06 Aug 2024
Prepare Your Pets for Disasters
By Humane Society of Ventura County
Disasters can strike at any moment, and the best way to protect your family and pets is to have a plan in place ahead of time. Pet owners should have an emergency Go Bag packed and easily accessible in the event they need to evacuate quickly. See below for a list of items we recommend putting in your pet's go-bag: FOOD & WATER: Have at least five days of food and water in airtight containers and two collapsible bowls. MEDICINE AND MEDICAL RECORDS: Be sure to have an extra supply of medicine and directions for administering if your pet is actively taking medications. Have copies of your pet's most recent medical/vaccination records and license, as they may be required for your pet to be accepted into a shelter. It is also good to have your veterinarian's contact information on hand. IDENTIFICATION: Keep identification on your pet at ALL times. We recommend having a picture of you and your pet together in case you are separated to help document ownership. All pets should be microchipped, and ID tags with up-to-date contact information should always be fixed to their collars. CRATE OR PET CARRIERS: Have a safe and comfortable way to transport and keep your animals safe. Ensure carriers are labeled with your name and contact information before transporting your animals. Include a blanket and a favorite toy to help relieve stress for your pet. Bring a harness and leash for when it is safe to take animals out of their carriers. We also recommend packing an extra leash, collar, and blankets if space allows. SANITATION: Bring litter and a disposable litter pan if you have cats and spare poop bags for your dogs. Include other items you may need to dispose of pet waste, such as trash bags, brushes, newspapers, paper towels, and disinfectants. GROOMING: Pack pet shampoo, conditioner, and other grooming tools, in case your pet needs some cleaning up after evacuating. FIRST AID KIT: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. For more tips on how to create your own disaster preparedness plan, visit our Disaster Preparedness page.
