Bob Cristofoli has written an excellent paper on Disaster Planning for Pets.
(printed courtesy Bob Cristofoli - Thank you)

Disaster Planning for Pets:

Do you have a plan for your family pet in the event of an emergency or disaster?  Pets are often frightened and will try to hide during an emergency, sometimes becoming lost.  Planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself and your pets’ safe during a disaster or an emergency.  Here are some tips to help reduce the risk to your pets during disasters.

Get an emergency decal on your front and rear windows or doors.  If disaster strikes while you are not home, this decal will alert rescuers of the animals inside.

Preparing for a Disaster:

Grab and Go Kits: 

Put together a grab and go kit for every member of your family, including your pets.  These kits should include all your necessities for at least 72 hours.

Identify Your Pet: 

Microchip identification is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated.  Be sure to keep the microchip information up-to-date and include at least one emergency number of a friend or relative who resides out of your immediate area. 

Ensure that a collar identification tag is worn at all times with currant information (phone numbers etc).  Where applicable, ensure your pets’ municipal license is current.  Municipal license information is renewed annually and usually has the most up-to-date information.  Should you move during your licensing year, make sure you advise your local municipality.

Keep several current phone numbers on your animal’s identification tag. Identification on indoor-only cats is especially important. If your home is damaged during a disaster, they could easily escape.

Plan a Pet Friendly Place to Stay:

Search in advance for out of area pet friendly hotels, motels and/or boarding facilities.  Here are some helpful websites to assist you in the search for pet friendly accommodations:

www.bringyourpet.com (United States and Canada)
www.pettravelcenter.com (United States and Canada)
www.petswelcome.com (Canada)
 

Train Your Pet: 

It’s a good idea to train your pet to enter its crate at your command.

Emergency Lists: 

Ensure you have the name, address and phone number of the local animal shelters and pet boarding facilities. Also, a list of pet-friendly hotels will help in case emergency centres can not accept pets. Have a list of family or friends to call outside your area to assist with housing your pet.
 

First Aid Kit: 

Prepare a pet first-aid kit. For pets on medication, keeps a two-week supply in storage.  Remember to follow your veterinarian’s instruction regarding storing medicine.  Check these medications at least every three months to ensure they haven’t or won’t expire shortly.
 

Supplies: 

A litter box for cats and a supply of cat litter.  A transport kennel for a dog or cat.

Create a Pet File: 

Name and contact information of your veterinarian, copies of your pet’s municipal license, vaccination records, contact information of friends who may be able to house your pets for short periods of time, a recent photo and other identification information.

Below is a list of some items to help you create a Pet Emergency Kit:

1. Sturdy crate and/or carrier

2. Identification tag, Municipal License and a collar

3. Photographs of you and your pets

4. Leashes (for all dogs and cats)

5. Food and water (a minimum of 72 hours supply – more would be better)

6. Non-spill bowls

7. Litter box

8. Medications

9. Manual can opener

10. Plastic lid for the canned pet food

11. Copy of your pet’s current vaccination history

12. Recent photos of your pets

13. Pet first-aid kit.  Check with your veterinarian to find out what you should have in a pet first aid kit.

14. Emergency phone numbers

15. Newspapers and paper towels

There are first aid guides available for pets. Check your local pet supply store, book store or your veterinarian. Also, your veterinarian will have good information on pet first aid and the supplies required.

During a Disaster:

Please try to take your pet with you. If this is NOT possible when you evacuate, follow these guidelines to help ensure your pet’s safety:

1. Post a highly visible sign in a window to let rescue workers know how many pets were left behind. 
    
2. Leave plenty of water in a large, open container which cannot be tipped over.
    
3. Leave dry food in timed feeders (check local pet stores). These will prevent your pet from eating a week’s worth of food in one day.
    
4. NEVERR

Listed below is a handy shopping list for you to use to prepare your emergency grab and go kit for your pet. The next time you buy food or supplies for your pet, take this list with you. Don't put off doing what you should do now; it may just make the difference between being able to keep your pet alive if a disaster or emergency occurs.

Here are the some of the important supplies that you should have in the event of a disaster or emergency grab and go kit for your pets. Adjust the amounts, depending on the number of pet that you have.

Food:

Always have a reserve supply of the type of food your pet is used to eating.  Ensure you have at least 72 hours (preferably one week) of pet food.  If your pet eats canned food, buy cans small enough to be used at one feeding since you may not have a way to properly refrigerate any left over food.  Buy pop top cans if you can since you may not have access to a can opener (you should include a can opener with your disaster supplies just in case). Store food in an airtight, water proof container; rotate the food at least once every three months. Include with your disaster supplies a spoon to scoop and/or mix food.

Water:
Have enough drinking water to last at least 72 hours (preferably one week) for each pet in your household. Store water in a cool, dark location, and be sure to rotate it so it once every three months so it remains fresh.  Remember that if the tap water is not suitable for humans to drink, it is also not suitable for animals to drink.

Sanitation:
Have a supply of plastic bags in your supplies to pick up after your pet.  You may want to purchase some disposable pooper scooper bags at a pet supply store.  For cats, have a small litter box and litter scoop in your supplies.

Cleaning Supplies:
Have a small container of soap and paper towels for washing and drying out your pet’s food dish.  If you plan to crate your pet, include a disinfectant that can be used to clean the crate.

Collar and Tags:
A proper fitting collar and identification tags should be kept on your pet at all times, and an extra collar and identification tag should be kept with your disaster supplies should the permanent ones get lost.  DO NOT use a choke chain collar on a dog; your dog may accidentally get it caught on something and choke itself to death. Have a spare identification tag with your supplies so that you can write on it in the event you are going to be living somewhere temporarily.   Keep a proper fitting collars and at least a 6 foot long leash (for each pet).  This can be a stressful time for pets.  Frightened animals can easily slip out of a collar, so be extremely careful.

Temporarily Confining You Pet:
You may wish to purchase a plastic airline crate or a wire collapsible crate to transport your pet should you have to evacuate and/or to keep the pet in following a disaster - be sure the crate is large enough for your pet to lie down comfortably and allow room for a food and water dish (remember that fences and walls can come down during a disaster, making it easier for a pets to escape and get lost).

First Aid Kit:
Check with your veterinarian to find out what s/he recommends you include in your first aid kit.  Here are some suggested items to include:

1. First aid book for pets.  Check with your veterinarian or local pet supply store for these bookss
2. Conforming bandage (3" x 5")
3. Absorbent gauze pads (4" x 4")
4. Absorbent gauze roll (3" x 1 yard)
5. Cotton tipped applicators (1 small box)
6. Antiseptic wipes (1 package)
7. Emollient cream (1 container)
8. Tweezers and scissors
9. Instant cold pack
10. Latex disposable gloves (several pairs)
11. Proper fitting muzzle

You can order a complete pet first aid kits on line or at your local St. John Ambulance.

MEDICATIONS:
If your pet is on long term medication, always have on hand at least a (2) week supply, as your vet may not be able to fill a prescription. Check with your veterinarian to see if s/he has a disaster plan.  Keep your pets medical records, including records of vaccinations with your supplies.

Pictures:
You should have in your supplies some current pictures of your pet to use in case your pet gets lost during the disaster or an emergency.  ensure to include yourself in some of the pictures in case you have to show proof of guardianship.

Pets may become injured or ill during the disaster, so make sure you know how to access other emergency facilities. Keeping your pets’ diet consistent during a time of stress is important. Make sure your food supply is always fresh, and store it in a water-tight container. If you use canned food, keep a spare can opener with your emergency supplies.

Comfort your Animals:

Often, when animals are evacuated to unfamiliar locations, their stress and fear can lead to illness.  Your animals will appreciate your calm presence and soft, comforting voice if they are stressed following a disaster or emergency, or while evacuated, and you may find it comforting to spend time with them too. Some animals, especially cats, may be too scared to be comforted. Interact with them on their terms. Some animals may find toys, especially long-lasting chew toys, comforting.

Know where to search for lost animals.  When animals become lost during a disaster or emergency, they often end up at a local animal shelter. Keep handy the locations of the shelters in your community.

Following a Disaster if your Pet is Missing:

1. Immediately call or visit the nearest animal shelter to report your pet missing.

2. As soon as possible, log on to petlynx.net and file a lost report with them.  A lot of Shelters use Pet Lynx to assist in the reunification of pets.  You can also print off lost posters of your pet from their website.
3. When safe, return to your neighbourhood to post and distribute lost animal posters, which should include your name, phone number, address and photo of your pet.
4. Continue searching your area for your pet.
5. Call neighbours and check with your letter carrier for any leads.