Too many times, pets are left at home in the wake of an emergency evacuation. Homeowners also do not provide adequate food, water, or heat, or a way for rescuers to reach the animal. This is compounded by the fact that pet rescue volunteers usually are NOT considered "emergency personnel" and can't start searching for abandoned pets for several days. Few people call their local animal shelters, so searches are based on "luck"--house by house, at random.
Owners of EXOTIC ANIMALS are REQUIRED BY LAW to have an Emergency Evacuation Plan in writing!
Below are a few lists that will help you to move your pet(s) with you quickly or to help your pet(s) survive if you absolutely can't take them. These lists may change by type of pet. I recommend printing this and adding things on, or typing your own...whatever you do, put it where no one will forget it during an emergency!
Neccessities:
- Crate big enough for him to lay down and turn around in
- Sleeping pad for inside the crate
- Food and water bowls or in-crate dispensers
- Extra food supply
- Bottled water
- Medications
- Proper collar
- 6-foot leash
- Muzzle (in case strangers need to help you with nervous animal)
- Toy
- Liscence/ID tag on dog
- Phone #s of hotels and motels that allow pets (most do these days).
- Phone #s of pet-sitting services both inside and outside your local area.
Puppies:
- Lightweight "puppy leash" (adult leashes are too heavy and distracting for a young pup)
- Wee-wee pads or a litter box (newspapers don't work as well, but they're better than nothing)
- A square or round pen that is big enough to fit his crate and dishes and leaves enough room for him to walk around in (in case you have to leave him all day, so he can't potty everywhere...put wee-wee pads, litter box, or newspaper on opposite side from crate when you set it up)
- Feeding schedule
- ID tag on dog (if he's too young to have liscense/shots)