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A: Disasters can happen at any time, and they do not have to be just hurricanes. Things such as floods, tornadoes, fires, or any other cause for mandatory evacuation.
Being prepared for an emergency is the best way to increase your odds of making it through the disaster situation. You should also make an emergency response plan that includes your entire family including all of your pets.
Practice disaster drills with your family, kids and pets. You can avoid panic if everyone has jobs and knows what to expect in the case of a real disaster.
Put together a pet friendly first aid kit and disaster kit. Review and refresh your disaster kit at least twice per year.
It is important to have the supplies available to keep your pet healthy and safe. Here is a checklist of supplies: Crate/carrier for each animal, one week supply of food (minimum), emergency contact information, favorite toys/treats, bedding, leash, collar/harness, litter pan and scoop, muzzles, newspaper, food/water dishes, paper towels, stakes/tie outs, trash bags/ plastic bags (for picking up poop).
You should carry with you instructions with detailed information about diets for each pet and a list of medications and dosages, include documentation of vaccination records, ownership records and a recent photo of your pet.
References and resources to help you prepare for a disaster or caring for your pet in an emergency are as follows: Texas Veterinary Medical Association: www.tvma.org, American Veterinary Medical Association: www.avma.org, Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov, The American Red Cross: www.redcross.org, Department of Homeland Security: www.ready.gov, Pets America Partnership, Inc. www.petsamerica.org.
You should also talk with your veterinarian to see what they may have in place for disaster and any other ideas they may have for you to be prepared in case of emergency.
Dr. John Beck has a veterinary practice at Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Victoria. Submit questions to Dr. Beck at drjohnbeck@hotmail.com.