June is National Pet Preparedness Month! Do you have a plan for your pet(s) in case an emergency occurs?
We are lucky in our area of New Jersey that we do not usually suffer the major devastation from natural disasters like other areas of the country experience. However, we should still be prepared for natural disasters and more personal emergencies like house fires or flooding caused by burst pipes.
What You Should Have In An Emergency Pet Kit
- Important paperwork to keep in a waterproof container
- Vaccination records
- Pertinent medical records: This is very important if your pet has a chronic illness. We recommend keeping the most recent labwork results and documentation of the name, strength, and dosage of current medications.
- Name, address, and phone number of your veterinarian, at least one emergency clinic, and a pet poison control service.
- Our information:
- Veterinary Center of Morris County 33 Eagle Rock Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936 973-887-0522
- Emergency Clinics:
- Animal Emergency and Referral Associates 1237 Bloomfield Ave, Fairfield, NJ 07004 973-788-0500
- Oradell Animal Hospital 580 Winters Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652 201-262-0010
- Pet Poison Helpline 1-855-764-7661 (*fee applies)
- Our information:
- Evacuation Plan
- Feeding schedules, medical issues, behavior problems, and other pertinent information for each pet
- Current photos of each pet in case you get separated
- Food and Water: at least 4-7 days of food and water for each pet.
- Also make sure to pack bowls and a manual can opener if you feed wet food!
- Medications: at least 4-7 days of essential medication.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers. It is always a good idea to have extra of these just in case!
- Get your pets used to their carriers in case of sudden evacuation. Leave carriers out all the time and feed your pet in the carrier so they are comfortable with it. Start feeding a few feet away (even across the room for pets already scared of the crate) and move the carrier closer over time until your pet is comfortable with it.
- First Aid kit (see below for what to include!)
- If you have space, pack some beds and toys. Your pets will be scared so it is important to give them reminders of home if possible.
What to Include in a First Aid Kit
There are many pet first aid kits available at pet stores and online. Whether you purchase one or make your own, we recommend including the following:
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Remember to always check with a veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving to your pet.
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors with blunt end
- Tweezers
- OTC antibiotic ointment
- Oral syringe or turkey baster
- Liquid dishwashing detergent or pet friendly shampoo (for bathing)
- Towels
- Non-adhesive bandages or strips of clean cloth
- Small flashlight
- Alcohol wipes
- Styptic powder
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear gel
- Pet nail trimmers
- Muzzle - Remember, pets will be scared during emergencies and scared pets are much more likely to bite, even if they normally allow handling well. It would be a good idea to get your pet used to a muzzle ahead of time. If you do not have a muzzle, other alternatives include strips of gauze, rope, shoelaces, necktie, etc.
- Paperwork about your pet - we recommend keeping a copy of the paperwork described above in the first aid kit as well.
For more information, check out the following links: