Paw of the South Pet Grooming, LLC

Disaster Preparedness for Pets

In the event of a disaster, such as Hurricanes & Blizzards, do you have a plan to care for pets? Unfortunately some pet owners do not. In cases such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA and Super Storm Sandy which impacted parts of Northern New Jersey, many pets were left behind by their owners to fend for themselves (whether or not by choice). Pets are vulnerable during such events and depend on their owners for their safety. A disaster plan can help save the lives of your pet or pets. A disaster can occur at any time and in some cases with little or no warning.

Before a disaster Strikes

-Contact your local Emergency Management person to find out what types of disasters could occur in your area.

-Most emergency shelters that house humans normally do not accept pets for sanitary reasons.

-Contact local veterinarians, boarding facilities, kennels, pet sitters, or other groups that deal with pets about boarding you’re per during the disaster.

-Check with local hotels and motels to see if they will allow you to stay there with your pet.

What constitutes a disaster?

-Avalanche                                              -Fire

-Mudslide                                                -Flood

-Blizzard                                                 -Fuel Leaks

-Broken Gas Main                                  -Hurricanes

-Building Collapse                                  -Lightning Strikes

-Chemical Release                                 -Long-term Power

-Earthquake                                            -Terrorism

-Explosion                                               -Tornado

-Long-term Water Loss                           -Volcanic Eruption

Emergency Supplies

-A week’s supply of food for each pet              -Grooming Items

-Can opener                                                       -Secure Chain

-1 gallon of fresh water for each pet                 -Crate or Carrier

-Cleaning supplies                                            -Flashlight

-Favorite toys and/or treats                               -Transistor radio

-Spare collar with tags                                      -Fresh Batteries

-Pet First-Aid Kit                                               -Paper towels, Trash Bags, Baby Wipes

Suggested Items for a Pet First-Aid Kit

-Sterile Gauze Pads & Bandages                      -Cotton Swabs

-Adhesive Tape                                                  -Activated Charcoal Tabs or Maalox

-Bandage Scissors & Tweezers                         -Thermometer

-Triangular Bandages (for use as a muzzle or sling)     -Plastic Gloves

-Alcohol Wipes                                                    -Penlight with fresh batteries

-Hydrogen Peroxide                                            -Large Towel or Blanket

-Antibiotic Ointment                                            -Shampoo and Antibacterial Soap

-Sterile Saline Solution                                        

-Name, Address, Phone Number and Hours of your veterinarian and nearest Emergency Veterinary Clinic.

Other Pet-Saving Suggestions

-Keep a current photo of your pet with your emergency supplies in the event your pet is lost.

-Keep your pet crated or on a leash to limit exposure to danger.

-Have all medical records for your pets in the event that you need to board them. Not all emergency evacuation centers for people accept pets.

Additional Information

Federal Emergency Management Agency- http://www.fema.gov, Keyword- Pets

Red Rover Responder (formerly EARS)- http://www.uan.org, Keyword- Disaster Plan

Pet Sitters International- http://www.petsit.com Resource Library, Keyword- Disaster Plan