Disaster Plan for Your Pet
Q & A with Animal Expert Dr. Grey Stafford
 With the 5-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina still fresh in our minds, it is probably a good idea for every family to develop their own disaster plans. These “what to do in an emergency” plans should definitely include caring for our pets. Fortunately we live in a state that seems prone to fewer natural disasters than most. That said, how would you and your pets handle being displaced from your home by things that do commonly occur in Arizona such as sudden storms, flash floods or forest fires?
Pack a Suitcase for Your Pet
Think of all the items your pets use each day, and pack a spare set. Obvious items include a sealed 5lb bag of dry food (and don’t forget a bowl or two). If your pet eats canned food, don’t forget an opener. Avoid packing a brand of food different from the kind you are currently feeding your pet. For some animals, big changes to their routine such as spending more time in a crate or living in a strange location like a hotel room can be pretty stressful. So, inadvertently changing their food brand in a crisis may only increase the odds of them breaking out with diarrhea. And speaking of diarrhea, don’t forget paper towels, cleaning sprays, and trash bags to handle any accidents.
Here are some other items that might be handy in a crisis:
• Bottled water
• Leash
• Familiar bedding (e.g. blanket, pillow, newspaper) and toys
• Pet carrier
• Copy of veterinary and immunization records
• Important contact numbers (e.g. kennel, clinic, boarding stables)
• Pet medications
• Cash
• Flashlight
• Re-sealable plastic bags
• Radio (e.g. news updates and white noise for pets in a strange place)
Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Happen
 We can’t predict every possible emergency, but we can prepare well enough to handle whatever comes along as smoothly as possible. So, before an emergency forces you to act quickly to protect your family and pets, know where you can go, what you need to take with you, and how you can all get there. Not all hotels accept pets so make a list of those in your area that do. Of course, hotels may be affected by the same emergency as you are, so add a few places on the opposite side of town.
If you have large animals such as horses, consider forming a buddy system with neighbors and friends. Knowing how and where you can evacuate your hoofed animals in a hurry will give you peace of mind. Remember, local agencies may be overwhelmed and unable to assist your family to relocate large animals during a widespread evacuation. So, have a backup plan to transport and house large animals. A little preparation now can make life on the road with our pets easier if a crisis should ever occur.
~ Dr. Grey
Learn more about Dr. Grey Stafford
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