Disaster Preparedness Checklist for Pet Owners

When a disaster strikes, are you prepared Disasters can happen anywhere at any time. The public doesn't usually get a lot of notice before a disaster strikes, so you must be prepared in advance and know what to do quickly if there is an emergency.

Here`s a handy Disaster Preparedness Checklist and a List of Most Important Pet Care Numbers. A cat owner or a dog owner, one pet or multiple pets, this list should help you get an idea of how prepared you are and point you in the right direction. Get Prepared NOW so you don`t have to worry later!

N.B.: A printer-friendly version of this article is also available on our Website.

Make sure your pets I.D. tags are current
Update your pets immunization cards
Make a list of your pets medications
Have your pets first aid kit ready
Stack up on emergency food and water supplies
Pack at least two travel bowls
Get a flashing collar/ID tag to find your pet quickly
Pack a picture of your pets in case you get separated.
Get a safety harness and leash.
Know your pets hiding places in and out of the house.
Develop a pet buddy system. Pets, unlike service animals, may not be allowed in emergency shelters. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors. Plan how you will help each other in an emergency.
Designate an out-of-state and a local friend or relative as contacts. A contact can be used by family members or others to call if you are separated from each other. Identify a location where you can reunite.
Place Rescue Pet Decals on your windows and doors to alert rescue teams to save your pets inside the house

Important Pet Care Numbers

National Animal Poison Control Center Hotline: (888) 426-4435 (24/7/365)

American Animal Hospital Associations (AAHA): (800) 883-6301

American Humane Association (AHA): (800) 227-4645

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): (212) 876-7700

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): (847) 925-8070

Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS): (800) 440-EARS

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): (202) 452-1100

Help Me Find My Pet: (866) 699-FIND (3463)

Pet Finders (PetFinder.com): (800) 666-5678

Other Important Numbers to Write Down Local Pet Clinic/Emergency Room:

Your Veterinarian:

Emergency Contact:

About the Author
After seeing the terrible images of animals endangered in Katrina, Deborah and her family decided to start a website to help you protect the most helpless members of your family.
Please Visit my site http://www.PetsReady.com for more tips on how to get your pets ready TODAY!

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