Today is a dual post. We is publishing it on both It’s a Rrruff Life! and The Cat From Hell. Penelope and I have been thinking about all the animals from the Japan Earthquake and the horrible tornados that has been happening. So, we wrote this post for all the pet pawrents.

If you are a pet owner, you need to be prepared. You need to plan now to avoid confusion. Hundreds of pets are lost every year to disasters, and, many more are rescued but never get back to their people because they don’t have identification. We have created an downloadable form. This is a word document you can edit.

Prepare a Pets’ Emergency Supply Kit

Dog backpacks can make the ideal container for these items! As a bare minimum include the following:

• Extra supplies of medication, medical records, a pet first-aid book and a first-aid kit. (Rotate the medication regularly so it does not go past the expiration date).

Daddy wrote an article about First Aid Kits. Click here to get a download of all the things you can to put in one. Or you can buy a ready-made kit. Here’s a basic list for your first-aid kit:

• tweezers
• cotton batting, gauze bandages and pads
• adhesive tape
• first-aid cream – a triple-antibiotic
• antiseptic spray
• hydrogen peroxide
• rectal thermometer
• scissors

Don’t forget other daily supplies:

• Food, can opener, water, bowls.
• Anti-stress remedies, such as Bach’s Rescue Remedy can be of invaluable help in calming down frightened pets.
• Portable crate. (A collapsible metal show crate will accommodate more than one cat.)
• Comfortable bedding for the crate. A blanket can be used for the dual purpose of bedding and wrapping an injured animal in to prevent shock.
• For cats – pillow cases. A pillow case can serve as a replacement for a crate for a frightened cat. If you have several cats, it may be the quickest and safest means of transportation.
• Medical records, pertinent information about your cat and phone number of your vet.
• Nail clippers, comb and/or brush.
• Recent photos of your pet. Hopefully you won’t need them, but if your pet is lost in the confusion, you’ll want to place posters around the area without delay.
• For cats, litter pan and litter.

Locate a Temporary Refuge

Nobody ever wants to leave their homes but if you have to, it is best to be prepared to evacuate your pets too. The American Red Cross says, “Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse.” However, the Red Cross will not accept pets at their emergency shelters.

• Make a list of “pet-friendly” motels in case you need to temporarily relocate with your pets.
• You can ask your vet or local animal shelter if they provide emergency care for pets following disasters. To be safe, get the numbers of several vets and shelters outside your area in case your own veterinarian’s office has to close because of the emergency.
• Contact a neighbor and make an arrangement to take charge of each other’s pets in the event of an emergency when one of you is not home. Exchange cell phone numbers if you both have them, and make sure both of you know the location of your Pet Emergency Kits. Exchange pet information forms and photos, in case they lose theirs or vice versa.

If you Have Warning

At the first hint of disaster, make sure:

• You stay as calm and reassuring as you can be during this time, as your pet will pick up on your stress.
• All your pet paraphernalia is pulled together and in a central location.
• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
• Bring your pet inside and make sure his harness (preferable to just a collar) and tags are on.
• If you are not home when evacuation warning is given, and there is no time to return home, call your neighbor “emergency partner” and ask if he or she can bring your pet and emergency supply kit to a halfway meeting place.

When it’s All Over

When the emergency is over and you are back at home, give your pet several days to recover. They have been through a very traumatic experience. Watch them carefully for any signs of overt stress, and call your veterinarian immediately if any unusual behavior problems persist.

Oh yes, Penelope and I think extra treats is in order and our favorite food!