St. John Ambulance Wants People to Remember to Plan for Their Pets

May 3, 2010 (Toronto, ON) – May 2-8, 2010 is Emergency Preparedness Week and St. John Ambulance would like to remind people, when they prepare their emergency plans or update their emergency preparedness kit, to incorporate their pets. 

We all love our pets and that is why it is so important to make sure they are taken care of if disaster strikes. For example: in the case of evacuation, most emergency shelters do not take household pets, only service animals. In that instant you will have to make arrangements with a pet friendly hotel or animal shelter to help you care for your pets. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place should disaster strike and you’re not home; choose reliable person who can come get your animal.

Every family should have an Emergency Preparedness (EP) Kit on hand incase they need to leave in a hurry or hunker down and wait for help; it’s no different for a pet. You should have a separate EP kit stored with the family one that includes what your pet will need to be comfortable for 72 hours.        

The contents of a standard Pet EP Kit include;

• Food, portable water, bowls, paper towels and a can opener
• Blanket and a small toy 
• Sturdy leash/harness
• Cat litter/pan (if required) and plastic bags
• Carrier for transporting your pet
• Medications and medical records (including vaccinations)
• Current photo of your pet in case your pet gets lost
• Information on feeding schedules, medical or behavioral problems (in case you must board your pet)
• Up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian
• Copy of license (if required)
• Muzzle (if required)

For more information on preparing your pet for an emergency, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter.

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