Creating A Pet Evacuation Kit Before The Storm Hits

HOUSTON, TX — It's the hurricane season and while many in the Houston area and other areas of the gulf coast may have the supplies to survive when they need to hunker down in the storm, it's important to remember the family pet.

Items such as non-perishable food, water, candles, batteries for the radio and flashlights, and blankets are necessities for the humans in your home, but you'll need a stash for your pet too.

The American Veterinary Medical Association provides a number of tips to pet owners lovers a pet evacuation kit before any natural or man-made disaster hits.

Assemble the kit well in advance of any emergency and store in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container close to an exit.

Food and Medicine

• 3-7 days' worth of dry and canned (pop-top) food*
• Two-week supply of medicine*
• At least 7 days' supply of water
• Feeding dish and water bowl
• Liquid dish soap

*These items must be rotated and replaced to ensure they don't expire

First Aid Kit

• Anti-diarrheal liquid or tablets
• Antibiotic ointment
• Bandage tape and scissors
• Cotton bandage rolls
• Flea and tick prevention (if needed in your area)
• Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
• Latex gloves
• Saline solution
• Towel and washcloth
• Tweezers

Sanitation

• Litter, litter pan, and scoop (shirt box with plastic bag works well for pan)
• Newspaper, paper towels, and trash bags
• Household chlorine beach or disinfectant

Important Documents

• Identification papers including proof of ownership
• Medical records and medication instructions
• Emergency contact list, including veterinarian and pharmacy
• Photo of your pet (preferably with you)

Travel Supplies

• Crate or pet carrier labeled with your contact information
• Extra collar/harness with ID tags and leash
• Flashlight, extra batteries
• Muzzle

Comfort Items

• Favorite toys and treats
• Extra blanket or familiar bedding

To learn more about pet disaster resources or creating your own kit, click here.

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