Help clients help their pets

Along with preparing your own family and veterinary practice team to weather disaster, you can also advise your clients about the best way to include their animals in their disaster planning. Offer pet owners this checklist:

√ Take your pets with you any time you need to evacuate. Even a "short-term" evacuation like a gas leak could turn into a large-scale disaster that keeps you from your home for days.

√ Plan in advance exactly how you'll evacuate your family and animals (this is especially a concern when owning large or multiple animals).

√ Make sure all animals have identification: collar and tags, microchip, halter tags on horses, ear tags on cattle, or permanent marker on hooves or scales.

√ Prepare a first aid kit, including any prescription medications.

√ Assemble a 72-hour emergency kit for you, your family, and your animals, including food and water (one gallon per person or pet per day for three days).

√ Gather important papers: a description of the animal (name, species, breed, color, sex, age, distinguishing features); vaccine records; microchip, registration, and licensing papers; current photos (including a picture of you with the animal to establish ownership); and a list of boarding facilities, equestrian centers, stables, and pet-friendly hotels within a 50-mile radius.

√ Small animal "go kit": bedding, bowls, grooming tools, toys, litterbox, kitty litter, trash bags, paper towels, leashes, collars, crates, carriers, can opener, muzzle, flea and tick preventatives, etc.

√ Large animal "go kit": halters, lead ropes, pans, buckets, grooming and hoof care products and tools, blankets, tack and accessories, fly spray, twitch, leg wraps, etc.

Download the AVMA brochure titled "Saving the Whole Family." Find a link to that brochure and other resources at http://dvm360.com/disasterprep.