Saturday, May 31, 2008

Saving Pets In Disasters Requires Planning Ahead

Writen by Phillip Nunemacher

Most people do not plan for unexpected events. Disasters--natural or man-made--are totally unexpected events. With any disaster, planning is the key to survival and recovery.

While you are planning for your family's survival, remember that your pets depend upon you. A disaster is as stressful to your pets as it is to you. The love shared with your pets can help reduce the stress of a disaster, for you, your family, and your pets.

You should prepare a disaster kit for your pets just as you prepare one for yourself. Your dog or cat should have a collar with a current license. Consider having an identification chip implanted in your pet. The following list of items is the minimum that you should have for each animal.

  • Copies of current veterinary records
  • Extra dishes for food and water
  • A minimum 3-day supply of food and water
  • An extra supply of medications
  • Current photographs and records and other identification
  • A portable carrier
  • Leashes and a rope to construct a temporary dog run
  • Favorite toys
  • Bedding material
  • Shelter from inclement weather
  • If you would like further information for surviving a disaster, get Survive Disaster! A CD with over 600 megabytes of text, pictures, checklists, multi-media and website links.

    Copyright 2006 Phillip Nunemacher

    Phillip Nunemacher is co-author of Survive Disaster! and trained in disaster preparedness by the US Air Force. To learn more about him you will find his blog at http://muttersandmusing.blogspot.com/

    You can purchase Survive Disaster! at Quail Publishing.

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