Irene Initiates Disaster Kit Plea for Pets

With an earthquake this week and a hurricane spiraling up the eastern coastline Animal Control Officer Ed Risko is urging pet owners, "Be Prepared."

Hurricane history has shown millions of pets suffered, were lost, or killed due to their owners’ lack of preparation in the face of disaster. Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Katrina in 2005 highlighted the problem of unprepared pet owners with videos showing pets left behind and stranded on floating rooftops.

Offering guidelines for pet owners when putting together a Pet Emergency Kit, Risko encourages them to "Do it now!"

“Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time. Add perishables last minute and have everything ready to go at a moment’s notice. Everything should be kept accessible in easy- to carry, water-proof covered containers or duffel bags,” he said.

"If you have to leave, even if you think it’s only for a few hours, take your animals. Once you leave home, you have no way of knowing how long you’ll be out of the area. You may not be able to get back in to retrieve any pets left behind."

What’s in a kit?

• Medications, medical records and a first-aid kit stored in a waterproof container.

• Current photos of you and your pet together, along with detailed animal descriptions in case you and your pet become separated. Make sure your pet is wearing some kind of ID- a collar or harness with tag or micro-chip and your name and address as well. Clearly label your pet’s carrier.

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport your pets safely without a chance of escaping. Carriers should be large enough for a pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. The animal may have to stay inside for hours at a time.

• Blankets, litter and a litter box, towels and bedding depending on the kind of animal.

• Food and water for at least three days per pert, along with bowls and manual can opener. Food should be stored in water tight containers to prevent mold along with information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian (in case you have to board your pet or place them in foster care.)

• Your pets' beds, favorite toys and blankets to relieve stress.

Risko stresses that your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times.  Thousands of animals separated from their owners during Katrina were unidentifiable. Homeless, they shipped all across the country for adoption, never to be seen by their owners again.

"It's important to include the phone number of a second contact, like a friend or relative, outside the immediate area, on a tag," said Risko. "Then, if your pet is lost, the phone number on its tag will be answered even if you have had to leave your home."

For additional tips on pet kits visit www.ASPC.org  or www.humanesociety.org/emergency.