts per day per pet! Clearly that amount
depends on pet size and regular water consumption.
REMEMBER: If it’s not safe for YOU to drink/consume
something, it isn’t for your pet either!
DO NOT LET YOU PET DRINK FLOOD WATER (leads to
intestinal contamination, possible poisoning,
increases diarrhea which will lead to increased
dehydration).
During stressful events some pets tend to drink more
than usual. Not all. But make sure you have enough
fresh water. Flood waters are filled with toxic
pollutants. No living creature should consume it!
REMEMBER: If you lose power you still have running
water access (= toilet). When you lose water access
you lose toilet water tank. The toilet will work but
you will need to gain access to other sources of
water to make it work. That can prove challenging in
shelter in place scenarios. That’s why you need
extra water!
- FOOD DISHES
- WATER DISHES
- SPOON
- CAN OPENER
- TREATS
- WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS (make sure you read
instructions BEFORE you need to use it)
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COMFORT ITEMS
- FAVORITE TOYS (Things they can play & keep busy
with)
- CHEW TOYS
- BEDDING/BLANKET (for scooping up a fearful pet and
insulation),
- T-SHIRT that smells like you (in Ziploc type bag),
- GROOMING BRUSH Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
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ADDITIONAL ITEMS
- FLASHLIGHT + BATTERIES FLASHLIGHT, BATTERIES AND
PLUGS - When walking pets, if you must remain in a
fairly devastated area you will need to see where
you are going and pick up poop! Include various
types of batteries:
AA,
AAA, 9V and/or C or D Types batteries and car
chargers for your phones, GPS, etc.
- WIRE, PLIERS & DUCT TAPE (to repair pet carrier
etc.)
- MULTI TOOL KNIFE
- CAN OPENER (manual)
- WHISTLE (for recall, emergency alert if you become
stranded, let others know where you are)
- MAPS OF LOCAL AREA AND ALTERNATE EVACUATION ROUTES (in case of road closures)
- RADIO (Solar and Battery Operated)
- CAT/WILDLIFE GLOVES May be used by cat owners and
to approach other wildlife. Remember that wildlife
is also affected by disasters, and may become
transient. As a result you may be in contact with
displaced animals (some of which might not be that
cooperative)
- PAPER/ NOTEBOOK To keep medical, phone, direction,
feeding records
- PENCIL (better than pen. More water resistant)
- TOWELS - To keep your pet warm, dry and clean. Can
be used to restrain, catch or treat head related
emergencies (refer to your pet first aid manual).
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REFERENCES
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